Arabic version: زعيم DUP يدعم لوكهارت بعد حضورها الاحتجاج المثير للجدل
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson has defended MP Carla Lockhart following her attendance at a counter-demonstration against a Palestine solidarity march in Scarva. According to BBC News, Robinson stated it was “entirely appropriate” for DUP politicians to participate in the counter-protest, which has drawn significant criticism.
Lockhart was photographed standing alongside masked individuals during the protest, which sparked accusations from Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard that she acted as a “political shield for thugs.” Hazzard condemned Lockhart’s presence as unacceptable, asserting that it did not help to de-escalate tensions but rather intensified them.
In response to the backlash, Lockhart argued that her attendance was aimed at de-escalating a “very volatile situation” and protecting the community. She claimed that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had exacerbated the situation by blocking designated protest areas, forcing demonstrators into less controlled environments.
The PSNI acknowledged the situation, stating they implemented an “appropriate and proportionate policing operation” to maintain public safety. They also indicated that footage from the event would be reviewed for any potential violations of applicable regulations.
Robinson criticized the PSNI for their handling of the event and claimed that DUP representatives helped prevent the situation from escalating further. He also expressed disapproval of any intimidation directed towards journalists covering the protest, emphasizing the importance of allowing media to report freely.
The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organized the pro-Palestine march, described the counter-protest as “racist, xenophobic, and sectarian.” They claimed their event remained peaceful and dignified, contrasting sharply with the actions of the counter-demonstrators. The situation in Scarva has drawn widespread attention, highlighting ongoing political and social tensions in the region.
