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X Case

In pictures: The 20th anniversary of X Case protests

In February 1992 the case of a 14-year-old rape victim who wanted an abortion sparked off waves of demonstrations around the country. These photos from the time give an idea of just how divisive and emotive the case became.
12.47pm, 9 Feb 2012
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20 YEARS AGO this month, the X case , one of the most contentious and emotive legal cases in Ireland’s history, sparked off waves of demonstrations around the country.

The case of a 14-year-old rape victim who was stopped from having an abortion in England by the intervention of then-Attorney General Harry Whelehan brought thousands of people out onto the streets. Pro-choice and anti-abortion campaigners battled over the issue which had exposed huge divisions in Irish society during referendum campaigns in the 1980s.

These photographs from 1992 show the deep tensions between the demonstrators in case which had huge implications for Irish society.

In pictures: The 20th anniversary of X Case protests
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  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case.

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

  • 20th Anniversary of the X case

    Source: Photocall Ireland

Twenty years on: a timeline of the X case >

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Christine Bohan
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