Sinn Féin Councillor Aidan Mathers has strongly condemned the presence of PSNI officers filming demonstrators at a peaceful Palestinian solidarity protest in Newry, describing it as an unacceptable act of intimidation against those exercising their democratic rights.
Councillor Mathers confirmed he raised the matter at the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) committee sub meeting designed to address anti-social behaviour, and will continue to demand answers and accountability from the PSNI over their actions.
“I was proud to stand alongside local people in Newry in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who continue to suffer under Israel’s brutal, violent and illegal genocide.
“These protests are peaceful expressions of outrage at the ongoing genocide, ethnic cleansing, and deliberate starvation being carried out in Gaza and the West Bank,” said Councillor Mathers.
“It is deeply concerning that instead of defending civil liberties, the PSNI are turning up to these peaceful demonstrations with cameras and filming protesters. This is clearly an attempt to intimidate and deter people from taking part in legitimate protest while Israel continues to carry out atrocities with impunity.
Sinn Féin will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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