MEP wants BNP leader’s Euro Parliament immunity lifted over ‘Fenian bastards’ tweet

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

Immunity from prosecution cannot be lifted until there is a request from the Attorney General to the President of the European Parliament

NICK GRIFFIN MEP should have his European Parliament immunity from prosecution lifted so that he can be investigated by police for his weekend Twitter outburst in which the British National Party leader called critics in the North of Ireland “Fenian bastards”, Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said today.

Griffin’s rant came after his appearance at Saturday’s Ulster Covenant commemoration in Belfast.

In response to criticism on Twitter from nationalists of his presence at the event, Griffin tweeted back:

“So Ulster pics have upset my republican stalkers. Tell you what, the bodhran can’t match the lambeg, you Fenian bastards.”

Martina Anderson said today:

“The immunity is intended to protect the freedom of expression of MEPs. However, it should not cover hate-speech.

“As an MEP I am calling for his immunity against prosecution to be lifted by the European Parliament.”

Martina Anderson said immunity from prosecution cannot be lifted until there is a request from the Attorney General to the President of the European Parliament, who then refers the matter to the Committee on Legal Affairs. She added:

“This should act as an incentive for the PSNI to pursue prosecution and I have been in contact with the PSNI regarding Nick Griffin’s inflammatory comments.”