Protest at Stormont
The Duffy family took their campaign to the bastion of British rule in the Six Counties. Stormont was the venue for their latest protest. About 60 people took part in the protest to highlight the plight of Republican prisoners in Maghaberry prison. The protest was organised by Colin’s family following the brutal assault on Colin earlier in the week. This assault on Colin followed an attack on another republican prisoner, Dáire Mc Kenna, just two weeks earlier. Dáire’s family also attended the protest.
The determination of the protesters was reflected by an 84 year old aunt of Colin who walked the mile long journey up the hill to Stormont.
When she arrived at the top of the hill she was asked by a relative as to how she was feeling. In reply she said: “Well, it was a long walk for me but the main thing is that I made it and I’m here for Colin. Thats all that matters, isn’t it?”
After a brief spell at the steps of Stormont the protesters tried to gain access to the main entrance to the building but were prevented from doing so by Stormont security and the RUC/PSNI. Those gathered then tried to gain access via another enterance. Once again they were stopped. There was a brief stand off as the family demanded to speak to someone from the office of the First and Deputy First minister.
The family were told that no one within that office would make themselves available to meet with the family.
It was the intention of the Duffy family to outline their concern around the recent attack on their family member as well as the degrading treatment of all republican prisoners in general: Including strip searches, 23 hour lock -ups and controlled movement.
The protest was ended after the family was told that their concerns would be noted and logged and sent to the office of the First and Deputy First minister. The Duffy family await their response.
However, the protesters’ ordeal didn’t end there.
While making their journey back to their homes they were stopped searched and harassed by the RUC/PSNI.
At one stage on their journey five car loads of protesters had been stopped while travelling through a prodominantly loyalist area and removed from their cars.
Women and children as well as male adults were interrogated and harassed at the busy roadside. This all happened in full view of loyalist on-lookers.
Speaking about what happened on the way home, a friend of Colin said: “It is clear that those within the British establishment are not only intent on continuing their persecution against Colin but are now turning their attention on Colin’s family and friends also. This intimidation will not stop the campaign from seeking justice for Colin. It will only strengthen our resolve to continue.”
