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Irish Post
22-04-2025
- Irish Post
Disorder at Easter Monday parade in Derry branded ‘utterly shameful'
DISORDER which erupted during an Easter Monday parade in Derry yesterday has been branded 'utterly shameful' by a police chief. Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were all thrown during the parade, which was being monitored by PSNI officers as it made its way from Creggan to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside. Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested after police stopped vehicles in Frances Street and in Fanad Drive following the parade. "Despite the claim by organisers of the Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite,' PSNI Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said in a statement. Items seized during the Easter Monday parade in Derry Many of those who took part the parade were masked and appeared to wear paramilitary-style clothing, which may put the in contravention of a Parades Commission ruling, the police force confirmed. "From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination,' Chf Supt Kearney said. "As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm,' she added. 'Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. "Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.' The police force believes those causing the disruption purposefully used children to distract the authorities from their actions. "This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this,' Chf Supt Kearney said. "Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing. "This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful." Following the parade PSNI stopped two vehicles - one in the Frances Street area and one in the Fanad Drive area – and t wo men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under the Terrorism Act. They have been taken to Musgrave Street Station for questioning. One of the vehicles stopped, a van, was seized as were a number of items it contained. See More: Arrests, Derry, Disorder, Easter Monday, PSNI, Parade
Sunday World
21-04-2025
- Sunday World
Two arrests after petrol bombs hurled at PSNI during disorder at New IRA parade in Derry
A number of items including a van were seized after officers were attacked PSNI Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said that despite parade organisers' claims that they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, 'what we saw was the complete opposite'. "From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination,' she added. "As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm. "Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls. "This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this. "Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing. "This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful." Chief Superintendent Kearney said two vehicles – one in the Frances Street area and another in the Fanad Drive area – were stopped following the parade as part of a proactive policing operation resulting in two suspects being detained. 'Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under The Terrorism Act and have been taken to Musgrave Street Station for questioning,' she continued. 'One of the vehicles stopped (a van) was seized. "A number of items were also seized.' Around 150 people had gathered in Derry as the parade takes place in the city on Monday afternoon. The parade has previously been billed as the 'Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration', and left the Creggan shops at 2pm, ending at a New IRA monument in the Bogside. Images from the parade in Derry showed a masked colour party leading those taking part in the parade. There were also young people alongside the parade, some who had petrol bombs. One young person was seen with a shopping trolley full of the objects. Masked colour party leads new IRA parade through Derry Before the parade set off, masked youths also gathered at the Creggan shops. Large groups of young people were also seen heading in the direction of the Derry Walls, with some throwing petrol bombs at police and gathering beside homes belonging to the elderly. Some fireworks were also lit by the young people involved. Masked members of a Dissident Republican colour party take part in a commemorative march in Derry. Pic by Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images. Masked colour party leads new IRA parade through Derry Unionists hit out at 'morally repugnant' events after Michelle O'Neill speaks at republican Easter commemoration Meanwhile a group of men departed a bus wearing berets and military-style gear. Roads in the Iniscarn and Eastway area had lamp posts freshly painted with the Irish tricolour and IRA signs attached. DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton condemned the appearance of paramilitary symbols and uniforms during the parade and called for 'swift police action'. 'I am deeply concerned by today's republican parade in Londonderry, which blatantly defies the Parades Commission's determination,' he said. "The display of paramilitary-style uniforms, proscribed flags, and symbols associated with terrorism is not only provocative to the people of this city who want to move forward in peace but also outside the law. 'This event, organised by individuals linked to the New IRA, represents a glorification of terror and a rejection of the democratic path. It is unacceptable that, in 2025, we are still witnessing such public displays of hatred and division. 'The PSNI have monitored this parade but their action must not stop at that. There must be charges and prosecutions for any breaches of the law. Those who flout legal rulings and glorify terrorism must face the consequences. 'Londonderry deserves better. The vast majority of people, from all backgrounds, want a peaceful future free from the shadow of violence. We stand with them.' The New IRA on Parade in Derry on April 21st 2025 (Photo by Garrett Hargan) For the first time ever its organisers sought permission from the Parades Commission for the event which was granted. Last year the Parades Commission received partial notification of a parade for the first time but indicated it was not submitted 28 days in advance which is the norm. Therefore, this is the first year that an application was submitted and accepted by the Parades Commission following intervention from leaders in the community. It's understood that those organising the parade hoped that with it recognised as a legal march there would be assurances of no police presence but the PSNI did not make any such agreement. The parade is taking a different route, with those in the community believing it would help to avoid a number of flashpoints such as arrests at the City Cemetery gates. Rather than starting at Central Drive and ending at the City Cemetery which is about half a mile, this year's parade covers more than a mile, ending at what Saoradh calls the 'People's Monument' at Free Derry Corner. Around 500 participants were expected with two bands registered, one of them from Glasgow. The Parades Commission noted that 'historically, there has been serious criminal offending associated with this parade' and urged those organising and participating to ensure it doesn't happen again. A condition was imposed that 'no paramilitary-style clothing' should be worn or flags, bannerettes or symbols relating to proscribed organisations displayed. PSNI vehicles have been attacked in recent years. The New IRA on Parade in Derry on April 21st 2025 (Photo by Garrett Hargan) Last year, when police stayed out of Creggan and monitored the parade with a drone and from a helicopter, a number of young people threw petrol bombs at journalists and photographers who were covering events on the day. Prior to this year's parade, Saoradh said its 'Unfinished Revolution Easter Commemoration' would be carried out in a 'dignified and respectful manner'. A statement added: 'We remind all involved that this is a solemn occasion of remembrance and political expression. 'As such, we demand the Crown Forces to stay away and refrain from any provocative or heavy-handed presence that would only serve to increase tensions and disrespect the memory of those being commemorated. 'We call on all supporters and the broader Republican family to join us in paying tribute in a disciplined and appropriate fashion.' With the parade concluding at Free Derry Corner there was some concern that young people may seek to target police, if there was a presence in the area. It comes after a source said there was a rise in tensions as the PSNI recently moved in to remove wooden pallets that had been gathered in Meenan Square, months ahead of an annual bonfire.
South Wales Guardian
21-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Police attacked with petrol bombs after dissident republican parade
A senior police officer said young people were used to 'shield the masked individuals' during the disorder in what she said was 'child criminal exploitation'. Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under the Terrorism Act and taken to Musgrave Street Station in Belfast for questioning. A van and a number of items were also seized. The annual parade in Derry, which marks the Easter Rising against British rule in Dublin in 1916, involved a colour party of people carrying flags and wearing paramilitary-style uniforms with their faces covered. The march, which started in the Creggan estate, concluded with speeches at Free Derry corner in the Bogside area of the city. Nearby, a crowd of mostly young people threw several petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles stationed close to the city's historic walls overlooking the Bogside. The area was closed to the public for a period during the disorder. The dissident republican event has sparked similar scenes of violence in previous years. In a change of approach from recent years, the organisers of the parade – the National Republican Commemoration Committee – had applied to the Parades Commission for permission for the Easter Monday event. In its determination allowing the march to proceed, the commission explicitly prohibited the wearing of paramilitary-style clothes and flags linked to proscribed organisations. Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, area commander of Derry City and Strabane, called the involvement of young people an 'utterly shameful' attempt to distract and shield masked individuals. 'Despite the claim by organisers of today's Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite,' she said. 'From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination. 'As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm. 'Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Statement from the Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, following an Easter parade today, Monday 21st April. — Police Derry City and Strabane (@PSNIDCSDistrict) April 21, 2025 'Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls. 'This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this. 'Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing. 'This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.' The DUP has called for police action following the parade. The party's MLA for Foyle Gary Middleton said: 'I am deeply concerned by today's republican parade in Londonderry, which blatantly defies the Parades Commission's determination. 'The display of paramilitary-style uniforms, proscribed flags and symbols associated with terrorism is not only provocative to the people of this city who want to move forward in peace, but also outside the law.' He said the event represented a 'glorification of terror and a rejection of the democratic path'. 'It is unacceptable that, in 2025, we are still witnessing such public displays of hatred and division,' he added. 'The PSNI have monitored this parade but their action must not stop at that. There must be charges and prosecutions for any breaches of the law. Those who flout legal rulings and glorify terrorism must face the consequences. 'Londonderry deserves better. The vast majority of people, from all backgrounds, want a peaceful future free from the shadow of violence. We stand with them.'
The Journal
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Petrol bombs and fireworks thrown during dissident republican parade in Derry
TWO PEOPLE HAVE been arrested by PNSI officers investigating unrest at a dissident republican parade in Derry today. Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown in the course of the event, and organisers have been accused of exploiting children to protect those taking part in the parade. The event – billed as the 'Unfinished Revolution' National Easter Commemoration – was organised by the National Republican Commemoration Committee, which has links to the hardline republican group Saoradh. 'Despite the claim by organisers of today's Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite,' local PSNI Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said. Advertisement 'From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination.' Roads had to be closed for a time this afternoon as police responded to the unrest. According to Kearney, young people were'deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing'. 'This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.' Following the parade, officers stopped and searched two vehicles and arrested two men in their 30s and 50s. They're being questioned this evening under the Terrorism act. A van and a number of other items have been seized, the PSNI said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Herald Scotland
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Police attacked with petrol bombs after dissident republican parade
Two men, aged 30 and 55, were arrested under the Terrorism Act and taken to Musgrave Street Station for questioning. A van and a number of items were also seized. The annual parade in Derry, which marks the Easter Rising against British rule in Dublin in 1916, involved a colour party of men carrying flags and wearing paramilitary-style uniforms with their faces covered. Police in the Bogside area of Derry following the dissident republican parade (Niall Carson/PA) The march, which started in the Creggan estate, concluded with speeches at Free Derry corner in the Bogside area of the city. Nearby, a crowd of mostly young people threw several petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles stationed close to the city's historic walls overlooking the Bogside. The area was closed to the public for a period during the disorder. The dissident republican event has sparked similar scenes of violence in previous years. In a change of approach from recent years, the organisers of the parade – the National Republican Commemoration Committee – had applied to the Parades Commission for permission for the Easter Monday event. In its determination allowing the march to proceed, the commission explicitly prohibited the wearing of paramilitary-style clothes and flags linked to proscribed organisations. Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, area commander of Derry City & Strabane, called the involvement of young people an 'utterly shameful' attempt to distract and shield masked individuals. 'Despite the claim by organisers of today's Easter Monday parade who said they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, what we saw was the complete opposite,' she said. 'From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination. 'As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm. 'Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Statement from the Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, following an Easter parade today, Monday 21st April. — Police Derry City and Strabane (@PSNIDCSDistrict) April 21, 2025 'Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls. 'This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this. 'Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing. 'This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.' The DUP has called for police action following the parade. The party's MLA for Foyle Gary Middleton said: 'I am deeply concerned by today's republican parade in Londonderry, which blatantly defies the Parades Commission's determination. 'The display of paramilitary-style uniforms, proscribed flags and symbols associated with terrorism is not only provocative to the people of this city who want to move forward in peace, but also outside the law.' He said the event represented a 'glorification of terror and a rejection of the democratic path'. 'It is unacceptable that, in 2025, we are still witnessing such public displays of hatred and division,' he added. 'The PSNI have monitored this parade but their action must not stop at that. There must be charges and prosecutions for any breaches of the law. Those who flout legal rulings and glorify terrorism must face the consequences. 'Londonderry deserves better. The vast majority of people, from all backgrounds, want a peaceful future free from the shadow of violence. We stand with them.'
