DERRY – Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police during this year’s commemoration of the Easter Rising of the patriotic people in Ireland.
Already in the run-up the activists were restricted by the state and forbidden to wear “paramilitary clothing” during the event. In addition, an attempt was made to ban today’s demonstration, for which, however, the legal basis was lacking. Nevertheless, a number of conditions were imposed on the commemorative parade. These include the prohibition of displaying symbols or banners referring to banned organizations. The parade was planned by the National Republican Commemoration Committee.
The commemorative parade, in which thousands of participants took part, moved to the local city cemetery to commemorate the fallen of the uprising. As the crowd left the city cemetery, police began attacking the parade to arrest demonstrators. The activists reacted and clashes broke out. During the clashes, police vehicles were pelted with Molotovs, after which the police withdrew.
The police were then attacked by youth who hurled missiles and Molotovs at the police vehicles, hitting several PSNI Landrovers. Eyewitnesses reported that the police left the area when they were attacked with the Molotovs.
However, a number of people were arrested and taken to Strand Road police station for investigation and questioning.
The annual memorial parade is held to commemorate the Easter Monday Uprising, April 24-29, 1916. During the uprising, the “Irish Volunteers and groups of the “Irish Citizen Army” captured various buildings in Dublin and proclaimed the independent Irish Republic. This armed uprising is considered a turning point on the road to Irish independence and was met with massive repression by the British occupiers. The British forces then executed 15 leaders of the uprising.
