Prete “scioccato” dalle denunce di molestie perpetrate dalla PSNI contro le famiglie repubblicane

Priest ‘shocked’ by harassment allegations

A Derry priest who met with relatives of dissident republicans on Wednesday night has said he was shocked by their claims of PSNI harassment.

Fr Paddy O’Kane held a meeting with around 40 relatives of hardline republicans, including several leading members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement (32CSM), at the Rosemount Resource Centre to discuss their claims they are being harassed by the police.

The meeting was held in private at the request of the families and Gary Donnelly, of the 32CSM, explained many of those in attendance were angry at how the meeting was portrayed in sections of the media.
Speaking after the meeting, Fr O’Kane said: “I came here to listen and to listen only. I told those who were here that I am very limited in my ability to respond. I heard some harrowing stories and allegations of police brutality. I heard stories of anger and frustration, frustration with political parties in the city.

“They said because they are anti-Agreement republicans that they are being targeted by the police and being made to suffer. One mother said her children have such hatred now in their hearts that has been put there by the police. That is a worrying statement,” he said.
Fr O’Kane also acknowledged that he “only heard one side” and added that he now plans to “disengage” with the issue and leave it to politicians.

The meeting was welcomed by Foyle MP Mark Durkan who said he was prepared to meet anyone. “I have been contacted by families of members of dissident groups in the city who have been the subject of attention by the police, for instance, and they have expressed their concerns.

“As an elected representative, my door is open. I engage with people – where people come with issues to me I follow those up,” he said.

Policing Board member Martina Anderson said: “It is important that we have a Policing Service that complies with the highest standards of human rights and if there is evidence of harassment or other human rights abuse I will pursue those cases to bring the officers to account. I am available and willing to meet with these families to listen to their complaints and to follow up on any abuses that are identified and I will ensure that any Police Officer guilty of any offence is brought to book.

“The PSNI must be Human Rights Compliant and operate in a way that keeps the public safe but to do so in a way that respects peoples’ human and civil rights,” she said.

Ms Anderson also said she was prepared to meet with anyone to discuss concerns about the PSNI.

Photogallery [from Derry 32 County Sovereignty Movement]