The mural which also highlights the continuation of Internment took 2 weeks to complete was erected by local Republicans.
There was initially a " FREE COLIN DUFFY" slogan on the fence, this was painted the night Colin was charged, sadly this was removed 2 weeks ago by unknown individuals.
Local Republicans then came up with the idea to paint a proper mural and this is the result
COLIN'S FAMILY ISSUE STATEMENT THANKING LOCAL REPUBLICANS
ReplyDelete"Colin's family would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this project. Newry Republicans have a long and distinguished history in their opposition to British rule in the Six Counties. Not only have those who erected this mural highlighted Colin's case but it is also a clear message that the present day form of internment by remand needs to be opposed.
As a result of this initiative by Republicans in Newry Colin's family call on Republicans in other areas to visibly highlight the plight of Republican prisoners throughout the Six Counties.
Colin's family intend to launch a high visibility campaign across the Six Counties over the coming weeks. Anyone wishing to assist in this campaign please contact the family directly or by clicking on the following link: Contact Us"
http://friendsofcolinduffy.com/newrymural.aspx
Last saturday there was a small commemoration in the Derrybeg area organised by Provisional Sinn Fein. In the weeks leading up to the commemoration PSF made it known to people that they were not happy with the mural and the location of it.
ReplyDeleteOn the day of the commemoration 2 cars were parked directly in front of the mural by 2 shinners, these people were not from the area (very few people at the commemoration were from the area), the 2 cars were in place at roughly 6pm, the commemoration was not due to arrive until 7pm, these cars were clearly put there to hold the "parking space"
At 6.15pm a 30ft bus, which was empty, parked 20-30 yards away from the mural with the engine running. When the commemoration entered the street at roughly 7pm one of the stewards approached the shinners holding the space in the parked cars and directed them to move down so the bus could take its position.
The bus driver was challenged by local Republicans and was asked who told him to park in front of the mural, the bus driver pointed towards the steward and said "he told me to block it".
The local people then challenged the steward as to why they were blocking the mural from peoples view and his reply was "ah well, what do ye do".
It's sad that PSF view a political prisoner as a threat. They decided to keep the mural from peoples view.
The mural was not put there because of the small gathering, in fact there was origanally a slogan on the exact same spot last march.
Local people have been talking about this incident since saturday and are refering to it as "busgate"