Republicans march in Belfast in ‘anti-internment’ protest

A group of 2000 republican protesters are taking to the streets in a controversial march against internment, which they claim is still taking place across the six counties.

Many are supporters of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and Republican Network for Unity, both groups oppose the peace process.

Police are ready for potential disorder, warning: “Anyone who engages in criminal activity or puts the community at risk will face the consequences of the criminal justice system”.

Republican groups critical of Sinn Fein and the peace process are trying to build with campaigns against the PSNI and what they call “selective internment”.

Legal battles

Today’s march is organised by the Anti-Internment League. Organiser Dee Fennell, who is not aligned to any republican group, told Channel 4 News that activists are being held for up to two years on remand before having charges dropped or beating them in court.

“It’s a way to get activists off the streets for two years,” Mr Fennell claimed.

“People think internment is a thing of the past, but only the way it is used has changed. It is now more selective.”

He denies it is hyperbole to compare the working of the justice system to the situation that existed at the height of the IRA’s armed campaign.

The Parades Commission has given permission for six loyalist protests to take place against the parade, with numbers restricted at four of them.

The Democratic Unionist Party has called for the march to be banned, with Nelson McCausland MLA telling the Belfast News Letter it is “entirely unacceptable” to allow dissident groups march through the community.

Drawing on history

The subject of internment is highly emotive for republicans, and former republican prisoners have spoken out in support of the campaigns. But Sinn Fein has said it is not involved in the march and will not comment on it.

Mr Fennell explained that while some Sinn Fein members would support their march, “we made a decision not to invite the executive parties, including Sinn Fein – they are supporting this justice system and the PSNI”.