Students fined €720 for education protests

THE 44 students who tried to storm the Regional Ministry of Education in 2012 have been convicted of a public disorder offence and fined €720 each.

The prosecution was calling for a prison sentence of a year and a half for seven of the members who were accused of disturbing public order and grabbing the chief of staff, with the other 37 to receive six months in jail, but the judge ruled fines for all of the students.

The defence had requested an acquittal on the grounds that the protest was peaceful.

The students gained entry to the building wanting answers and protesting against education cuts which required police intervention.