Judge to rule on Orangeman's challenge of Drumcree march ban
Summary
A High Court judge is due to rule on a Portadown Orangeman’s challenge to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant’s decision to ban the Drumcree parade. Bryant acted on security advice from PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, after police said facilitating the procession would require a disproportionate intervention and pose risks of serious injury and disorder.Key Facts
- The challenge names Sir Chris Bryant and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher as respondents.
- Mr Justice Scoffield said he would deliver his ruling on Wednesday morning.
- The chief constable told Bryant that lawful and proportionate options to facilitate the procession had been exhausted.
- The court heard that dissidents may have mounted gun attacks on police if officers had cleared a route for the parade.
- The Parades Commission initially barred the march, then allowed it to proceed on 27 September with restrictions after a court overturned its original decision.
- Up to 1,000 people blocked the Garvaghy Road on 27 September, preventing the march from proceeding.
- The ensuing stand-off between protesters and the Orange Order and its supporters lasted almost two weeks.
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