Northern Ireland

Belfast anti-internment march passes off peacefully

Republican marchers take part in an Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast city centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in an Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast city centre. Picture by Mal McCann Republican marchers take part in an Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast city centre. Picture by Mal McCann

A CONTROVERSIAL anti-internment parade passed without incident at the weekend as hundreds of republicans marched through Belfast city centre.

It was the first time in four years that the Anti-Internment League (AIL) protested in the city centre, after they were granted permission by the Parades Commission.

There were concerns that trouble would erupt on Saturday as two loyalist counter-demonstrations took place along the route of the republican parade.

However, despite a number of verbal exchanges between loyalist protesters from Northern Ireland Against Terrorism group and some republicans, the protest passed without any violence.

There was a heavy police operation as hundreds of republicans and a number of flute bands gathered in Writers' Square before making their way along Royal Avenue to city hall where speeches were held.

The Parades Commission ruled on Friday that participants in the parade could make a return leg from city hall to Castle Street. Parade organisers said this was to provide a dispersal point for participants.

Loyalists hold a counter-demonstration during the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast city centre. Picture Mal McCann
Loyalists hold a counter-demonstration during the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast city centre. Picture Mal McCann Loyalists hold a counter-demonstration during the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast city centre. Picture Mal McCann

The annual parade, which started in 2013, marks the beginning of internment, or detention without trial, which was introduced at the height of the Troubles in 1971.

AIL spokesman Dee Fennell said the parade was to highlight the "ongoing use" of internment.

He also defended people associated with dissident republicans parading through Belfast's main shopping district on a Saturday afternoon.

"I don't think it's intimidating. The largest military organisation you are going to see on the streets is the PSNI and they will be heavily armed as they always are," he said.

"I don't think people marching through Belfast city centre in a dignified fashion will intimidate anyone.

"It's hypocritical that the main critics of this parade march through the city centre numerous times through the year, not just for religious reasons but to commemorate British military and also members of British death squads that operated here."

Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann

He denied that any participants in the anti-internment parade have been involved in rioting in the past, saying that the onus is on unionist representatives to appeal to counter-demonstrators to "act in a dignified way".

The main speaker of the event, Mandy Duffy – vice-chairperson of dissident republican party Saoradh and sister-in-law of leading Lurgan republican Colin Duffy – told the crowd that republicans are being held in prisons under "draconian legislation".

"We must commit ourselves to defend prisoners, the most vulnerable element in the republican community," she said.

"We must make clear to all pro-imperialists that we will not stand by while political captives face oppression."

Colin Duffy taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Colin Duffy taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Colin Duffy taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann

There was strong opposition to the parade taking place from unionist politicians who said that businesses would be negatively impacted.

UUP councillor Jim Rodgers said that any scenes of disorder would send out the wrong message from Northern Ireland, but added that he was satisfied from police that there was to be no disruption to businesses.

A number of tourists visiting Belfast could be seen taking pictures and videos from passing buses.

Paul Duffy taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Paul Duffy taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Paul Duffy taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Republican marchers take part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Stephen Murney taking part in an Anti-Internment League parade. Picture by Mal McCann
Stephen Murney taking part in an Anti-Internment League parade. Picture by Mal McCann Stephen Murney taking part in an Anti-Internment League parade. Picture by Mal McCann
Dee Fennell taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Dee Fennell taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Dee Fennell taking part in the Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Loyalists protesting against an Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann
Loyalists protesting against an Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann Loyalists protesting against an Anti-Internment League parade through Belfast City Centre. Picture by Mal McCann