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.''
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