It would be farcical now to prosecute unionists who protest against protocol

A letter from John Mulholland:
A Black Lives Matter event in Belfast on June 6, where protestors were fined. 
Photo Pacemaker PressA Black Lives Matter event in Belfast on June 6, where protestors were fined. 
Photo Pacemaker Press
A Black Lives Matter event in Belfast on June 6, where protestors were fined. Photo Pacemaker Press

We have what seems to me like another crazy decision by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS): the lack of prosecution at the Black Lives Matter protest, following on from the decision over the republican funeral in West Belfast.

This shows the state that our justice system is in.

It seemed to many of us like this was inevitable that this decision would be taken after the republican funeral debacle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

For the police to make another grovelling apology could look like the tail is wagging the dog.

How difficult it must be for the police on the ground to police the pandemic rules and keep the peace in Northern Ireland.

The whole justice system needs to be completely overhauled.

These decisions need to be challenged and the heads of the PPS need to tell the public much more about how they came to these conclusions.

The excuses so far are unsatisfactory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One thing is for certain: any prosecutions being considered after the peaceful protests by the unionist community against the protocol would be farcical.

Two-tier policing must be completely annulled.

The police should stop the evidence gathering through camera surveillance unless there is violence because in another incident it seemed to count for little.

Anything less will be more evidence of two-tier policing.

I think you call it parity of esteem.

John Mulholland, Doagh

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics: