The Newry craobh of the Republican Party Saoradh has protested at another PSNI event on July 16th.
On this occasion party activists targeted an event in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor. This charm offensive ploy took place under the auspices of “crime prevention” and “bike marking”.
Party members observed the PSNI initially arriving at the location at 11am. On seeing that Republicans were already in the vicinity the militia quickly left and abandoned their event before returning over an hour later with reinforcements consisting of four armoured cars.
As they set up their event Republicans surrounded the Crown Forces and unfurled tricolours and a banner stating “End PSNI Harassment” along with posters highlighting the unchanged nature of British policing in Ireland. Saoradh leaflets were also placed on the PSNI’s own stall and vehicles much to their frustration.
Such was their desperation the PSNI had to resort to running around Kilbroney Park begging anyone with a bike to attend their stall due to non-attendance from members of the public.
As Saoradh members finished their successful protest and made their way home they found themselves stopped and harassed by the same state sponsored thugs. These actions by the PSNI completely vindicate Saoradh’s position and resulted in an impromptu protest being held at the side of the road in Warrenpoint which drew much attention from passing motorists.
Speaking from the party’s Newry office local Saoradh representative Stephen Murney said “Over the past two years we have successfully closed down numerous PSNI normalisation events in Newry, Castlewellan in South Down and Meigh and Camlough in South Armagh, now we can add Rostrevor to our list of successful direct actions.
“These type of events take place under the guise of “community policing”, “Crime Prevention” and in this latest instance a “bike marking” event. Stunts like these are simply a meek attempt to promote the Crown Forces whilst glossing over the true nature of these forces who constantly target local Republican families, children included.”
Murney continued “Such was the effectiveness of our previous protest actions, the Crown Forces were forced to cease advertising such events publicly. This was a huge victory for Republicans and shattered the myth that this force is a somewhat normal “police service”.
“Today is yet another victory for Republicans as we continue to expose the true nature of Stormont’s military wing who relentlessly target the Republican community on a daily basis using stop & searches, house raids and general harassment.”
Stephen finished by saying “We ensured today that this normalisation stunt didn’t go unopposed and we pledge to target future events in a radical and robust manner. We will choose our time and place as it suits but mark our words this isn’t the last time we will take to the streets to oppose the Crown Forces.
This is our terrain!”.
ENDS/CRÍOCH
CLANRYE NEWS 