Irish Republican News · February 1, 2010

Anger as children searched by PSNI

A protest has taken place in Derry after two children were subjected to a body search by the PSNI on Wednesday.

The incident took place in the week after the ‘section 44’ stop and search powers used by the PSNI were deemed illegal by the European court of Human Rights.

After carrying out a search on a local republican on Wednesday morning, and finding nothing, the PSNI proceeded to remove the children from his vehicle. The children, 10 and 15 years of age, were spreadeagled against the car before the PSNI performed a body search on them and searched their schoolbags.

Local Republicans from the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, Republican Network for Unity and IRSP together with independent republicans participated in a hastily arranged protest outside the Strand Road PSNI barracks on Wednesday afternoon.

The RNU has cited the incident as an example of the contradictory nature of the talks at Hillsborough Castle for Sinn Fein.

“We challenge Republicans to look at how much has been given up to achieve so little,” spokesman Danny McBrearty said in a statement.

“A watered down Stormont ministry, like the structures of constabulary boards and partnerships erected has not made the British constabulary accountable but merely made Sinn Fein accomplices in imposing British rule and law.

“The European Court has recently condemned the use of Section 44 searches as a repressive violation of rights.

“Republicans, their families and children continue to be victimized by these searches while the timid scripted questions at board meetings are dismissed by the British constabulary chief and touted by the British as a visible show of Irish endorsement for such repression.

“Behind the cosmetic facade and charade the British have imposed 28 day mini-internment, used release on license as a license to lock-up at will in the case of Terry McCafferty, continued Diplock courts, and constructed a supergrass wing at Maghaberry, and fired CS gas and plastic bullets. No doubt many Republicans will witness such measures first hand if Orange marches are facilitated in their streets.

“Will Sinn Fein continue to be part of this charade? ”

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