Portadown Orange District reports Sinn Fein leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill to the PSNI over Garvaghy Road protest
Portadown Orange District has made a formal ‘criminal complaint’ to the PSNI Chief Constable regarding Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald and Vice President Michelle O’Neill.
The District has failed to march down the Garvaghy Road despite several attempts due to a protest by residents of the road.
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The stand-off between the Orangemen and the residents has been going on since Sunday morning.
It followed a positive determination from the Parades Commission, which was subsequently challenged in the High Court by residents. After a late night sitting the pause to the parade, issued by one judge, was overturned and the parade was permitted to go ahead.
In a statement, Portadown District said on Tuesday morning it ‘has this morning made a formal criminal complaint’ to the Chief Constable reporting Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill.
"We have made a complaint in respect of four criminal offences, including under the Serious Crime Act 2007.
"The rule of law has been hugely damaged, and faith in the law continues to erode as the PSNI continue to facilitate an unlawful mob thumbing their nose at the legal determination and our courts. The impact of this cannot be underestimated.
"As a society, we must all be governed by the same law, and expect our rights under it to be vindicated.
"Ours have been denied, and despite having used the law and obtaining a clear determination in our favour, the message being sent now is that this counts for nothing, and instead it is those who break the law who are rewarded and prevail.
"If this persists then in general, the rule of law collapses but in particular parading regulation collapses as any group, on any side, will know all they must do to override the Parades Commission is to put a mob on the street and the Chief Constable will wilt.
"This is why two things are essential: firstly, the determination is upheld. The rule of law demands it; secondly, the lawbreakers are dealt with as a matter of urgency. This cannot be delayed, as to do so continues to incentivise illegality.
"We look forward to urgent actions both to uphold the determination and investigate flagrant criminal activity.”