Anti-lockdown protest at Benone: Expect us to issue enforcement notices, say police

The PSNI has said it expects to issue enforcement notices following an anti-lockdown protest held at Benone beach in Co Londonderry over the weekend.
By Niall Deeney
Published 21st Mar 2021, 13:52 GMT
Updated 22nd Mar 2021, 07:37 GMT
Screengrab taken from video posted by 'Freedom Alliance Island of Ireland' showing scenes from the anti-lockdown protest at Benone beach, Co LondonderryScreengrab taken from video posted by 'Freedom Alliance Island of Ireland' showing scenes from the anti-lockdown protest at Benone beach, Co Londonderry
Screengrab taken from video posted by 'Freedom Alliance Island of Ireland' showing scenes from the anti-lockdown protest at Benone beach, Co Londonderry

Protesters, standing closely together, held signs and banners reading ‘free us from tyranny’ and ‘protect your rights’. The protest on Saturday lasted several hours and featured numerous speakers, including the former Derry City and Strabane councillor Anne McCloskey, and gym owner Declan Trainor.

The PSNI were in attendance and, in a statement issued following the event, said: “We will review the evidence gathered with a view to identifying any offences committed or breaches of the Health Protection Regulations and anticipate issuing enforcement notices in the days ahead.”

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The PSNI also stopped people travelling onto the beach, asking if they planned to attend the protest.

Protesters could be heard shouting ‘freedom’ and singing songs such as ‘I want to break free’ by Queen, with loudspeakers playing music such as the 1984 single ‘we’re not going to take it anymore’ by Twisted Sister.

The event was promoted by an organisation known as ‘Freedom Alliance Island of Ireland’, who posted videos and photographs on social media afterwards.

In an online post promoting the event, the group said: “We’ve had enough of this tyranny. This last year has taken a heavy toll on our physical and mental health. So come along and exercise your inalienable human rights in the fresh sea air.”