By Paul McElwee
LIFFORD singer Mickey Joe Harte is using his musical talents to show support for Dublin pro-Palestine and trans activist Kitty O’Brien, who was recently injured during an incident with Berlin police.

His new song, ‘Shine On Kitty O’, responds to pictures of Kitty O’Brien’s arrest, which show her being led away from a pro-Palestine march in the German capital with blood streaming from her nose. O’Brien has also stated on social media that her arm was broken during the arrest.

“I, like many, saw the pictures on the news of the aftermath of the Berlin march and was sickened by what had happened,” Mickey Joe said.

“The Berlin police gave Kitty a brutal beating as was shown by the blood streaming out of her nose from a punch to the face; it was a
difficult thing to see, not only because she was taking part in a pro Palestine march but Kitty is also a member of the Trans community.

“I couldn’t get the pictures out of my head so I felt like I had to do something to speak out about the brutal treatment she received and so composed a song of support for Kitty. A lot of the lyrics are reflections on what I have seen and even things Kitty has said and those things about which she’s passionate.”

‘Shine On Kitty O’ applauds Kitty and her fellow activists for their courage in the face of ongoing police brutality faced by activists across Europe. The line “shame on you Berlin” is repeated throughout, and the song also references recent flotillas attempting, unsuccessfully, to land in Gaza with support and aid.

“I’ve put the song up on my socials now and, so far it has received a very positive response which I’m pleased about,” Mickey Joe said.

“People aren’t just listening and moving on but they’re sharing it too and that means so much. It will hopefully give the movement a wee bit of wind in their sails going forward to know that support is out there.”