25 November 1999 Edition

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Sectarian abuse of Catholic soldier

A Catholic man serving in the Royal Irish Regiment has made a complaint to the British Army about a litany of sectarian abuse he suffered at the hands of members of the regiment, which, he says, has been infiltrated by loyalist death squads.

The British Army has confirmed that it is investigating the allegations made by the soldier serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

The 24-year-old from Ballymoney, County Antrim, explained to the English newspaper ``The Northern Echo'' that he was first attacked two years ago by other members of his regiment, who wrapped him in a King Billy flag and punched him and kicked him before they made him take the Orange Order Oath of allegiance to renounce his religion.

He said: ``Everywhere I went I saw members wearing sweatshirts displaying slogans of the banned Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Volunteer Force, and there were paramilitary posters on the walls.''

This forced the British Army to invoke a standing order in England which is normally only enforced when troops are garrisoned in the Six Counties. The standing order bans the displaying of intimidating paramilitary paraphernalia.

``I have a strong suspicion that some people in the regiment are members of illegal paramilitary organisations,'' said the man.

The soldier is now on sick leave. He says he is suffering from stress and has been suicidal and that he is considering taking legal action against the British Army for religious and racist discrimination.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland