Sinn Féin raise Castlederg PSNI actions with NIO-want Nuala O’Loan to investigate

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has written to the police Ombudsman Naula o’ Loan seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the relentless campaign of victimisation being carried out by the PSNI against the nationalist community in Castlederg area and in particular the campaign being waged against young male nationalists in the area.

And in another development, Sinn Féin Policing Spokesperson Gerry Kelly, together with party MLA Raymond Mc Cartney, further raised the actions of Castlederg PSNI with NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins at a meeting yesterday.

The local MP said,
“This systematic and ongoing campaign has seen unprecedented numbers of young nationalists from this area being arrested and dragged before the courts. For example, the number of local nationalists finding themselves in this position is shockingly out of all proportion compared to the demographic make up of the area, and this statistic alone shows highlights that there is something rotten going on .

“In December 2005, hundreds of local nationalists were forced to protest outside Castlederg PSNI barracks such was the anger about the overtly partisan nature of policing in the area. However, since that time the situation has got progressively worse.

“While the spotlight needs to be shone on the partisan policing activities of the entire PSNI garrison in Castlederg, local people are in no doubt that this campaign is being primarily spearheaded by an infamous PSNI Sergeant who is stationed at Castlederg PSNI Barracks.

“Sinn Féin is now pursuing the actions of the PSNI in Castlederg with both NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins and Nuala O’ Loan and if the Police Ombudsman accedes to a meeting, I will be requesting that she initiates an investigation into not only this named PSNI Sergeant but also into the other Castlederg PSNI members who are also central to this clear campaign of victimisation and harassment against the nationalist community in Castlederg.