TUV leader Jim Allister has written to the Chief Constable in the following terms:
Dear Chief Constable,
I note that at an event last Saturday masked men and others in paramilitary uniform took to the streets of Londonderry in broad daylight with weapons which are reported to be replicas, including an Armalite rifle, Kalashnikov, Dragunov sniper rifle and a stick grenade.
I am particularly alarmed by the suggestion that the PSNI was informed of the event in advance and that imitation firearms would be on display – including marking “some recent modern IRA operations in the area”.
I would be obliged if you could tell me exactly what the PSNI were told would take place at this event and why your officers did not seek to prevent a display which will doubtless have re-traumatised victims in Londonderry and beyond.
Glorification of terrorism is a criminal offence. Patently, that was what was intended and what happened. Yet the PSNI surrendered control of the streets for this celebration of terror!
That the PSNI should surrender the streets of Londonderry like this at any time is inexcusable. To know that an event of this nature was taking place and permit it to go ahead would be utterly outrageous and a gross insult to the many brave officers who paid with their lives during the IRA’s campaign of terror.
Your sincerely,
Jim Allister QC MLA