Republican councillors raise 'ongoing harassment' of nationalists by police

He was responding to claims by Independent republican councillors Dan Kerr and Barry Monteith who referred at last Thursday's monthly meeting of the local District Council to "ongoing harassment" of nationalists and republicans by the police.

Councillor Monteith later posted on his Facebook page: "Abuse of stop and search powers and Covid-19 on the spot fines were raised.

"Incidents have been raised with us directly and others incidents have been highlighted by video on Social Media.

"People have been stopped and harassed on their daily exercise and while delivering food packages, PPE to vulnerable folk in our community. This behaviour against any republican is despicable. Nationalists and republicans are viewed and treated automatically as suspects by the PSNI/RUC.

"All this while anti-social and criminal elements act with virtual immunity."

Superintendent Baird said: “We continue to work in partnership with our colleagues in the NI Executive Office, the Department of Health and agencies across the public sector, to jointly fight the spread of the virus.

"Our officers provide a visible policing presence across the Mid Ulster area to help keep people safe and to work with them to stop the spread of Covid-19.

"The local community continues to be extremely supportive of our response during these unprecedented times and we thank them for their co-operation throughout.

“We welcome anyone who wishes to engage with police to discuss policing matters that might benefit the local community and if anyone has a complaint against the actions of police, they should contact the office of the Police Ombudsman who will fully investigate their complaints independently.”

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