PSNI film protestors!

antrim | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Sunday March 04, 2007 22:29

by reabhloid dearg

Belfast IRSP representative, Gerard Foster, has today hit out at the filming and photographing of a peaceful white line picket by the PSNI outside the party’s national headquarters on the Falls Road.

Mr. Foster commented “Upwards of 30 IRSP members gathered to hold a white line picket against water charges and British policing in Ireland

“They were met with an armoured Landrover parked opposite our office with attached camera and directional microphone. Officers inside the vehicle also had a digital camera which was used to take photos of those present – including members of our youth movement under the age of 16. Are these pictures for their own use, or are they to be collaborated with Loyalist paramilitaries?

Mr. Foster continued “This does, however, raise the question just who exactly gathered the intelligence for the PSNI to know that the picket was going ahead. Can it truthfully be said that MI5 can be separated from civic policing? MI5 do not have powers of arrest – it will still be the PSNI that will batter in the doors of Republicans.

"This has been claimed at a time when MI5 are building a centre in Hollywood rumoured to be as big as Croke park, with massive underground facilities. MI5, within the United Kingdom – as it’s called – are monitoring over 1,500 individuals.

“When some of our comrades left the picket early, their details were seen to be radioed through by the driver of the Landrover.

“We make this challenge to those Republicans who may advocate that our young people join this sectarian police force – what was the purpose for these individuals to be monitored and their details taken?

Mr. Foster concluded by saying “Let them be reminded, we weren’t moved or intimidated over the past 30 years and we’re certainly not going to let them do it now.”

Statement Ends.