Councillor Cleared of Illegal Demonstration Charge
A councillor accused of participating in an unlawful pro-Palestinian demonstration over two years ago has had the charge dismissed.
At Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, District Judge Conor Heaney ruled that Shaun Harkin had no case to answer following a protest at Ferryquay Street in Derry on 17 February 2024.
The judge noted that after a protest inside Foyleside shopping centre, a small group proceeded to a nearby Starbucks café, but he was satisfied this did not amount to a "procession" and therefore dismissed the charge against Harkin.
However, the judge stated that four other individuals accused of participating in a separate illegal pro-Palestinian parade do have a case to answer.
Police Warnings and Ongoing Cases
The four defendants are charged with taking part in an illegal procession on 14 February 2024.
At the conclusion of the prosecution's case, defence counsel contended that the case should be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, but the judge determined there was a case to answer.
In November, SDLP MP Colum Eastwood had a charge related to attending the same rally dropped after accepting a formal police reprimand.
In Northern Ireland, parade or procession organisers are required to provide 28 days' notice to the Parades Commission, the authority responsible for adjudicating contentious parades.
The case against the four defendants is scheduled to resume on 29 June.
