Asylum seekers up the stakes in Dublin cathedral protest

Afghan asylum seekers occupying part of a Dublin cathedral have threatened to kill themselves if the Irish government does not consider their claims.

Most of the 41 protesters are already on a thirst strike but several now say they will throw themselves off one of the building’s high balconies. They claim that if they are forced to return to their homeland they will be tortured. Supporters have placed banners around the outside of St Patrick’s Cathedral stating “No one is illegal”. The protest began last Sunday. Earlier in the week a number of the men were hospitalised; one was reported critically ill from severe dehydration. The authorities have refused to negotiate with the men but said that the asylum appeals process had not yet been exhausted.

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