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04/07/2016
Flags Stolen From Orange Hall In Co L'Derry
Two flags have been stolen from an Orange Hall near Magherafelt in Co L'Derry.
Police are treating the attack at Ballyneal Orange Hall as a hate crime.
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning, 02 July.
The Union and Somme remembrance flags were only put up hours before they were stolen.
A total of 13 halls have been targeted so far this year.
An Orange Order spokesman condemned the attack.
He said: "Due to its rural and isolated location, Ballyneal hall would be regarded as an easy target for the intolerant culprits wishing to engage in such low life criminality. Nonetheless, this does not excuse their misdemeanours under the cover of darkness.
"Any form of disrespect for the Union flag is appalling and must be condemned. However, it is abhorrent that a flag commemorating the centenary of Battle of the Somme, recognising the loss of all who paid the supreme sacrifice - regardless of background, colour or creed - should be treated with such disdain. Those responsible ought to be utterly ashamed of their actions."
Mid Ulster Ulster Unionist MLA, Sandra Overend, said: "I am very disappointed to hear this news, I have been in contact with the Ballyneal Lodge and know that their members and the community in the area are hurt to find their flags have been taken down and that this intimidation is continuing. I totally condemn those responsible for this action, which is yet another hate crime against the Protestant community in this area.
"This incident unfortunately follows other attacks on Orange Halls recently, and indeed Ballyneal Orange Hall was the victim of an attempted arson attack in May.
"Obviously the Somme commemorations are very important this weekend and are for everyone in Northern Ireland and the UK. To me this attack shows a lack of understanding about the commemorations and all those who gave their lives in the Great War."
(CD)
Police are treating the attack at Ballyneal Orange Hall as a hate crime.
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning, 02 July.
The Union and Somme remembrance flags were only put up hours before they were stolen.
A total of 13 halls have been targeted so far this year.
An Orange Order spokesman condemned the attack.
He said: "Due to its rural and isolated location, Ballyneal hall would be regarded as an easy target for the intolerant culprits wishing to engage in such low life criminality. Nonetheless, this does not excuse their misdemeanours under the cover of darkness.
"Any form of disrespect for the Union flag is appalling and must be condemned. However, it is abhorrent that a flag commemorating the centenary of Battle of the Somme, recognising the loss of all who paid the supreme sacrifice - regardless of background, colour or creed - should be treated with such disdain. Those responsible ought to be utterly ashamed of their actions."
Mid Ulster Ulster Unionist MLA, Sandra Overend, said: "I am very disappointed to hear this news, I have been in contact with the Ballyneal Lodge and know that their members and the community in the area are hurt to find their flags have been taken down and that this intimidation is continuing. I totally condemn those responsible for this action, which is yet another hate crime against the Protestant community in this area.
"This incident unfortunately follows other attacks on Orange Halls recently, and indeed Ballyneal Orange Hall was the victim of an attempted arson attack in May.
"Obviously the Somme commemorations are very important this weekend and are for everyone in Northern Ireland and the UK. To me this attack shows a lack of understanding about the commemorations and all those who gave their lives in the Great War."
(CD)
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