Kingspan Protestors Call On Ulster Rugby To 'Address Reprehensible Behaviour'

A protest is planned for outside the Kingspan Stadium on Friday, 13 April to "put pressure on Ulster Rugby to address the reprehensible behaviour of the accused in the Belfast rape trial".

The protest follows a rally held in Belfast following the acquittal of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding in a rape trial that ended last month.

In a Facebook event page for the protest, which has been hosted by the Belfast Feminist Network, the organisers said this was "the start of a movement to change how our criminal justice system deals with sexual assault crimes".

It continues: "We are gathering to put pressure on Ulster Rugby to address the reprehensible behaviour of the accused in the Belfast rape trial and to stamp out the culture of sexism and misogyny these players have expressed.

"The misogyny in our society will not go unchallenged.

"Most importantly, we will be reiterating our 5 demands and ask your support in spreading them far and wide:

1. Our criminal justice system is not fit for purpose when it comes to dealing with sexual crimes. Victims are re-traumatised and are treated like they are on trial. The system is designed to defend the rights of the accused with little regard for the victim.

2. The media reporting of rape trials is intrusive, salacious and biased towards undermining the victim's testimony. It serves to increase the distress of victims and survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Cases should not be reported on until after the jury has given its verdict.

3. The criminal justice system's treatment of the victim and media reporting of this trial will deter victims from coming forward and reporting in the future. The rampant culture of victim blaming and shaming needs addressed.

4. We urgently need to have a compulsory comprehensive relationship and sexuality education programme in all schools which includes consent and toxic masculinity.

5. We need adequately resourced support services for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

The protest is planned to begin at 7pm. Protesters will meet on Mount Merrion Avenue, opposite the Stadium, and attendees have been encouraged to travel to the event via public transport.

(MH/LM)