Laura Broxton – NARA
An animal rights activist in Ireland was awarded €9000 in damages and court costs after being attacked in December 2009, during a protest in front of a fur store in Dublin, Ireland. An article in the Irish Independent reports that the court has awarded Laura Broxson a victory in court after multiple witnesses substantiated that the fur store owner, Marie Murphy, attacked and assaulted her without provocation. A then 20-year-old Broxson was protesting the furrier with her group NARA — the National Animal Rights Association handing out leaflets when Murphy came out of the store enraged. She attacked Broxson, punching her in the face and throwing her to the ground. Multiple witnesses substantiated that the fur store owner, Marie Murphy, attacked and assaulted her without provocation. A then 20-year-old Broxson was protesting the furrier with her group NARA — the National Animal Rights Association handing out leaflets when Murphy came out of the store enraged. She attacked Broxson–punching her in the face and throwing her to the ground.
From the article:
“Judge Deery said the protesters had not been blocking the entrance to the shop and there was independent evidence from Dr Bates of Ms Murphy having come out in a very aggressive fashion. Psychologist Dr Tony Bates told the court he saw the incident as he walked past the shop. Ms Murphy had come out very red and enraged and had hit Ms Broxson in the face, knocking her down. He had kept walking but had given evidence in both of the earlier court hearings. Several of Ms Broxson’s fellow protesters also gave evidence of seeing Ms Murphy assault her.”
The judge ruled that the protesters were within their rights, and although Murphy was incensed about the protest, she had no right to assault nor interfere with the actions of NARA. Solidarity with activists in the legal system, and congrats to Laura on her victory.
Happy news to report this Fur Free Friday! To all the activists defending fur-bearing animals today, stay safe out there, look out for each other and stick together.