Police attacked with petrol bombs as masked men lead New IRA parade through Derry

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/police-attacked-with-petrol-bombs-as-masked-men-lead-new-ira-parade-through-derry/a531059143.html

Police have been attacked with petrol bombs as masked men have led a New IRA parade through the streets of Derry.
Around 150 people had gathered in Derry as the parade takes place in the city on Monday afternoon.

The parade has previously been billed as the ‘Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration’, and left the Creggan shops at 2pm, ending at a New IRA monument in the Bogside.

Images from the parade in Derry showed a masked colour party leading those taking part in the parade.

There were also young people alongside the parade, some who had petrol bombs. One young person was seen with a shopping trolley full of the objects.

Before the parade set off, masked youths also gathered at the Creggan shops.

Large groups of young people were also seen heading in the direction of the Derry Walls, with some throwing petrol bombs at police and gathering beside homes belonging to the elderly.

Some fireworks were also lit by the young people involved.

Meanwhile a group of men departed a bus wearing berets and military-style gear. Roads in the Iniscarn and Eastway area had lamp posts freshly painted with the Irish tricolour and IRA signs attached.

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton condemned the appearance of paramilitary symbols and uniforms during the parade and called for “swift police action”.

“I am deeply concerned by today’s republican parade in Londonderry, which blatantly defies the Parades Commission’s determination,” he said.

The display of paramilitary-style uniforms, proscribed flags, and symbols associated with terrorism is not only provocative to the people of this city who want to move forward in peace but also outside the law.

“This event, organised by individuals linked to the New IRA, represents a glorification of terror and a rejection of the democratic path. It is unacceptable that, in 2025, we are still witnessing such public displays of hatred and division.

“The PSNI have monitored this parade but their action must not stop at that. There must be charges and prosecutions for any breaches of the law. Those who flout legal rulings and glorify terrorism must face the consequences.

“Londonderry deserves better. The vast majority of people, from all backgrounds, want a peaceful future free from the shadow of violence. We stand with them.”

For the first time ever its organisers sought permission from the Parades Commission for the event which was granted.

Last year the Parades Commission received partial notification of a parade for the first time but indicated it was not submitted 28 days in advance which is the norm.

Therefore, this is the first year that an application was submitted and accepted by the Parades Commission following intervention from leaders in the community.

It’s understood that those organising the parade hoped that with it recognised as a legal march there would be assurances of no police presence but the PSNI did not make any such agreement.

The parade is taking a different route, with those in the community believing it would help to avoid a number of flashpoints such as arrests at the City Cemetery gates.

Rather than starting at Central Drive and ending at the City Cemetery which is about half a mile, this year’s parade covers more than a mile, ending at what Saoradh calls the ‘People’s Monument’ at Free Derry Corner

Around 500 participants were expected with two bands registered, one of them from Glasgow.

The Parades Commission noted that “historically, there has been serious criminal offending associated with this parade” and urged those organising and participating to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

A condition was imposed that “no paramilitary-style clothing” should be worn or flags, bannerettes or symbols relating to proscribed organisations displayed.

PSNI vehicles have been attacked in recent years.

Last year, when police stayed out of Creggan and monitored the parade with a drone and from a helicopter, a number of young people threw petrol bombs at journalists and photographers who were covering events on the day.

Prior to this year’s parade, Saoradh said its ‘Unfinished Revolution Easter Commemoration’ would be carried out in a “dignified and respectful manner”.

A statement added: “We remind all involved that this is a solemn occasion of remembrance and political expression.

“As such, we demand the Crown Forces to stay away and refrain from any provocative or heavy-handed presence that would only serve to increase tensions and disrespect the memory of those being commemorated.

“We call on all supporters and the broader Republican family to join us in paying tribute in a disciplined and appropriate fashion.”

With the parade concluding at Free Derry Corner there was some concern that young people may seek to target police, if there was a presence in the area.

It comes after a source said there was a rise in tensions as the PSNI recently moved in to remove wooden pallets that had been gathered in Meenan Square, months ahead of an annual bonfire.