PSNI formalises policy on paramilitary flags and displays: unionists and the SDLP react
There needs to be a “comprehensive plan” to eradicate terror symbols whether in the GAA or the bands scene says a unionist MLA, as the PSNI formalises its approach to the issue.
Doug Beattie was reacting to the news that the PSNI has issued 27 pages of instructions for officers on what to do when they encounter displays – such as flags – honouring proscribed groups.
It replaces what the PSNI calls “guidance” on the issue.
Mr Beattie, the UUP justice spokesman, said: “Illegal flags, emblems, murals, and memorials all commemorating or eulogising terrorists have no place in our society.
"To focus just on flags is and admission that we have failed to deal with this insidious method of controlling communities and marking territory.
"If we are to deal with this issue, then there needs to be a comprehensive plan to eradicate all forms of terrorist displays including some band emblems or within some GAA clubs.”
DUP Policing Board member Trevor Clarke told the News Letter: “The service instruction from the PSN in relation to public displays formalised the policy and practice of the PSNI towards flags and other illegal displays.
“It doesn’t make any radical change, whether that is warranted or not.
"It is therefore for those who claim there has been a significant departure to explain their failure to understand its meaning.
"There should be no place for any glorification of terrorism in our society, and people who engage in paramilitary displays should face prosecution.
"That includes over the upcoming Easter period where we have previously seen masked individuals in paramilitary uniforms parading on our streets, including last year in Londonderry.”
Loyalist commentator Jamie Bryson meanwhile said: “PSNI are going to be very busy.
"The next time a Sinn Fein member posts an image of themselves beside an IRA memorial, I look forward to PSNI acting swiftly under s13 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and arresting them.
"They are inviting a lot of work for themselves.”
But he went on to add: “The PSNI do NOT have any new or additional powers to (i) define an illegal flag; or (ii) remove flags.
"The legal position remains as it has been previously.
"Any suggestion otherwise is simply incorrect.”
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said: “The failure to deal with offensive flags, emblems and paramilitary displays has been a source of frustration for many years.
"While responsibility does not lie solely with the PSNI, it is genuinely offensive to many people that shared spaces such as lampposts, walls and housing areas are routinely used to display material glorifying paramilitaries, with little or no consequence.
“The PSNI’s shift in approach is welcome, but it must be matched by a clear commitment from the Department for Infrastructure and other statutory bodies.
"Doing nothing is no longer acceptable.
“Those responsible for erecting these displays must understand that there will finally be consequences for their actions.”