TUV meets Chief Constable
11 March 2013
Tough Talking meeting with Chief Constable
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“I had a straight-talking meeting this evening with the Chief Constable and ACC Kerr.
“I warned the Chief Constable that the present partiality in policing is risking an irreversible disconnect between the PSNI and a significant section of the unionist community. In demonstrating the partiality I focused strongly on the police approach to bail, contrasting the ‘no objection’ stance when Sean Hughes appeared on terrorist charges and the strenuous objection, on ludicrous grounds, when IRA victim, William Frazer, with no record, appeared on petty sessions charges. In particular, I challenged how in a democracy the PSNI could have the audacity to frame a bail objection on the basis that the accused, if released, might talk to the press! I enquired if the Chief Constable would like to arrest me on that basis?
“I further challenged the police requesting a bail restriction in the Dowson case, prohibiting family members, who are not charged with anything, from using any communication device. This is a flagrant ultra vires condition, which demonstrates a clear disregard for basic human rights.
“I charged the Chief Constable with pursuing a deliberate policy to behead the protests by contriving objections to bail to take perceived leaders off the streets. I further strongly put it to him that the police was engaged in a policy of harassment of those wishing to lawfully attend the peaceful City Hall Saturday protests, by citing incidents when a man at a bus stop on Saturday was questioned where he was going, when a 14 year old was threatened with arrest if he carried a small hand flag, where on the Shankill Road protestors were told to walk on the footpath in groups of three and then stopped anyhow further down the road, all with the intent of impeding the right to peaceful protest at the City Hall.
“I challenged why a totally peaceful assembly at the City Hall on Saturday was nonetheless videoed for its total duration in an obvious attempt to intimidate those present and discouraging them from attending again. I advised the Chief Constable I was advising those present to write to him enquiring under the Data Protection Act what material had been so gathered on them and why and how much of it was being retained.
“I further dealt with multiple republican demonstrations which were unpoliced, including one no later than last Friday night in Coalisland.
“I’m afraid the answers were few and far between, but at least the Chief Constable was left in no doubt about the anger over the reality – not the mere perception – of partiality in policing.
“The Chief Constable needs to face up to how he has driven loyalist/PSNI relations to a new low and act now by desisting from such a biased approach to bail and parades, where policing tactics seem to be dictated by the political connotations.
“I do not condone, rather I abhor violence and accept law breakers on an even-handed basis should be pursued, but what we’ve seen in recent times is political policing of a most destabilising nature. As we head into the difficult summer months the Chief Constable has much ground to recover.”
