Northern Ireland

Loyalist group offers to meet east Belfast women about intimidation claims

Women march in east Belfast following the murder of Ian Ogle near his home in Cluan Place in January. Picture by Ann McManus.
Women march in east Belfast following the murder of Ian Ogle near his home in Cluan Place in January. Picture by Ann McManus. Women march in east Belfast following the murder of Ian Ogle near his home in Cluan Place in January. Picture by Ann McManus.

A loyalist group, considered close to the thinking of the UVF, has offered to meet women from east Belfast to address claims of ongoing intimidation by the paramilitary organisation.

On Sunday around 100 women marched in the area in protest against loyalist intimidation.

The daughter of murdered loyalist Ian Ogle, Toni Johnston, spoke at a rally, calling on the crowd to "take a stand against these thugs, look after each other and take east Belfast back".

Mr Ogle was stabbed to death close to his Cluan Place home in January. To date two people have been charged in connection with the murder of the 45-year-old.

In a statement to The Irish News, a spokesperson for the East Belfast Community Initiative (EBCI) offered to meet a delegation of women to address their concerns.

"The barbaric attack on Ian Ogle was unjustifiable, reprehensible and undermined much of the positive transitional work taking place," it said.

"As a conflict transformation group we are determined to ensure the trajectory of loyalism in east Belfast is towards positive transformation.

"We would ask the women who are claiming they are being intimidated to firstly take their concerns to the PSNI, but beyond that we would like to extend an offer to meet with them - in the presence of a minister or independent witness of their choice - in order that we can reassure them of our commitment to building a society free from all forms of criminal activity and respect for the rule of law."

Ian Ogle's daughter Toni pictured at the rally. Picture by Ann McManus
Ian Ogle's daughter Toni pictured at the rally. Picture by Ann McManus Ian Ogle's daughter Toni pictured at the rally. Picture by Ann McManus
Murder victim Ian Ogle
Murder victim Ian Ogle Murder victim Ian Ogle