Four men have been arrested following disorder at a pro-Palestine protest and counter demonstrations in Co Armagh over the weekend.
There was a heavy police presence at the “Great March for Gaza” as hundreds of activists made their way through Lurgan, Bleary, Moneypenny Bridge, Scarva, Portadown, Newry, and Victoria Lock on Saturday.
Those walking the 25 mile route – which is the same length of the Gaza Strip – to raise funds for Palestinian aid encountered counter demonstrations as they passed through three counties.
Police confirmed three other men were cautioned in relation to the event which was organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) Lurgan, in collaboration with IPSC branches in Mid Ulster, Newry, Armagh, Portadown, and Louth.
They also said a flag believed to represent a proscribed terror group was confiscated from a parade participant and is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “We were also present at a number of protests that were held in connection with this event.
Three males were cautioned in relation to public order offences at the towpath between Portadown and Newry and four males were arrested following minor disorder associated with a protest held at the Main Street in Scarva.
"These protests had not been notified to the Parades Commission as required by law and officers issued warnings to this effect. An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage gathered and consider any potential offences.
“In Newry, a flag believed to be associated with a prescribed terrorist organisation was removed from a parade participant by police and this is subject to an ongoing police investigation.
"This was an appropriate and proportionate policing operation to ensure that the safety of everyone involved was maintained and that the law was upheld.”
by WrongdoerGold1683
12 comments
Yeo we’ve unlocked Gazamac. What’s the next evolution?
>Police probe terror flag
Dont look up…at the lampposts
Wonder what the terrorist flag was they are referring to?
I’m not surprised. Terrorist support has been prominent in these marches.
As a participant in the march, the frustrating part about the media coverage is that it skirts over the fact that loyalists hurled sectarian abuse at peaceful protesters who didn’t engage. However the headlines portray it as though the disorder was anything to do with us. The arrests were for loyalist thugs.
This is ridiculous journalism that by omission implies that the arrests were made amongst those participating on the march.
The arrests were made among the sectarian pro-genocide freaks who were screaming vile abuse at people as they made their way through Scarva doing their best to ignore the abuse.
Scarva is trying to compete with Moygashel. Two absolute shit holes.
Walking for Gaza yet brings a terrorist flag.. fucking idiots
Wouldn’t it be great to see a peace solution for Israel and the palestinians btw? I would support a 2 state solution but cannot see that happening at the minute. I’m not sure if the Palestinians even want that tbh. (Or do they)
Was it a UDA flag?
What a brilliant use of tax payers money. Don’t worry, I’ll drive past at least 4 10 foot UDA flags at tullycarnet in the morning that have been there for over a week.
Tarrist flegs?!!? Heer mait, datz no wiy te tawk abuot d’UVF so ats Nat Mait, tak yersef aff so ye shud.
– Kammunidy ~~reppreshebtatativf…repperrysentytihf…reprashe~~..Leeduruer.
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