Police probe into hunger strike rally
POLICE have launched an investigation into claims that armed paramilitaries took part in a hunger strike commemoration at a GAA club in Tyrone.
Officers are probing whether any laws were broken during the event at the grounds at Galbally in August, a police spokesman confirmed.
The GAA is currently conducting its own internal investigation into the alleged incident.
Stormont Sports minister Nelson McCausland called for the association to launch the probe after images emerged on the internet which appeared to show masked men carrying firearms during the H-block commemoration.
However, Sinn Fein representative Barry McElduff maintained the photos only portrayed actors taking part in role plays. He also said they weren’t taken on the club’s grounds.
A police spokesman yesterday said the parade itself was legal and had been authorised.
However, he said officers were investigating what had actually taken place on the day.
“We are looking to see if any offences were committed during the event,” he said.
He said inquiries were ongoing.
A spokesman for the GAA said the association would be making no further comment on the incident until its internal probe had been completed.
TUV leader Jim Allister said the police investigation had to be thorough.
“In the past a ‘softly, softly’ attitude to such displays, both in Fermanagh and Belfast, have resulted in police inaction, because, I believe, of political considerations,” he said.
