“The marchers don’t hide in any way the fact they are supporting Republican prisoners and they have a bedrock of support in Glasgow.”
(Image: Getty Images)
A man accused of the terrorist killing of Irish journalist Lyra McKee took part in a Republican parade in Scotland.
Jordan Devine played a large bass drum at the march in Glasgow earlier this month. The 24-year-old was pictured taking part in a paramilitary-style parade through the city centre, with the Roberts/Mellon flute band.
Devine has denied in court any involvement in the murder of Lyra, who was struck by a bullet fired at police during a riot in the Creggan area of Derry on the evening of April 18, 2019.
The recent Glasgow event was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the internment in Ireland of IRA members. It was organised by the Irish Republican Prisoner Welfare Association (IRPWA).
This is alleged to be an offshoot of Saoradh, the political wing of banned terror group the New IRA.
Murder accused Jordan Devine
One source said: “The marchers don’t hide in any way the fact they are supporting Republican prisoners and they have a bedrock of support in Glasgow.
“There has been a lot of activity around Celtic Park, which the club is uncomfortable with, and the recent event had a fundraising shindig at a bar near the Barras in the east end.
“It is highly unusual that a person accused of such a serious crime would be seen in such a public demonstration and this raised a few eyebrows, even with Republican supporters.”
At the head of the march, a banner stating the group’s support for political prisoners said: “No change – from H block to Maghaberry” – referring to the conditions such prisoners are held in.
Lyra McKee(Image: PA)
Devine’s drum bore a slogan that stated: “We must see our present fight through to the bitter end.”
Another stated: “Onward to the Republic and the liberation of our people.”
Dressed in black shirt and trousers, Devine walked among others who wore military-style black berets.
At points in the march they were berated by opponents, despite a large number of supporters following behind.
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Reports in Northern Ireland claim Saoradh is collecting thousands of pounds through fundraisers in Scotland, at which dissident republicans are feted as heroes.
The Lyra McKee murder trial has been delayed by several adjournments. Nine men from Derry are currently on trial at Belfast Crown Court on charges arising from the riot that culminated in her murder. They all deny the charges.
Three of the accused have been charged with murdering Lyra, possessing a firearm and ammunition and other linked offences, including rioting and possessing and throwing petrol bombs. The trio are Paul McIntyre, 57, Peter Cavanagh, 36, and Jordan Devine.
The prosecution case is that while none of the three defendants were the gunman who fired the fatal shot, their actions at the scene “are demonstrative of their involvement in the joint enterprise to possess and fire the weapon with the requisite intent for murder”.
The court previously heard 29-year-old Lyra died from a single gunshot wound to the head. She suffered a cardiac arrest at the scene and died despite attempts at resuscitation. The trial is being heard without a jury.