22 April 1999 Edition
Newtownbutler show trial
Defence lawyers for 18 nationalists charged after they were beaten off the road by the RUC to clear the way for a Royal Black Preceptory `parade' in Newtownbutler in August 1997, have filed a number of submissions to have the case dismissed.
The show trial has been dogged by slick tactics by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Initially, the DPP altered the charges against the 18 in order to ensure easier convictions. The DPP also gave defence lawyers doctored video evidence that was 10 minutes shorter than the version the DPP was using.
Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry McHugh said the trial was an example of the full force of Orange law being brought to bear for specific political ends, namely the intimidation of Catholics and nationalists and the suppression of their rights to live free from sectarian harassment and to mount peaceful protests.
At a protest outside the Enniskillen courthouse where the trial is being held, Thomas O'Reilly, spokesperson for the Newtownbutler and Area Residents' Association (NARA), said there was outrage that the cases had even been brought. The protest was also to highlight the lack of progress at finding a solution to the marching crisis.
O'Reilly added that NARA did not hold out for a solution, let alone dialogue after the Orange Order returned unopened their latest letter requesting a meeting.
He said: ``We have sent three registered letters, one a month, to the Orange Order Grand Master, George Johnston, but while he took the first two he refused the letter sent in March.''
The show trial has been dogged by slick tactics by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Initially, the DPP altered the charges against the 18 in order to ensure easier convictions. The DPP also gave defence lawyers doctored video evidence that was 10 minutes shorter than the version the DPP was using.
Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry McHugh said the trial was an example of the full force of Orange law being brought to bear for specific political ends, namely the intimidation of Catholics and nationalists and the suppression of their rights to live free from sectarian harassment and to mount peaceful protests.
At a protest outside the Enniskillen courthouse where the trial is being held, Thomas O'Reilly, spokesperson for the Newtownbutler and Area Residents' Association (NARA), said there was outrage that the cases had even been brought. The protest was also to highlight the lack of progress at finding a solution to the marching crisis.
O'Reilly added that NARA did not hold out for a solution, let alone dialogue after the Orange Order returned unopened their latest letter requesting a meeting.
He said: ``We have sent three registered letters, one a month, to the Orange Order Grand Master, George Johnston, but while he took the first two he refused the letter sent in March.''