PSNI to ‘review evidence gathered’ at UVF ‘show of strength’ where 1,500 men lined route of memorial parade

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/psni-to-review-evidence-gathered-at-uvf-show-of-strength-where-1500-men-lined-route-of-memorial-parade/a163179270.html

https://imgur.com/a/hQnEKaW

Allison Morris
Yesterday at 20:56

Police have been asked to investigate a UVF ‘show of strength’ in east Belfast on Saturday which saw an estimated 1,500 men line a main road during a loyalist killer commemoration.

The Robert ‘Squeak’ Seymour parade takes place every year; however, the lining of the route by loyalists bussed in from other areas was seen as a public display of support for the new UVF leader in the area.

SDLP councillor Seamas de Faoite said he will be raising the issue with the PSNI and asking it to investigate if any criminal offences were committed.

Police had been made aware from the middle of last week that there was a plan to flood the area with UVF members and they had contacted local community figures to ask if there was a possibility of violence.

Despite rumours spread online that the event would also coincide with a number of high-profile figures being forced from the area, there were no reported incidents.

However, the numbers of men put onto the streets was seen as a show of strength by the UVF, which is supposed to be involved in a process of civilianisation, with talks taking place with the UK and Irish Governments.

Sources say that the man alleged to be the leader of the East Belfast UVF faction, Stephen Matthews, who had been stood down by the Shankill leadership, was handing out awards at a football presentation in a nearby bar during the parade.

Matthews, who denies criminality, is prevented from attending any parades as part of bail conditions linked to an ongoing case concerning an incident in Pitt Park in east Belfast during lockdown, when dozens of masked men were seen on the streets.

Earlier in the day, a number of people, including UVF ex-prisoners loyal to Matthews, attended a memorial event in Roselawn Cemetery for Seymour, who was the paramilitary group’s east Belfast ‘commander’ when he was shot dead by the IRA in June 1988.

Prior to his death, he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1981 murder of James ‘Skipper’ Burns as he lay sleeping in his home at Rodney Parade in west Belfast.

Seymour’s conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal after a judge ruled the testimony of supergrass Joe Bennett “unbelievable”.

A post on the Facebook page of the East Belfast ACT Initiative stated: “This morning, loyalist veterans from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s gathered for the traditional tribute at the graveside of Vol Robert ‘Squeak’ Seymour. The service was lead by veteran East Belfast loyalists who had served lengthy prison sentences for their devotion to Ulster and defending our community. These men had been there when it mattered.

“It was great to see such a huge turnout for this dignified event, and afterwards, close comrades and loyalists who provided leadership to East Belfast during the darkest days of the conflict were recognised for their contribution and leadership with a presentation.

“We pay tribute to all East Belfast volunteers who sacrificed during the conflict and wish all bands taking part in the later parade well as loyalism remembers our fallen heroes”.

While there is an annual memorial and band parade to the UVF killer each year, it would not usually be accompanied by the show of strength organised by the paramilitary group’s Shankill leadership at the weekend.

Hundreds of men were ordered to wear white shirts and black ties and to line the Newtownards Road during the parade.

A loyalist source said UVF members from other battalions were bussed in to support the event organised by those who have “pledged their allegiance” to the Shankill Road leadership.

This is in reference to the new ‘brigadier’ of the UVF in the area, who was put in place following a memorial day statement in November last year that stood down the leadership of the East Belfast faction, accusing them of involvement in criminality.

Despite speculation at the time that this would result in a loyalist feud, there was no violent backlash and things continued with little noticeable change and with the majority of the East Belfast faction remaining loyal to their previous leadership.

Mr de Faoite said it was “disturbing that, 26 years on from the [Belfast] Agreement, we’re still witnessing pantomime like this on the streets”.

“People in east Belfast want to see action on the housing crisis, long-standing deprivation and poverty and the failure of political leadership to deliver,” he said.

“They don't want to see these throwbacks to the past.

“It’s time for all of those involved in criminality and mafia-esque behaviour to get off the backs of the people of east Belfast. Their day is done”.

A policing operation was in place for the parade and it’s understood the PSNI was aware that the men’s presence was linked to ongoing UVF tensions.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “At the procession’s height, it is estimated that as many as 1,500 people in plain black trousers, white shirts and ties lined the route.

“The procession passed off without incident. A further review of evidence gathered will now take place.”