DUP's Robinson Defends 11 Politicians at Scarva Protest as 1,500 Gaza Marchers Report Abuse
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 8
DUP's Robinson Defends 11 Politicians at Scarva Protest as 1,500 Gaza Marchers Report Abuse
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 8
Summary
Gavin Robinson said it was "entirely appropriate" for DUP politicians to attend the Scarva counter-protest, backing MP Carla Lockhart after images showed her beside masked men.
Lockhart said she and 10 other politicians were there to de-escalate a "very volatile situation," accusing police of heavy-handed tactics after officers blocked a designated protest area.
Chris Hazzard, the Sinn Féin MP for South Down, called Lockhart a "political shield for thugs," saying she stood front and centre of a hostile masked mob shouting sectarian and racist abuse.
About 1,500 pro-Palestine marchers walked from Lurgan to Newry on Saturday; organisers said the march was delayed more than 45 minutes in Scarva and forced through slurry on the road.
The PSNI said its operation was proportionate, the Parades Commission said any suspected breaches are for police to investigate, and the NUJ raised concerns over intimidation of journalists covering the protest.