Mr Campbell said,
“Yesterday I heard a police interview where they confirmed they had advance knowledge of this illegal event and their explanations of their inactivity. I outrightly condemn those who are still wedded to terror but the idea that police officers feel there is a “requirement” or “need” to facilitate such people is outrageous and unacceptable.
I am deeply concerned by this flawed approach to policing. I appreciate the concerns about not jeopardising the safety of police officers where weapons are on display but why was there no evidence gathering?
Not just in Londonderry but across Northern Ireland people are sick and tired of the police coming down hard and with numbers on people who don’t wear a balaclava or carry guns, yet it appears, at several republican events, police go out of their way to facilitate them.
The DUP wants the Chief Constable to spell out what his officers mean when they say they have a role in facilitating such commemorations as took place at the weekend. We will also be exploring this matter with the Police Ombudsman and the Policing Board.”
