Socialist Party TD Paul Murphy says there is "zero" prospect of him being imprisoned following his arrest by gardaí on Monday.
The Dublin South-West representative was held in Terenure Garda Station for almost nine hours on Monday. Despite the possibility of charges being brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions over disturbances at the Jobstown protest last November, he believes he has nothing to fear.
“I think the prospect of me being imprisoned is zero. I’m not guilty of anything, I think that’s basically the prospect for everybody,” he said.
Four individuals arrested this morning as part of the Jobstown investigation have been released. The arrests mean 12 people have now been detained over the November 15th demonstrations during which Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton was blockaded inside a car.
Mr Murphy says people fearing arrest are now being briefed with legal advice by the Anti Austerity Alliance (AAA).
"If it comes to a situation where people are faced with trials for participating in a peaceful protest then yeah, the campaign will raise funds to ensure that nobody is left on their own," said the former MEP, who added that he "wouldn't rule out" taking a case to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission over the detentions.
According to AAA representatives, gardaí are targeting in the region of 40 protesters who were present that day.
Mr Murphy insisted that a protest due to be held outside the Department of Justice tomorrow evening will be peaceful, and won’t involve any animosity towards members of An Garda Síochána.
Members of the public who attended the November protest were present at a press conference organised by the AAA outside Leinster House on Wednesday, and spoke of their fear of arrest.
“At the moment, I am fearful of being arrested. If it does happen, I won’t be surprised,” said Jobstown resident Kay Keane, who maintained that the entire demonstration was peaceful from the protesters perspective.
“This right [to protest]is being taken off us by intimidation- Garda intimidation and political intimidation,” she added.
"What I do find very disturbing is that I had to be up at 6 o'clock this morning because I'm waiting for the call now. It's almost like it's Garda watch for me," said AAA councillor for Tallaght South Brian Leech, who claims to be the only politician involved in the disturbances not to be arrested so far.