DISSIDENT republican party Saoradh has said 14 of its members have been arrested in the last three weeks in Derry.
It also said police have searched the homes of 10 members and claimed British intelligence made approaches to members and their families on two occasions.
At a press conference yesterday, Saoradh’s Derry chairman Joe Barr was joined by members he said had been arrested and released without charge, claiming that no evidence was put them during questioning.
The party said the increased police focus started days before last month’s 'New IRA' car bomb which exploded at Derry’s Bishop Street courthouse.
Saoradh is supported by New IRA prisoners in Maghaberry and Portlaoise prisons.
Mr Barr said there has also been an increase in PSNI “stop and search” operations against members.
DUP assembly member Gary Middleton later said police must be operationally free to carry out their duties as they believe necessary.
“I don’t know the details of these cases but if these people believe they are being targeted unfairly, they should report it to the Police Ombudsman."
