Write a commentSaoradh held a wreath laying commemoration at the Republican plot in Newry on Easter Saturday despite their claim that "numerous armoured Crown Force vehicles surrounded the cemetery and kept those in attendance under constant surveillance"
Speaking after the event Saoradh National Executive member Stephen Murney said "In the days leading up to the annual event heavily armed members of the Crown Forces visited the homes of local Saoradh members in a vain attempt to deter them from honouring Ireland's dead.
"Prior to the event threatening letters were delivered to party members homes regarding parades legislation even though no procession or parades were organised.
"The day before the distribution of these letters Saoradh publicly announced on social media that they had changed the format of their event to a simple wreath laying ceremony. Someone in the intelligence department has clearly been left red in the face after failing to notice the change in format.
"They failed miserably in their efforts and the event went ahead as planned but not without local socialist republicans being harassed before, during and after the event."
Stephen added "The event in question was a poignant affair with participants simply gathering at the Republican plot. Numerous armoured Crown Force vehicles surrounded the cemetery and kept those in attendance under constant surveillance.
"Wreaths were laid on behalf of Saoradh, IRPWA and eistigi Republican Youth before proceedings were brought to an end. As Saoradh members, including young children, made their way home they again found themselves subjected to harassment by being stopped by aggressive patrols of British militiamen."
Murney concluded "Despite such acts of provocation and intimidation the Republican Movement ensured that Ireland's dead were honoured with dignity."
