A Protestant Orange Order march is proceeding along the Catholic Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland, for the first time since 1997 following a late-night High Court ruling.
Key points
- The parade authorization was upheld during an unprecedented late-night High Court session in Belfast following a decision by the Parades Commission.
- Balaclava-wearing protesters gathered along the road on Sunday morning, with fireworks set off ahead of the scheduled start.
- Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald condemned the situation as madness and primitive treatment, calling for the Secretary of State and Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable to intervene.
- Crowds chanted slogans including bring Stormont down as the Orange Order departed from Drumcree.
Why it matters
The revival of the disputed march through a major Troubles-era flashpoint threatens political stability and peace process progress in Northern Ireland.
Comments
No comments yet.