Conflicts: Opponents block disputed Orange parade in Northern Ireland
The Protestant Orange Order was due to march through a Catholic part of Portadown in Northern Ireland. But opponents are blocking the contentious march. Is a political crisis brewing?
A confrontation is ongoing in Portadown, a mostly Catholic area of Northern Ireland, between members of the Protestant Orange Order and counter-protesters. Hundreds of counter-protesters, including senior members of Sinn Féin such as Michelle O'Neill, the region's leader, have blocked the parade route, preventing the march from starting.
The parade, which was permitted by authorities for the first time since the 1990s, features 35 participants but no bands or supporters. British Northern Ireland minister Chris Bryant will return to Belfast earlier than planned to speak with politicians from both sides. O'Neill has called for calm on all sides while supporting the residents' right to protest against the march.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
