Cllr. O'Hara - Police overreaction to Belfast Gaza peaceful protest slammed

Sinn Féin Lisburn Councillor Charlene O'Hara has criticised the PSNI for misreading the mood of today's protest in Belfast to highlight the ongoing situation in Gaza. This follows complaints that the PSNI, being dressed in riot gear, was an overreaction to a peaceful protest.

Speaking today Cllr O'Hara said:

"Thousands of people turned out today in Belfast and across the world to highlights their opposition to the ongoing situation in Gaza.

"To have the PSNI, dressed riot gear along Royal Avenue and Donegal Place, but in particular outside firms such as Gap and Marks and Spencer's that are companies listed on the Boycott Israeli Goods list, is a massive overreaction to what was always a peaceful protest regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza.

"People from all sections of the community heard speeches from Sinn Féin's Lord Mayor Tom Hartley, Trade Union representatives and Church leaders. Is this the type of protest that justifies the PSNI to react in such a fashion? I think any sensible person would say definitely not."