Konflikte: Gegner blockieren umstrittene Oranier-Parade in Nordirland
Der protestantische Oranier-Orden sollte in einem katholischen Teil von Portadown in Nordirland marschieren. Doch Gegner blockieren den umstrittenen Marsch. Bahnt sich eine politische Krise an?
In the Northern Irish city of Portadown, clashes continue between members of the Protestant Orangemen's Order and counter-demonstrators. The controversial parade, which authorities have allowed for the first time since the 1990s, has been blocked since the early hours. Despite heavy rain, hundreds of counter-demonstrators, according to BBC reports, have blocked the parade route since early morning.
The parade, which had 35 participants but no bands or supporters, could not proceed. A political crisis looms, with high-ranking Sinn Féin members, including Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, reportedly among the protesters. Gavin Robinson, leader of the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, strongly criticized Sinn Féin's participation in the demonstration.
Sinn Féin and DUP are both part of the Northern Irish unity government. British Northern Ireland Minister Chris Bryant stated he would return to Belfast earlier than planned to speak with politicians from both sides. Northern Ireland's First Minister O'Neill called for "calm on all sides" on X, but also said she supports the right of residents to protest against what she calls the "unwanted sectarian march."
The decision, confirmed by a court in the early hours, was preceded by intense controversy. Authorities had banned the parade in the Garvaghy Road since 1998. The Orangemen's Order was founded in 1795 as a fraternity dedicated to preserving monarchy and Protestantism in the small town of Portadown. Its members sought protection against attacks by Irish Catholics at the time.
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