Published 8 days ago • loading... • Updated 7 days ago
Mob rule must not be allowed to win, PSNI chief warns in Drumcree parade dispute
PSNI says evidence gathering will be prioritised as officers and mutual aid colleagues continue policing the dispute and talks with groups remain under way.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher announced a large-scale criminal investigation into Sunday's unlawful protest on Garvaghy Road, where thousands blocked the Drumcree parade permitted by the Parades Commission for the first time in 30 years.
Ending a 30-year ban, the Parades Commission granted permission for the Drumcree parade to use the route; loyal order members were halted by police after more than 1,000 protesters blocked the road on Sunday morning.
Operation Repreparation has maintained a large police presence in Portadown, with around 200 officers drafted from Scotland to assist. During Sunday's protest, PSNI vehicles fitted with CCTV cameras filmed thousands as the force managed the stand-off.
On Friday, the High Court will hear a legal challenge arguing the Parades Commission "materially misdirected itself" on disorder assessment. Sinn leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle face calls for suspension after participating in the unlawful protest.
At Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant is hosting delegations from the Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stated the principle objective remains achieving the Parades Commission determination peacefully.
The Northern Irish police are opening a "large-scale criminal investigation" into the unlawful demonstration last Sunday on Garvaghy Road in Portadown. A pro-British Protestant Orange March was scheduled to take place on Sunday, but it was ultimately blocked by thousands of people.
9 days ago·Apeldoorn, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
Budget moves get real, a committe tackles the FAI and what about Garvaghy?
Your Politics discuss the Garvaghy Road parade standoff as the Orange Order rejects a proposed compromise despite UK-led talks suggesting a deal was close