Northern Ireland

'I Believe Her' rallies taking place across Ireland

Several hundred people gathered at the courts in Belfast to take part in an I Believe Her rally. Picture by Hugh Russell
Several hundred people gathered at the courts in Belfast to take part in an I Believe Her rally. Picture by Hugh Russell Several hundred people gathered at the courts in Belfast to take part in an I Believe Her rally. Picture by Hugh Russell

RALLIES are taking place in several cities in Ireland in support of the woman at the centre of the rugby rape trial following the unanimous not guilty verdicts.

The demonstrations, described online as #IBelieveHer solidarity rallies, were due to take place at 12.30pm in Belfast, Derry , Cork , Limerick, Galway and Dublin.

In Belfast several hundred people gathered outside Laganside Courthouse. The rally had been organised by Reclaim the Night Belfast, a group that campaigns against gender-based violence and harassment.

The #IBelieveHer hashtag and term were trending in Ireland, the UK and worldwide on Twitter as internet users reacted to the unanimous not guilty verdicts.

Read more: Allison Morris: There were even giggles in the public gallery as graphic details of alleged rape were read out (Premium)

Alleged victim's name was posted on comments section of an online news site

Many used the hashtag to show support for the woman at the centre of the long-running trial, in which rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were cleared of rape.

Some used it to signpost services available for those affected by the details of the case, while others questioned how the justice system treats complainants in sexual offence trials.

Read More

  • Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding found not guilty of rape
  • Allison Morris: There were even giggles in the public gallery as graphic details of alleged rape were read out (Premium)
  • Alleged victim's name was posted on comments section of an online news site
  • Allison Morris: I have two daughters and would not encourage them to go through retraumatising rape trial (Premium)
  • One of the most expensive rape trials in UK judicial history
  • Ireland rugby captain Rory Best's decision to attend court on day two of the rape trial provoked a storm of criticism
  • About the rugby rape trial judge Patricia Smyth
  • PSNI says woman at centre of trial 'upset and disappointed' at verdict
  • Paddy Jackson's lawyers say status as famous sportsman 'drove the decision to prosecute'
  • Paddy Jackson's lawyers call for crackdown on 'vile' social media commentary during criminal proceedings
  • Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding 'will continue to be relieved of all duties' as review takes place
  • Stuart Olding faces major battle to return to pinnacle of his sport
  • Paddy Jackson had unwavering support from his parents
  • Stuart Olding: I deeply regret events of that evening... I am sorry for the hurt caused to the complainant
  • Blane McIlroy admitted being prone to exaggeration
  • Rory Harrison had been working in Australia before he flew home to stand trial
  • Video: Paddy Jackson thanks judge and jury for fair trial
  • Public Prosecution Service: 'Ultimately right' rugby rape case was brought to trial
 Crowds gather for an I Believe Her rally in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
 Crowds gather for an I Believe Her rally in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell  Crowds gather for an I Believe Her rally in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell