Sir, - It was disturbing to read Andy Pollak's report (The Irish Times, April 24th) on the extent of racism in Ireland today. At the same time it was heartening to see The Irish Times take on these issues and report on what is happening.
He reported about a Congolese man, Belmondo Wantete. I wish to clarify a number of points re this case. Mr Pollak stated that Mr Wantete had been charged with assaulting gardai after gardai raided his house and that later he had been further charged with minor offences. The following clarification needs to be made. Mr Wantete's house was indeed raided by gardai last May. However, whatever the reasons for the raid no charges arose from it. It was later, on June 10th, 1998, that Mr Wantete was arrested and charged under the Aliens Order 1946 with failing to carry ID. When the case came up in the District Court on September 25th, the arresting garda acknowledged that he knew Mr Wantete and had no doubt of his identity, but insisted he had the right to demand to see his resident's permit (Green Card). The judge ruled that the numerous forms of ID produced by Mr Wantete were sufficient according to the Aliens Order, as they confirmed his name, address and nationality, and she dismissed the charge.
On September 6th, 1998, Mr Wantete was taken from his house and brought to Sundrive Road Garda Station on foot of an arrest warrant that was not in his name. Members of Residents Against Racism (who have come together to support Mr Wantete and his family and to campaign for the dropping of the charges) and his lawyer arrived at the station with his identification papers. The gardai still refused to release him despite the fact that he was identified as Belmondo Wantete and not the person named on the warrant. He was detained for five hours and eventually released without charge.
Last week the Garda held a conference on providing a police force in a "Developing Multi-Ethnic and Multi-Cultural Ireland". It was revealed that 85 per cent of gardai believe there is a need for further training to help them with multi-ethnic policing. This view of the rank and file contrasts sharply with those in authority in the Garda who seem to hold to the view of Chief Superintendent Patrick Cregg that the ethnic minority issue is not a problem (The Irish Times, April 28th).
The case of Belmondo Wantete highlights that there is a problem. Senator David Norris had this to say: "The case of Belmondo Wantete opens up an appalling vista; but there are times when an appalling vista needs to be confronted. This can only benefit society, the victims of injustice, and the police force itself." - Yours, etc.,
Mark Cumming, PRO, Residents Against Racism, Upper Camden Street, Dublin 2.