Statement by TUV Court councillor Jolene Bunting:
“On Sunday 9th August I attended a protest to show my disgust that the Parades Commission had once again shown that they are unfit to make decisions regarding any parades.
“The Commission has caused huge community unrest in recent years and once again made a nonsensical decision to allow Republicans to march through our city centre past the point where an IRA bomb exploded killing two soldiers doing their job to keep civilians in Belfast safe.
“This was adding salt to the wounds of the victims of the IRA who had abuse hurled at them by parade participants last year – including reference to the Shankill bomb when nine innocent people were brutally murdered.
“The Parades Commission did however put time restraints on the parade. Police upheld the determination and stop the parade from going through the city centre an hour after its lawful time. The PSNI operation to stop the illegal parade was welcomed by all the protesters, many of whom were victims of the IRA.
“The protest in Royal Avenue was dignified and peaceful with a heavy police presence. Police worked well with community representatives on the ground. Those who worked to ensure a peaceful and well organised protest are to be commended.”