Derry IPSC to stage protest outside Derry courthouse over court appearances

The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign have reacted with outrage after several people who attended a pro-Palestinian event received court summons for participating in what authorities describe as an unnotified parade.

The charges stem from a demonstration at the war memorial in Derry city centre in February 2024.

Among those due to appear in court is former SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood.

Derry IPSC spokesperson Catherine Hutton believes the legal action is solely designed to stifle peaceful protest: “On February 14th 2024 we organised a protest against the land invasion of Rafah by Israeli Occupation Forces.

"We joined millions of people worldwide to voice our dismay at the Western backed genocide in Gaza.

"As we gathered at the Derry War Memorial we heard passionate speeches from a broad cross section of political opinion all speaking in unison against the criminal actions of the Israeli state.

"After the demonstration we peacefully walked to the Guildhall from the War Memorial. This was spontaneous, a reaction to the anger and emotion of the crowd assembled, therefore could not have been notified. There had been no intention to march."

Ms Hutton continued: "The PSNI and the prosecution service have deemed this short walk from the War Memorial to the Guildhall an illegal parade.

"There were approximately 400 people at this demonstration yet only four have received papers to attend court in relation to this.

"It is our belief that those who are being taken to court have been singled out for political purposes.

"We will not allow a single person who attends our peaceful events to be criminalised. We all took part in the demonstration, so prosecute all of us, or none of us.

"All through this genocide we have carried out peaceful and respectful protests and, when we intend to march, we always notify the Parades Commission. So we find this attempt to prosecute our members to be a malicious and petty act which we will fight with all our combined strength.

"Across the UK under the Starmer regime we have seen an attempt to crack down on anti genocide protesters.

"The Derry IPSC send solidarity to all of those currently facing charges for standing up against Israeli apartheid.

"We send solidarity to the Mothers Against Genocide protesters who were attacked by Garda outside Leinster House.

"Vexatious prosecutions against anti war activists will not be tolerated.

"The prosecution service have a choice, drop all the charges against those you deem to have taken part on an illegal parade or charge all of us who were there and we will fight you through the court system.

"Resisting war crimes is a duty not a criminal offence. "“