Press Release
Reference: LV-JS13-0811
For Immediate Release
UKIP DEMANDS FULL INVESTIGATION INTO CASTLEDERG TERROR PARADE
UKIP Northern Ireland Chairman Cllr. Henry Reilly has called on the Parades Commission and the Chief Constable to undertake an immediate, full and thorough investigation into the terrorist parade, held today (Sunday 11 August, 2013) in Castlederg, Co. Tyrone.
Henry says, “First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of terrorism in Castlederg and across Northern Ireland. We saw all too many images today of the suffering, which Sinn Fein and the Irish Republican movement has imposed upon the law abiding people of West Tyrone. I commend Derg Valley Victims Voice for the dignified, restrained and very powerful way in which they made their opposition to the parade known.”
Following today’s parade, Henry reviewed media footage of it and spoke with UKIP Members on the ground in Castlederg. Henry says, “It is clear there were multiple breeches of the Parades Commission’s determination. From the outset, organisers made no attempt whatsoever to comply with the requirement that no paramilitary trappings should be displayed. These were evident throughout the parade. Participants openly wore paramilitary uniforms, with images of terrorist assault weapons prominently displayed on accompanying banners.
“We are concerned too at the inaction of PSNI Officers in response to flagrant breaches of the Parades Commission determination. Their inaction contrasts starkly with the zealous and officious nature in which other parades across Northern Ireland are policed. The non-intervention of PSNI Officers in Castlederg, is all the more surprising, given we understand some participants may have been in breach of the Terrorism Act 2000.
“UKIP Northern Ireland is currently preparing a dossier of evidence which will be submitted shortly to the Parades Commission, the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman. It is clear the organisers of today’s parade must be held to account.
“Having failed the people of Northern Ireland repeatedly over the past few days, it is time for the Chief Constable to now deliver on his claim to deliver personal, professional and protective policing to everyone in Northern Ireland. If he is unable or unwilling to do so, Matt Baggott may wish to consider that the people of Northern Ireland might be better served by a different Chief Constable.”
Ends.
Further Information
Please contact UKIP Northern Ireland’s Chairman, Cllr. Henry Reilly on +44(0)7801 676 579 or e-mail [email protected].
Accompanying Image
Cllr. Henry Reilly, Chairman of the UK Independence Party in Northern Ireland
All content and editorial contained herein is copyright free for editorial purposes. Issued by the UK Independence Party, Northern Ireland Branch.
Reference: LV-JS13-0811