We must move to ban plastic bullets – Lasair Dhearg
Recent days have seen Unionist political rhetoric play out on our streets with sectarian incursions of violent loyalists into nationalist areas.
Ciarán O’Brien, Lasair Dhearg spokesperson said, “Last night, the gates at Belfast’s Lanark Way were breached, allowing a loyalist mob with missiles, petrol bombs and other explosive devices, access to nearby homes and gathered onlookers.”
“As young loyalists were manipulated and cheered on by older members of their community, sections of those gathered on the nationalist Springfield Road held them at bay.”
“Throughout the evening and into the early hours, Lasair Dhearg members have been on the ground at a number of interfaces across Belfast. We have observed the unchecked masses of youths gathering in an exchange of missiles and, more worryingly, we have observed the deployment of deadly plastic baton rounds to members of the PSNI. Footage shows that these adapted grenade launchers, known to be deadly life-taking weapons, have been issued, armed, and aimed by the PSNI at gathering crowds locally.”
“Whatever your opinion on those crowds of rioters on either side of the dividing walls, the use of these deadly weapons increases the likelihood of loss of life and we reiterate the call that has been made over many years; that these weapons be immediately banned and removed from our streets to prevent any unnecessary deaths. Many lives have been lost as a result of the use of plastic bullets.”
“Government parties such as the DUP and Sinn Féin have had many years to ban these weapons but instead, the PSNI have amassed significant stores. The continued passivity of Sinn Féin and the DUP on this issue is tantamount to support of their continued use.”
“We must move to ban plastic bullets without delay. “
