By Martin Banks - 23rd March 2010
I shouted “You are guilty of war crimes”
David Cronin
Irish journalist David Cronin has told of his decision to try to make a "citizen's arrest" on former UK prime minster Tony Blair.
The 39-year-old Dubliner attempted a citizen's arrest on Blair as he arrived at parliament on Monday for a hearing on Palestine.
Cronin, a freelance journalist in Brussels, said, "As Blair was about to enter the hearing I approached him and put my hand on his arm.
"He looked towards me and I said: 'Mr Blair, this is a citizens' arrest', before I was pushed away by one of the several bodyguards surrounding him. As they pushed me, I shouted 'You are guilty of war crimes'."
Cronin, based in Brussels for 15 years, added, "There were a number of press photographers around and I assume that at least one of them captured the incident."
Blair was taking part in a debate as part of his role as Middle East envoy.
Cronin added, "My motivation in trying (and obviously failing) to arrest Blair are entirely based on my contempt for the crimes he has committed and abetted in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Lebanon and Serbia."
Cronin was not arrested but was barred from admission to the hearing.
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