Protest parade passes peacefully

Their illegal parade, which had not been applied for through the Parades Commission, prompted the intervention of police.

The demonstration centred on conditions in Maghaberry prison, where it's claimed republican prisoners no longer have proper sanitary facilities.

The police stopped the marchers, who had gathered in Kilwilke, at the top of North Street and prevented them from making their way into the town centre. The protestors made their way down Edward Street and dispersed into Taghnevan without incident.

The Tandragee Road and Lake Road were subject to police checkpoints during the march.

Chief Inspector Jason Murphy said: "From a policing perspective there was a rumour flying around that something was being planned."

Mr Murphy said Sunday's police operation wasn't about intercepting or forcibly re-routing the parade.

He said it was about "reacting to what was happening and ensuring whatever takes place, takes place within the law".

"The policing operation is about maximising the safety of everyone," he stated. "Whether the parade is planned or otherwise our job is to maximise the safety of everyone."

The Chief Inspector confirmed there was "no trouble" at the protest.

Tensions have been high in north Lurgan of late and fresh graffiti has appeared demanding the release of political prisoners. Many families of those prisoners joined the protest rally which is believed to have been advertised by word of mouth and several posters in nationalist strongholds throughout Ireland. It's believed protestors came from as far as Dublin to join the demonstration.

Unionist politicians have called for prosecutions to be brought against anyone identified as having taken part in the illegal protest march.

The DUP's Stephen Moutray said: "When it comes to the whole issue of who can walk on the public highway then there must be equality. We can't have republicans acting with impunity when Orange marchers are being forced to comply with all legal requirements."

Ulster Unionist MLA Sam Gardiner commented: "Illegal parades like that don't help the atmosphere in the town and I would most definitely like to see prosecutions. If I was breaking the law I could expect to pay the penalty, so why should these protestors be any different?"