THE POLICE Service of Northern Ireland says it has “serious doubts” about accusations of ill-treatment made against officers by families of Derry supporters of so-called dissident republican groups.
A Derry priest said yesterday he was shocked by claims of harassment against the police following a private meeting with the families.
Fr Paddy O’Kane met dissident republican supporters in Rosemount in the city to hear complaints about PSNI officers. This followed his denunciation of dissident violence in Derry, including the bombing of Strand Road police barracks last month, and Kieran Doherty’s murder in February.
The Holy Family parish priest said he had heard “harrowing stories” from people who were “angry and afraid”.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement, which is aligned with the Real IRA, said Fr O’Kane had heard accounts from “family members and children of local republicans who have been singled out for special attention by the RUC resulting in a campaign of harassment, intimidation and brutality”.
Fr O’Kane said he heard accounts from young people who had a strong sense of grievance: “If that is what is happening, we are going to have another generation of bitter young people who will feel that the only way they have forward is through violence, and history will repeat itself again.”
The PSNI said it had serious doubts about the accusations. Derry’s PSNI area commander, acting Chief Insp Jon Burrows said: “Let’s cast our minds back 12 years ago to the Omagh bomb. We are out trying to disrupt people who would bring bombs on to our streets, and they are still doing it.”
The families’ claims and Fr O’Kane’s remarks were “a cause for concern”, Sinn Féin’s Martina Anderson said.
The Foyle Assembly member said: “As a member of the policing board and Sinn Féin equality and human rights spokesperson, comments from Fr Paddy O’Kane following his meeting in Rosemount – that he felt harrowed by the details of harassment from families related to dissident republicans – raises serious concerns.”
She said: “I am available and willing to meet with these families to listen to their complaints and to follow up on any abuses that are identified, and I will ensure that any police officer guilty of any offence is brought to book.”