Children Abused And Detained As Home Raids Continue in Armagh.

Statement from John Heaney, Republican Network for Unity spokesperson, Armagh City.

“From the beginning of this month there has been a series of RUC/PSNI raids on homes in Armagh City. Those targeted have been members of the Republican Network for Unity, Republican Sinn Fein and individual republicans sharing the common view of their opposition to the Good Friday Agreement.

These raids continued from last night when a number of homes in the Drumarg estate had their doors kicked in by the Special Support Group of the RUC/PSNI based in Mahon Road Portadown. During one of these a 10 year old boy was physically pushed and forced into the hall of his home as he went to see what was happening to his Mother.

Neither were permitted to leave, even when the boys Grandmother arrived and sought to take him to her home in order to calm and reassure him. This morning my own home was forcibly entered when I was out. Upon hearing that this raid was taking place I went back home to ensure that I was present as the search teams went through my belongings. I made it clear to that I was the occupant and wished to enter my home. Entrance was refused as I was physically removed from the doorway under threat of arrest.

At present two raids on homes in the Irish Street / Culdee area have began. In one of the homes a young mother initially had been refused access to her baby’s cereal and nappies which then were searched through before allowing her to tend to her child’s need. Residents of the areas affected are angry with the manner, attitude and actions of this, the ‘acceptable face of policing’ operating in their community.

They are also disappointed by both the silence and the absence on the ground of their elected representatives as these home invasions and abuses of men, women and children are taking place. Most telling was when asked last evening as to what his party was doing or going to say about the raids a provisional Sinn Féin representative said “This has nothing to do with our party”.

The Republican Network for Unity accuses the RUC/PSNI of acting at the behest, and silent collaboration, of their masters at Stormont by employing thuggish tactics to try and suppress Republican opposition. We call for an end to the raids and their immediate withdrawal to barracks.”

Statement ends.