Book SummaryAbove the Ground, by Dan Lawton

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Above the Ground

Kevin Barry Artt's Experiences of Injustice and Harassment in the British Judicial System During the Northern Ireland Conflict

Artt's Repeated Harassment by British Forces and the RUC for Republican Ties

This section examines the persistent harassment faced by Artt due to his perceived connections with the IRA, even though he never joined or participated in any IRA activities. This harassment, Lawton argues, played a significant role in shaping Artt's experiences and contributed to the circumstances that caused his false confession.

Artt Faced Frequent Stops, Searches, and Threats From Security Forces Despite No Paramilitary Involvement

Lawton recounts the frequent harassment Artt experienced by the RUC and British Army for his perceived Republican ties. He was constantly stopped and searched, often multiple times per shift, as he drove for Ace Taxi, which security forces viewed as an IRA front. The author describes the frustration and humiliation of these encounters, where Artt faced verbal abuse, aggressive searches, and threats. Despite never being caught with any contraband, these incidents solidified law enforcement's belief in Artt's involvement with the Irish Republican Army, creating a vicious cycle of suspicion and harassment.

Law enforcement's targeting of Artt intensified over time. The Royal Ulster Constabulary recorded 34 times they stopped Artt in '78, and that number almost doubled to 54 in 1979. These figures, Lawton stresses, represent just a small part of the actual total. He emphasizes how these stops went beyond routine checks; they were deliberate attempts to intimidate Artt. Constables would address him by name before even checking identification, hurling insults like "Fenian bastard" and "Taig" – derogatory terms for Catholics and Irish Nationalists. During stops, officers would rip apart his car, point a weapon at Artt's head, and issue ominous warnings: “You’re going on a ten-year vacation, Barry. Stay on your guard.”

Context

• The use of derogatory terms like "Fenian" and "Taig" reflects deep-seated sectarian divisions in Northern Ireland, where identity and allegiance were often tied to religious and political lines.
• The aggressive tactics described could be seen as violations of human rights, raising questions about the legality and ethics of security measures during the conflict.
• The ongoing harassment without evidence could perpetuate a cycle of distrust and resentment between the community and law enforcement, complicating peace efforts.
• The frequent stops and searches raised concerns about civil liberties and human rights, as individuals were often targeted based on suspicion rather than evidence.
• The RUC and British Army often conducted stop-and-search operations as part of their counter-terrorism efforts. These measures were intended to disrupt paramilitary activities but frequently led to accusations of discrimination and harassment, particularly against the Catholic community.
• The late 1970s were marked by significant violence and unrest in Northern Ireland. Security forces were on high alert, leading to heightened tensions and often aggressive policing tactics, particularly in areas with strong nationalist sentiments.
• For individuals like Artt, frequent stops and searches would disrupt daily activities, affecting their ability to work and move freely. This could lead to economic hardship and social isolation, further entrenching divisions within society.
• The use of derogatory language by law enforcement can exacerbate existing tensions and reinforce feelings of alienation and discrimination among targeted communities, further entrenching divisions.

RUC Raided and Ransacked Artt's House, Creating a Mess

Beyond traffic stops, the author describes how the RUC repeatedly raided Artt's home, another tactic used to intimidate and harass suspected Republican sympathizers. Lawton emphasizes the brutality and disrespect involved in these raids. On one occasion, after being let out of Castlereagh, Kevin got back to his apartment to find it completely ransacked. The RUC wrecked the place, leaving drawers open, furniture overturned, and breaking the door lock. The author notes that the only item gone was an heirloom, a ceremonial sword. Kevin reported the theft to law enforcement, but received no response. These actions, according to Lawton, demonstrate the impunity with which security forces operated, violating Artt's privacy and property protections with disregard.

Context

• Repeated raids could have significant psychological impacts on individuals and families, leading to feelings of vulnerability, anger, and helplessness.
• Raids like these were not just physical invasions but also psychological tactics meant to instill fear and assert control over communities suspected of harboring sympathies for the Irish Republican cause.
• The theft of a ceremonial sword, an heirloom, could symbolize a deeper violation of personal and cultural heritage, reflecting the broader cultural and political tensions of the time.
• Victims of such raids might seek legal recourse or compensation for damages, although success would depend on the legal framework and evidence available.
• The theft of personal property, especially valuable or significant items, is a criminal offense, highlighting issues of law enforcement accountability and victim rights.
• The RUC's actions, including the lack of follow-up on reports of theft, often strained relations with local communities, leading to further alienation and resentment among those who felt targeted.
• Violations of privacy and property can contravene international human rights standards, such as those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which emphasizes the right to privacy and protection of property.

Other Perspectives

• The perception of raids as intimidation could be subjective and may not reflect the intentions or...

Above the Ground Summary Historical Context and Conflict in Northern Ireland: Unjust Tactics and Treatment of Suspects by the British Government

Sectarian Discrimination Against Catholics in Northern Ireland Fueled IRA and Troubles

In this section, Lawton provides important context for understanding the rise of the IRA and the escalation of violence during the Troubles. He argues that the conflict was deeply rooted in the systemic discrimination against Catholics, who were the minority in Northern Ireland. The author argues that the UK's failure to address these grievances effectively radicalized a generation of Catholics into embracing militant resistance.

Protestant Unionists in the Majority Denied Equal Rights to Northern Irish Catholics

Lawton traces the historical roots of the conflict back to Ireland's division in 1921. Creating a Protestant-majority Northern Ireland, made up of six counties, cemented a system of institutionalized discrimination against Catholics. He describes how the Unionist government, backed by the British monarchy, held complete power, excluding Catholics from job, housing, and political opportunities. Voting districts were gerrymandered to ensure Unionist control, and government housing was allocated to Protestants, relegating Catholics to impoverished neighborhoods with few...

Above the Ground Summary Kevin Barry Artt's Wrongful Conviction and Its Impact on Individuals and the Community

Artt's Struggle: Rebuilding After Wrongful Conviction and Maze Escape

This section examines the harrowing ordeal Artt endured following his apprehension and unjust conviction. Lawton highlights the devastating impact of a wrongful conviction, both on the individual who suffers it and their loved ones. He recounts Artt’s struggles to adjust to prison life, to endure physical and psychological mistreatment from guards, and to cope with the separation from his spouse and child.

Artt Was Separated From His Wife and Son For Over A Decade, Missing Critical Years

Lawton details the hardship Artt endured during his imprisonment and his life as a fugitive after fleeing the prison. He describes Artt’s initial shock and despair at receiving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit, the disbelief that his truth had been rejected by the legal system, and the crushing realization he might never see his family again, except through a sheet of bulletproof glass in the prison visiting room.

The author recounts Artt's experiences in Crumlin Road Jail, where he waited for nearly a year with his co-accused for the Black trial to begin. He emphasizes the brutality of the guards,...