Éirígí is calling for the immediate release of two water protesters who were remanded in custody following a demonstration against water charges.

Spokesperson Damien Farrell claims the arrests were "clearly politically-motivated".

Mr Farrell said: "Both Sean Doyle and Eamon McGrath were assaulted during the course of a peaceful anti-water metering protest in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow yesterday morning. Eamon was struck by a jeep and Sean was physically assaulted by the driver of the same vehicle. These assaults and a third assault on a female protester were caught on video and have now been viewed by over 220,000 people online.

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"These arrests were clearly politically motivated, Sean and Eamon were taking part in a peaceful protest against ongoing attempts to install water meters linked to a Water Tax that has already been defeated. The state is sending a clear message through theses arrests - it's permissible to assault people in full view of the Gardai but oppose regressive taxation and the privatisation of our natural resources and you'll feel the full weight of the state. The decision of the court to remand Sean in custody for at least two weeks and Eamon for at least six weeks further demonstrates the political nature of the policing and justice system."

Click here to watch the video.

(CD/LM)