Opposing British Repression

08/02/10

Over 50 people took part in a demonstration at the Andersonstown barracks site in Belfast today, in protest against repressive British legislation.

The protest was called by éirígí to highlight the PSNI’s fondness for such “anti-terrorist” legislation, and their continual use of such legislation as a means of harassing nationalists and republicans.

Between July and September 2009, the last quarter for which statistics are currently available, over 12,000 people were stopped and searched by the PSNI under Britain’s Terrorism Act and Justice and Security Act. Of this figure, only 49 (less than half a percent) led to arrests.

Speaking after the protest, éirígí general secretary Breandán Mac Cionnaith said, “The PSNI’s pervasive use of supposed ‘anti-terror’ laws can only be understood in the context of the daily harassment and attempted intimidation of republicans.

“When the European Court of Human Rights last month found Section 44 of the Terrorism Act illegal, the court noted how easily such legislation could be used against demonstrators and protestors, and against political dissent in general. This is exactly what we have seen happen in the Six Counties.

“éirígí members and other activists have garnered special attention from Britain’s political police, as recently as Saturday when éirígí members in Belfast where stopped under ‘anti-terror’ legislation for the simple act of erecting a banner.

“Thanks are due to everyone who joined the protest this evening to highlight the reality of British policing in Ireland. A clear message has been sent that, no matter how much repressive legislation Britain introduces, we and our community will not be intimidated.”