Latest news with #IrelandPalestineSolidarityCampaign
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Four arrested and three cautioned following protests against pro-Gaza march
Four men have been arrested in Co Down following what police have termed a minor disorder associated with a protest against a march for Gaza. Activists took part in a Great March for Gaza event on Saturday from Lurgan to Omeath, designed to symbolise the length of the Gaza Strip during a demonstration and fundraising event. However, disorder broke out as the march passed through the village of Scarva where a counter-protest was held. Police said four men were arrested following minor disorder associated with the Scarva portion of the event. Three men were also cautioned in relation to public order offences at the towpath between Portadown and Newry. In Newry, a flag believed to be associated with a prescribed terrorist organisation was removed from a parade participant by police. Superintendent Norman Haslett said it was an appropriate and proportionate operation. "Police officers were in attendance at an event which commenced in Lurgan and continued into Newry on Saturday June 7," he 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." Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd commended the Lurgan branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) for organising the march. "On Saturday, thousands walked the equivalent length of the Gaza Strip to show our support for the defenceless civilians of Palestine who continue to face displacement, ethnic cleansing and starvation," he said. "It is no longer acceptable to stand by while Israel commits war crimes. Those complicit must finally act to end this campaign of murder and terror. "I want to commend Lurgan IPSC and all who helped make Saturday's march a success. "Unfortunately, a number of Israeli flags were placed along the route, as well as some protesters, but this did not affect the spirit or determination of those taking part. "We must continue to increase pressure on the international community to isolate Israel through boycott, divestment and sanctions until its systematic genocidal policies are brought to an end."
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sunday World
Four arrests following protests against pro-Gaza march as cops probe terror flag
There was a heavy police presence at the 'Great March for Gaza' 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) Today's News in 90 Seconds - 08 June 2025
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Four arrests after disorder at ‘Great March for Gaza' protest in Co Armagh as police probe terror flag
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.'
Belfast Telegraph
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
'Camp Gaza' organisers invite public along for 24-hour fundraiser in aid of Palestinians
The event was organised by Derry IPSC (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign) who said it was an opportunity to 'turn our support into action and stand in unity under the stars for justice and peace.' It comes as Hamas says it has submitted to the mediators its response on a United States proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Under the deal, 10 living Israeli captives held in Gaza will be freed and 18 bodies returned in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, according to the group. The United Nations says the besieged Gaza Strip is the 'hungriest place on Earth', adding that the territory's entire 2.3 million people face 'catastrophic hunger'. Catherine Hutton from Derry IPSC posted a video online saying: 'We're down here at our camp out for Palestine today at Free Derry Corner. 'Please come along if you can, come and support us. We're raising money for Fund a Food Drop and also for the Hind Rajab Foundation and we'd love people to come along and join in and show some solidarity with us. 'You don't have to stay out all night, you can just come along and support us and if any of these are singers or musicians, if you would like to join us as well and share a few tunes with us. 'We have lots of merch here and we have tea, coffee and some food and plenty of people to sit and talk to and to share in the solidarity that we're showing today for the people of Gaza.' Councillors in attendance included Shaun Harkin from People Before Profit, Independent republican Gary Donnelly and Catherine McDaid from the SDLP. Mrs McDaid said: 'It shouldn't matter what your political beliefs are… We're all human and this is a genocide.' Veteran socialist and the man responsible for coining the phrase, 'You are now entering Free Derry' which was painted on the former gable wall, was in attendance too. Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 54,381 Palestinians and wounded 124,054, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Government Media Office updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of people missing under the rubble are presumed dead. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and more than 200 were taken captive.
Irish Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Politicians condemn arrest of elderly pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Belfast
POLITICIANS in the North have condemned the arrest of an elderly pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Belfast, with one saying he was 'disturbed' by the incident. A video circulating online showed the woman standing outside a branch of Barclays bank on Saturday as a police officer spoke to her before arresting her. The PSNI confirmed that two women had been arrested in relation to the incident on suspicion of criminal damage. A joint statement from several pro-Palestinian groups said they were 'shocked but not surprised at this serious escalation in the criminalisation of Palestine activists'. The woman is led away after being arrested In the video, the person recording appears to suggest stickers had been placed on the ATM of the Barclays branch in Castle Place before being removed. The bank has faced criticism over accusations from pro-Palestinian groups that it provides financial services to companies that sell arms to Israel. The woman, who describes herself as a 72-year-old Jewish grandmother, is subsequently arrested and led to a police van. "Police received a report relating to a protest in the Castle Place area of Belfast city centre on Saturday morning, May 24," said a PSNI statement. "Officers attended and two people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. "The women — one aged in her 70s and the other in her 50s — are in custody, assisting with police enquiries at this time." Supporters later gathered outside Musgrave Police Station, where the women were held. A subsequent video showed the women — reportedly members of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) and Jews for Palestine Ireland — outside the station having been released. 'Repression' In a statement, People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said he was 'extremely disturbed' by the arrests. "All over the world Israel's legitimacy has utterly crumbled. And so the establishment is ramping up its repression to try and silence protestors," said the MLA for West Belfast. He added: "It is those who are funding, arming and committing genocide who should be charged — not the people protesting it!" Sinn Féin counterpart Pat Sheehan said it was 'disgraceful that… an elderly Jewish woman who has consistently and bravely campaigned for an end to Israel's genocide in Gaza has been arrested by the PSNI'. "Highlighting the genocidal, inhumane slaughter of defenceless civilians — and those who enable it — is not a crime," he continued. Mr Sheehan said that the party will be raising their concerns with the PSNI. The woman was taken to Musgrave Police Station A joint statement from Derry IPSC, Mid Ulster IPSC and BDS Strabane also criticised the arrest. "These activists were simply protesting Barclays, a bank complicit with the genocide of Palestinians," read the statement. "This is another example of how the state is determined to crush support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice and taking action to end the genocide by Israel in Gaza where 2.2m people are being deliberately starved to death, hemmed into one fifth of their land and being slaughtered by the unrelenting bombing with arms supplied by the US, EU and UK. "Activists from across the North have been criminalised for protesting against the genocide. "We stand in full solidarity with all those facing repression for speaking out against genocide in Belfast today."
