PSNI prevent republican parade from entering city
Police have prevented a republican anti-internment parade from entering Belfast city centre.
The anti-internment march had been granted permission by the Parades Commission to pass through the city before 1.30pm.
With that deadline passed, police commanders made it clear the parade will be stopped on its way into the city.
The parade was stopped at the corner of the Oldpark Road and Rosapenna Street.
Marchers leave police lines at Oldpark pic.twitter.com/ukErHv5Zqi
— Sharon O'Neill (@sharon_utv) August 9, 2015
The parade marks the introduction of internment without trial by the Stormont administration, with the support of the UK Government, during the height of the Troubles in August 1971.
The controversial policy of detaining terrorist suspects without trial ended in 1975.
However, the parade organisers – the Anti-Internment League – allege it is still effectively operated by the state authorities in the present day.
Last year there were minor disturbances at the event but in 2013 almost 60 police officers were injured when loyalist protesters rioted in the city centre.
In its application to the Parades Commission, the group said it anticipated around 5,000 supporters for this year’s parade.
We are now open. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
— CastleCourt (@CastleCourt) August 9, 2015
Hundreds of loyalist protestors also travelled into the city.
Loyalist groups applied for three counter protests along the route.
But the Parades Commission limited numbers for each of those to 150.
Scores of police descended on Belfast ahead of the contentious republican parade.
The city was put into lockdown and many shops did not open at the usual 1pm.
Police had made efforts to contact parade organisers, however, despite repeated attempts those behind the event did not engage with them.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin appealed for calm.
He said: “As in previous years, the PSNI is committed to ensuring that we keep people safe and that the parade and associated protests pass off peacefully.
“On this occasion the Parades Commission has exercised its statutory functions and decided to impose certain conditions on the parade.
“I am very much aware that there is significant speculation in the media and online that the parade may not comply with the conditions imposed in the Parades Commission’s determination.
“Over the past number of days we have tried to liaise with parade organisers.
He added: “We are aware of heightened tensions across the city and I would appeal for calm and urge organisers and people taking part in parading or protesting today to be responsible and ensure their behaviour is peaceful and within the law.”
Parade organisers also urged those intent on violence to stay away and that the event should be dignified and peaceful.
The Anti Internment League's National March Against Internment tomorrow is an opportunity for all those opposed to the…
Publiée par Anti-Internment League sur Samedi 8 août 2015
