Write a commentSinn Fein Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has condemn those behind an attack on the Republican Plot in St Mary's Cemetery, Newry.
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At some point between 10 pm on Easter Sun and 8:00am on Easter Monday the flags flying above the republican plot were cut down and stolen.
The national flag and the four provincial flags were taken.
Mickey Brady, who addressed a huge crowd at the republican plot on Easter Sunday said it was a disgusting act of vandalism.
"While any attack on a grave is a despicable act it is particularly hard to comprehend the mentality of anyone who would vandalise the graves of our patriot dead during Easter," he said.
"This is an affront first and foremost to the families of those whose names are on the Republican Plot and we must never forget that behind the parades and the speeches there are families across Ireland still missing husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.
"This is also an affront to republicans in general and to Newry as a whole, given that those who lie in the plot sacrificed so much for this city and its people.
"I would appeal to anyone with information about the stolen flags to get in contact with Sinn Fein but I would also appeal to the conscience of those behind this act to return them and ask that whatever our political beliefs, we all show a little more respect for each others' graves."
Sinn Fein councillor Charlie Casey expressed his disgust at the attack.
"Is there anything more despicable or cowardly than attacking a grave?" he asked.
"The people who lie in this grave were not only Irish republican soldiers, they were the friends and family of many of the people who attended Sunday's parade so this has obviously caused a lot of hurt and upset.
"I would ask anyone with information about the whereabouts of the flags to get in touch with us. A number of youths were seen with flags in the Mourne View Park area on Sunday night but this may not be related."
