Doug Beattie MC, Ulster Unionist MLA for Upper Bann and Party Justice spokesperson, has praised the professionalism of the police operation which led to the arrest of eight masked men who were dressed in paramilitary uniform at an illegal parade in Lurgan Co Armagh on Saturday.
Mr Beattie said:
“Every year Republic Sinn Fein (RSF) flout the law and organise an illegal terrorist show of strength in the Kilwilkie estate in Lurgan. Every year the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have held back and adopted a low profile in an attempt to dissuade RSF from doing similar in the future.
“That was until 31 March 2018.
“On Saturday the PSNI said enough is enough and through a well co-ordinated plan delivered with professionalism and skill they broke up this illegal RSF gathering and arrested the colour party.
“There is no place in our society for these intimidating parades no matter who they think they represent. I commend the police for their actions and the courage of the young officers who have to face this aggressive attitude from people who want nothing more than to disrupt our society.
“Remembrance of what is important to your community does not mean you can break the law. It means you should commemorate within the confines of the law.”