Young people targeted
RUC harassment of young nationalists across the Six Counties has
risen dramatically during the last number of weeks. Both Sinn
Féin Youth activists and ordinary nationalist youth have been
targeted.
On 2 September several young people from Ardoyne in North Belfast
claim that both the RUC and British Army threw stones and bottles
from the inside of landrovers.
On 20 September British paratroopers stationed at the Old Park
Barracks physically assaulted four youths aged 15, 16, 14, and
15, and made derogatory remarks about their families.
On 3 October a North Belfast youth was hospitalised after being
hit on the head with a rock which had been thrown from a British
army landrover. This was followed by three days of constant petty
harassment from the 6th to the 8th as youths were stopped and
threatened with legal action for jay walking.
On 10 October a young nationalist was badly beaten by the RUC as
he left a city centre bar. The man left the bar and was waiting
for a taxi when he was attacked by several RUC men. He was
subsequently brought to Grosvenor Road barracks and charged with
disorderly behaviour. The 20 year old received stitches to his
head in the Royal Victoria Hospital several hours later, and is
currently seeking legal action.
Reports have also been received by An Phoblacht that British army
soldiers stationed in North Belfast continually provoke young
people coming from youth clubs with verbal harassment and waving
of Union Jacks.
Sinn Féin Youth spokesperson Eoin O'Broin told An Phoblacht that
``what seems to be developing is a pattern whereby young people
are being constantly harassed and provoked by members of both the
RUC and British army. The situation is particularly bad in North
Belfast, where in Ardoyne and Old Park this is a nightly
occurrence. Why at a time when we are all working so hard to
build the peace process and resolve this conflict are crown
forces intent on provoking our young people. It should stop
immediately.''
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)