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08/04/2008
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
A court heard this week that the UDA planned to announce "that they will never disband" - bizarrely to the sounds of Bon Jovi's well-known 'Blaze of Glory' track.
The claim was made as six alleged supporters, including well known loyalist Ihab Shoukri, went on trial before a non-jury Diplock court.
The UDA's boast to "remain forever" was found on a speech, allegedly in 34-year-old Shoukri's handwriting, while the Bon Jovi soundtrack from the film, Young Guns II, was found on a video of an earlier UDA show of strength.
Belfast Crown Court heard that the six men were arrested when police stormed a dress rehearsal for another stage-managed propaganda stunt by the UDA in the Alexander Bar on Belfast's York Road in March 2006.
The men including Shoukri, from Westland Drive, Belfast deny charges ranging from UDA membership to supporting the loyalist terror group.
Prosecuting QC Charles Adair said it was the Crown case that the men were attending a dress rehearsal for a UDA show of strength to be given before an audience of over 200 ticket-paying supporters.
During the publicity stunt plaques were even to be handed out to several people who the UDA planned to honour at the meeting.
The lawyer said that among those arrested was Shoukri, who later claimed he was "only having a pint".
However, police found the speech in the jeans pocket of one of the other accused, 36-year-old Gary McKenzie, from Clare Heights, Belfast. The trial continues.
(BMcC)
A court heard this week that the UDA planned to announce "that they will never disband" - bizarrely to the sounds of Bon Jovi's well-known 'Blaze of Glory' track.
The claim was made as six alleged supporters, including well known loyalist Ihab Shoukri, went on trial before a non-jury Diplock court.
The UDA's boast to "remain forever" was found on a speech, allegedly in 34-year-old Shoukri's handwriting, while the Bon Jovi soundtrack from the film, Young Guns II, was found on a video of an earlier UDA show of strength.
Belfast Crown Court heard that the six men were arrested when police stormed a dress rehearsal for another stage-managed propaganda stunt by the UDA in the Alexander Bar on Belfast's York Road in March 2006.
The men including Shoukri, from Westland Drive, Belfast deny charges ranging from UDA membership to supporting the loyalist terror group.
Prosecuting QC Charles Adair said it was the Crown case that the men were attending a dress rehearsal for a UDA show of strength to be given before an audience of over 200 ticket-paying supporters.
During the publicity stunt plaques were even to be handed out to several people who the UDA planned to honour at the meeting.
The lawyer said that among those arrested was Shoukri, who later claimed he was "only having a pint".
However, police found the speech in the jeans pocket of one of the other accused, 36-year-old Gary McKenzie, from Clare Heights, Belfast. The trial continues.
(BMcC)
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14 April 2005
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
09 June 2006
Shoukri cleared of paramilitary membership
North Belfast loyalist Ihab Shoukri, who was accused of being a member of the UDA and UFF, has had his case thrown out of court. Belfast Crown Court Judge, Thomas Burgess, today said that there was not enough evidence to convict Shoukri.
Shoukri cleared of paramilitary membership
North Belfast loyalist Ihab Shoukri, who was accused of being a member of the UDA and UFF, has had his case thrown out of court. Belfast Crown Court Judge, Thomas Burgess, today said that there was not enough evidence to convict Shoukri.
07 March 2006
Court told UDA planning end to criminality
A court in Belfast has heard that a meeting at a Belfast bar raided by police last week was called to bring an end to UDA criminality. The claim came in evidence given as a Judge considered evidence in relation to police application to have prominent loyalist Ihab Shoukri's bail revoked.
Court told UDA planning end to criminality
A court in Belfast has heard that a meeting at a Belfast bar raided by police last week was called to bring an end to UDA criminality. The claim came in evidence given as a Judge considered evidence in relation to police application to have prominent loyalist Ihab Shoukri's bail revoked.
09 April 2008
Shoukri Pleads Guilty To Paramilitary Membership
A leading north Belfast loyalist who appeared in court today has pleaded guilty to being a member of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). Ihab Shoukri, 34, from Westland Drive, appeared at Belfast Crown Court today with five other men in relation to an arrest which had taken place at a bar in March 2006.
Shoukri Pleads Guilty To Paramilitary Membership
A leading north Belfast loyalist who appeared in court today has pleaded guilty to being a member of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). Ihab Shoukri, 34, from Westland Drive, appeared at Belfast Crown Court today with five other men in relation to an arrest which had taken place at a bar in March 2006.
05 July 2006
Leading loyalist refused bail
North Belfast loyalist, Ihab Shoukri, has been refused bail at Belfast High Court, after a judge said that he had received adequate evidence to prove that he was a leading member of the Ulster Defence Association. Ihab Shoukri, 32, was arrested last week in connection with a police investigation into serious crime.
Leading loyalist refused bail
North Belfast loyalist, Ihab Shoukri, has been refused bail at Belfast High Court, after a judge said that he had received adequate evidence to prove that he was a leading member of the Ulster Defence Association. Ihab Shoukri, 32, was arrested last week in connection with a police investigation into serious crime.
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