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'Over 2,000' attend sit-down protest for Savita at Leinster House

Demonstrators sat on the ground during a moment of silence, while speakers argued for legislation on abortion.

AROUND TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE are said to have attended a demonstration in memory of Savita Halappanavar outside Leinster House this evening.

The demonstration, organised by the pro-choice campaign, was publicised through social media following the news that the 31-year-old died at University College Hospital in Galway last month from septicaemia contracted during her miscarriage, having been refused a termination.

During the event, attendees sat down on the street and observed silence in Savita’s memory.

The event, co-organised by People Before Profit and the United Left Alliance, was delayed slightly as the Molesworth Street and Kildare Street areas had not been closed to traffic before the demonstration began.

ULA TD Clare Daly, who tabled a bill to legislate for the X Case in April of this yera, told the crowd that today had been “in many ways the worst of days for Irish society”.

“X isn’t good enough, but it’s a start,” she said.

Sinead Ahern of Choice Ireland said this evening’s event was “about saying we are sorry to Savita’s family”, but that “tomorrow is about action”.

Socialist Party councillor Ruth Coppinger said the events that had led to Savita’s death were “medieval”, and called on the pro-choice movement “to band together to push for legislation on the X case”.

Coppinger also called for a separation of church and state, and the ending of any religious involvement in hospitals.

Organisers put the numbers in attendance at about 2,000, though Gardaí declined to estimate the numbers in attendance until after the event had concluded.

The organisers have also called for pickets at Irish embassies across Europe next Wednesday. A demonstration outside the Irish embassy in London was held in conjunction with this evening’s event in Dublin.

Additional reporting, and main image, by Christine Bohan.

Read: Savita scandal: Reilly urges TDs not to prejudge results of inquiries

Watch: The full Dáil debate on the death of Savita Halappanavar

More: Savita death ‘not caused by Ireland’s ban on abortion’ – Youth Defence

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    Mute conri
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:06 PM

    Get well soon Ceejay

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    Mute Paddy o'brien
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 11:48 PM

    This story proves that all we humanoids are really children

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    Mute Seán J. Troy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:02 PM

    We need more of this in the world.

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    Mute Johnneary
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:47 PM
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    Mute jenni
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:11 PM

    Oh what a nice reason to smile..well done Garda Ceejay. Get well soon.

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    Mute Mark Ryan
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:33 PM

    Beautiful tribute! Fair play to the Gardai and other police forces. It often goes unnoticed just how much charity work and work they do in their communities. And best of luck to young ceejay!

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    Mute The Girl
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:03 PM

    Keep fighting lil man and get well soon.

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    Mute Fear Uisce
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:05 PM

    The future looks bright for the force. Get well soon little man

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    Mute ken
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:09 PM

    Good man, Ceejay

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    Mute Patrick
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:08 PM

    Ceejay…hero! Get well little man

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    Mute Catherine Mc
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:18 PM

    Wiping away the tears how beautifully sweet, get well soon little man.

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    Mute Cathal P Forde
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:34 PM

    This is a great article, great to know people around the world care. Get well Ceejay, you will make a great Garda

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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:52 PM

    Ahh janey mackers….in such a cynical world these days some stories do melt your heart sometimes. Top work by all who sent him these messages. Get well soon Ceejay lad. :)

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:34 PM

    Well done Sargent Ceejay, get well soon.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    Superb story. Best of luck young man.

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    Mute Jenny Reid
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 8:46 PM

    What a brave wee man x

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:29 PM

    Well done to all the police family. Now Ceejay go kick some ass xx

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    Mute Peter Daly
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:45 PM

    Best wishes Garda McArdle.
    Showing great bravery, like any great cop.

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    Mute Alan O Reilly
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 9:37 PM

    Ah God,best of luck wee man.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Feb 23rd 2016, 10:53 PM

    Ceejay stay on patrol my man!

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    Mute Gerry Campbell
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    Feb 24th 2016, 1:01 PM

    Just brilliant , get well soon..

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