Fascist Thugs attack Solidarity protest.

An Ógra Shinn Féin protest in Dungannon was the target of fascist thugs at the weekend. South and East Tyrone Ógra Shinn Fein had organised a protest in solidarity with the 34 youth activists arrested in the Basque country in recent days. The protest had been ongoing for about 15 minutes when a number of males approached the protest. Shouting sectarian abuse and clearly intoxicated they proceeded to hurl sectarian abuse at the Ógra members.

When the members of Ógra continued with the protest they were attacked physically by the thugs. One member of the gang, as well as sporting a BNP Badge had a polo shirt with the loyalist paramilitary crest emblazoned on it. After assaulting a number of Ógra members the they left the scene.

Members of the PSNI had also arrived on the scene following a call from a member of the public. When they arrived the proceeded to take the details of the Ógra members gathered and searched one member under the prevention of terrorism act. By this time members of the gang which attacked Ógra were seen openly conversing with members of the PSNI near by.


A spokesperson from South and East Tyrone Ógra said:

“We had gathered in solidarity with Basque young people who were arrested in recent days for undertaking peaceful political activity. These arrests were part of a partisan political offensive on the pro independence movement in the Basque country. This concerted offensive against the particularly the youth movement must end.

“Whilst stating our opposition to these arrests, we, ourselves became the targets of a unwarranted assault. The thugs who attacked the protest on Saturday have shown their true colours. Sectarian bigots like we experienced have nothing to offer society.

“It is also unacceptable the when the PSNI arrived on the scene than rather than arrest those responsible they actually engaged in casual conversation with the culprits. Whilst this was ongoing members of Ógra were having their details taken and one of our members was being searched under the ‘prevention of terrorism’ act. The disparity between the treatment of these fascist thugs and the Ógra members is extraordinary. These actions will not go without comment and there are a number of our members preparing cases for the ombudsman’s office and have already been in touch with our elected representatives sitting on the local DPP.'

“Such behaviour as we have witnessed over the weekend indicate that there are still people who are opposed to change, including members of the PSNI. Their reaction was complete over kill. The fact that the culprits of the assault were allowed to go about their normal business without being apprehended was unacceptable.'

“This assault with not deter South or East Tyrone Ógra from organising such actions in Dungannon or anywhere else in the future. We will undertake actions in a manner, subject and location of our choosing. We will not be intimidated off the streets.'