After nine weeks and two days of evidence, and three hours and 45 minutes of deliberation by the jury, four Irish men have been found not guilty of rape and other charges in a Belfast court.
Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, rugby players for Ulster and Ireland, were cleared of sexually assaulting a then 19-year-old woman at a house party in 2016.
Blane McIlroy was acquitted on the charge of exposure, and Rory Harrison was also found not guilty on charges of perverting the course of public justice.
After yesterday’s verdict was announced, the hashtag I Believe Her started trending in Ireland on Twitter and women and men spoke out to say that they were standing with the complainant of the trial – to say that they, despite the jury’s decision, believed her.
Solidarity rallies will take place in various locations across Ireland today
All rallies will kick off at 12.30pm and will take place at:
- Belfast High Court
- Cork City Hall
- Kilkenny Castle
- The Spire
- Bedford Row, Limerick
- Galway Courthouse
- Letterkenny Bandstand
Organisers of the rally say that: “We’re calling a rally in response to the impact of the recent rape trial in Belfast. This event is for those who cannot make the rally at Belfast High Court tomorrow but still want to show support.
“Please bring a yellow rose or flower, if you can.”
Header image: @cuppatealove
If you have been affected by any issues raised in this article please contact the National Rape 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888.
We have a group of trained & committed volunteers who can accompany survivors of sexual violence to the Rotunda Hospital’s Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), to Garda Stations or to court.
If you need support, phone the National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 77 8888.
— Dublin Rape Crisis (@DublinRCC) March 28, 2018
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