RNU Scotland Condemn Political Policing

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Monday September 27, 2010 13:18 by RNU PRO - Republican Network for Unity (RNU)

The REPUBLICAN NETWORK for Unity (RNU) Chairperson in Scotland has condemned the increase in political policing against Scottish citizens.

The REPUBLICAN NETWORK for Unity (RNU) Chairperson in Scotland has condemned the increase in political policing against Scottish citizens.

‘On Friday 24th Sept, a number of families from the Shettleston area of Glasgow took advantage of the holiday weekend to take a trip to Ireland. They were scheduled to catch the 8am Stenaline sailing from Stranraer to Ireland to participate in the Celtic Festival Weekend in Bundoran, Co. Donegal.

However, when their bus arrived at the Port the coach was boarded by Dumfries & Galloway Special Branchmen who told the passengers that they would not be able to board the ferry. The excuse given was that there were as three bus loads of Orangemen already aboard because some passengers were wearing Glasgow Celtic tops. Those wearing the ‘offending’ clothing were only 10 and 8 years-old respectively.

The trip’s organiser remonstrated with the Special Branch men only to be informed that it was Stenaline who had made the decision. He then demanded an explanation from the ferry company, to be notified that the decision had indeed been taken by the Police. An agreement was eventually reached between Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary, Stenaline and the passengers that if the children wore alternative tops they could indeed board the ferry. As this conversation was taking place, the boat set sail. That forced the Glasgow families to wait for a later sailing to resume their journey.

The mothers of the young children are particularly upset that their children were victimised by the police. The families have also complained to the Chief Constable of the Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary, Patrick Shearer as they were treated in such a harsh manner.

RNU Scotland strongly criticise political policing, nothing has changed for Scottish families travelling to Ireland. We also oppose citizens being treated as second class. Our Network asks Politicians and Human Rights Organisations to condemn these oppressive activities’.