Increased harassment in nationalist areas

Posted by Jim on March 20, 2016

Several homes in Belfast were violently raided last weekend amid an
increased PSNI presence, with heavily armed units deployed in the west
and north of the city.

In the New Lodge and Ardoyne areas, a number of raids were carried out
on the homes of republicans by members of the PSNI’s balaclava-wearing
TSG (Tactical Support Group).

Two local men were taken from a car in Ardoyne by armed police and
forced to the ground at gunpoint while their vehicle was searched. The
PSNI’s helicopter hovered over the area for much of the weekend.

Another man said the PSNI “went nuts” went they found his car boot
contained prisoner campaign leaflets and commemorative Easter lilies for
the republican parade in Coalisland, County Tyrone on Easter Sunday.

“The PSNI guys totally lost it they went pure nuts, full of hatred,
pushed me against the car,” he said. “Refused to allow any call to
solicitor and refused to provide any details of the search but the
locals saw it and recorded it.”

In what was described as a direct attack on the nationalist community of
the Lower Falls, the PSNI raided the offices of the Divis Residents’
Support Team and three homes in the area on Saturday night. They
arrested one community activist and were said to have traumatised
infants and the elderly. Residents and activists held a protest on
Sunday evening.

Eirigi activists who created a new Easter Rising mural at Lenadoon
Avenue in west Belfast last week also reported that they were subjected
to repeated harassment from heavily armed members of the PSNI.

DERRY RAID

Meanwhile, in Derry, a widow said she was left traumatised by a PSNI
raid on her Bogside home Up to eight armed PSNI men turned her Cable
Street home upside down. Mrs Gallagher, who has a number of health
issues, is the widow of well-known Derry republican, Jim Gallagher, who
died six years ago.

She said she was ‘at a loss’ as to why the search was carried out at her
home where she has lived for the past 30 years. She said: “The last time
we were raided was well over ten years ago. There was no reason for this
to happen. It was very intimidating and I felt very uncomfortable given
the fact I was alone with eight armed male police officers.

“Neighbours who tried to get into the house were denied entry. My phone
was taken off me so I could not phone anyone. My daughter, who arrived
about an hour after the raid began, was eventually allowed it.

“They searched everywhere – drawers, cupboards, gardens – it was
terrifying. I don’t understand why this has happened. I want to know
why.”

Gary Donnelly, independent councillor on Derry City and Strabane
District Council, condemned the raid.

“For her to be alone with heavily armed police officers was vindictive
and nasty. She has been through a terrible ordeal.”

“This type of policing is not unusual in this community. Local
politicians, who are quick to condemn actions of republicans, should
stand up and speak up for vulnerable people, such as Mrs Gallagher, who
continue to suffer from political policing.”