Four arrests following protests against pro-Gaza march as cops probe terror flag
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.'
(Alamy/PA)
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