A leading loyalist was freed from jail in Northern Ireland today amid fears his release could reignite the feud within the Ulster Defence Association.
Andre Shoukri was freed from Maghaberry top security prison in Co Antrim after serving a two-year sentence for the possession of a firearm without a licence.
The leading north Belfast loyalist, who was arrested at the height of the last loyalist feud, claimed during his trial he had got the gun as protection after being told rival Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair was going to "take him out".
A six-year sentence for possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances was quashed on appeal last November, but Shoukri was told the concurrent two-year sentence stood.
Adair remains in Maghaberry for another year, but fears of a fresh feud between rival UDA factions were raised after a gun attack on the home of Adair's nephew, Mr Mark Adair, in north Belfast earlier this week.
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde yesterday speculated that the attack could be linked to the release of Shoukri, but said it was too early to say.
Shoukri made no comment about the feud on his release but said he fully supported the peace process.