Questions Raised over Republican ‘Parade of Shame’ North Belfast DUP MLA William Humphrey has described yesterday’s republican parade in Belfast as a “parade of shame”. He questioned how the event was granted permission to proceed given events at last year’s parade and called for action to be taken against those glorifying terrorism. Mr Humphrey was one of a number of DUP representatives who were present at sites along the route to monitor proceedings. He said, ‘Whilst this parade was billed as an anti-internment parade it was nothing other than a dissident republican parade of shame with the sole intent of provocation and division. The huge police presence within the city centre was obviously a result of last year’s parade and the violence from republicans. However, the question remains as to why this parade was allowed to proceed along the route, which includes the site of an IRA murder of two UDR soldiers. There is also clear evidence of a large number of participants and supporters of the parade engaged in chanting IRA slogans. This glorification of terrorism was clearly an attempt to provoke a reaction from loyalists. Thankfully those protesting against the parade demonstrated restraint but there clearly were ample police officers present to gather the necessary evidence about those taking part. This evidence must be pursued and it remains to be seen whether the Parades Commission will once again ignore the actions of republicans when they are so quick to move on unionists and loyalists.’
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 21:16:54 +0000
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