A whole in the front door of a Saoradh activist’s home in Creggan which was cut open by police with a stihl saw
SINN Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney led a party delegation which included Elisha McCallion MP and Karen Mullan MLA met with the PSNI over house searches and arrest operations in Derry this week.
A number of properties were searched, including one in Creggan yesterday.
During this operation police gained access to the house used a stihl saw to cut through the door.
The offices of Saoradh in Junior McDaid House in Chamberlain Street were also searched.
Saoradh condemned the searches said it came after Sinn Fein’s Raymond McCartney had called for the multi agency Paramilitary Crime Task Force “to action on the ground”.
In a statement, Mr McCartney said: “Sinn Féin has long stated our view that core to effective policing, is Policing with the Community, it is also the cornerstone of increasing confidence and trust.
“Policing with the Community demands good leadership and proper judgement.
“In recent house searches and arrest operations, the ramrodding and cutting through front doors runs counter to this.
“People, and in particular children, are left traumatised.
“Leadership and judgement were lacking on these occasions.
“Questions arise as to in whose interest does this style of policing suit?
“At our meeting today, we told the PSNI that such an approach is unacceptable, that it will be challenged and left them in no doubt that it undermines confidence in policing,” he added.
Search carried out yesterday of Saoradh’s Derry head office in Junior McDaid House
