Sinn Féin Youth in RUC protests
by Eoin O'Broin
Several hundred Sinn Féin Youth activists last weekend called for
the immediate disbandment of the RUC as they staged a series of
demonstrations outside RUC barracks in north and west Belfast.
The protests, which are the first of a number planned for the
coming months, brought together young people of all ages, as well
as veteran protestors, in a lively and colourful display of
resistance.
On Saturday 20 September, at the Springfield Road Barracks just
off the Falls Road, local youths gathered around 1pm. Displaying
banners calling fro the release of political prisoners and the
disbandment of the RUC, the crowd stood chanting ``SS RUC' for an
hour before dispersing. Approximately 10 RUC and British army
jeeps were stationed outside the station. Inside the RUC men
shouted verbal abuse at the protestors. One RUC man played the
sash from a portable tape player out of the sanger.
On Sunday 21 September, this time at North Queen Street Barracks,
a similar crowd gathered to have their voices heard. Whistles,
tricolours and banners brought a dash of colour to the usually
grey and monotonous barracks. As Sunday drivers and massgoers
passed by they honked their horns in support. Young children
climbed the height of the barracks' metal cage and placed
tricolours at the top, symbolically letting the RUC who really
owns the land on which the barracks was stationed.
Speaking after the protests Sinn Féin Youth activist Niall
O'Murchu said that the aim of the demonstrations ``was to remind
the RUC that they are not wanted and will not be tolerated in our
communities. For too long we have suffered harassment, collusion
and murder, and we want it to stop.'' He said that more protests
are being planned for Belfast, ``so watch out for details.''
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)