4th April 2002

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PSNI arrest operation continues

Sinn Fein Assembly member for Foyle Mitchel McLaughlin has claimed that the PSNI Special Branch cover up into the raid on Castlereagh is now in full swing. Mr. McLaughlin's comments come after the arrest of two republicans in Derry this morning and the raiding of a number of homes and other premises.

Mr. McLaughlin said:

``This morning the PSNI assault on the nationalist and republican population in Derry and Belfast continued. Since last Saturday there have been numerous heavy handed raids and arrests. This operation continued this morning with the arrest of two republicans in Derry.

``We are also receiving information that the Guards have now joined this operation and are raiding a caravan in Donegal belonging to one of the men arrested.

``These actions are completely unacceptable and must end. They shown clearly that we do not have a new beginning to policing. The PSNI Special Branch cover up into the raid on Castlereagh is now in full swing. But people will not be fooled and republicans will not be scapegoated.''

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