Human rights group condemns threats against Catholics

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission condemned the threats against Catholics working in schools.

They praised the efforts made in the past 30 years of those working in north Belfast’s schools and said the threat must be retracted immediately.

‘‘When representatives of the Commission visited north Belfast at the end of last week they were hopeful that the rioting of recent days was about to cease and that life there would soon return to normal - or as normal as it can be in that area.

‘‘Little did they know that things were about to get worse through the issuing of death threats,’’ said a spokesman.

The sectarian murder of postal worker Daniel McColgan, whether connected to the dispute in north Belfast or not, was ‘‘absolutely disgusting’’, he added.

Nationalist politicians also condemned overnight arson attacks on Catholic schools.

Patricia Lewsley, SDLP Assembly member for Lagan Valley, said the burning of a mobile classroom at St Patrick’s High School in Lisburn was ‘‘a deplorable attack’’.

And Sinn Fein’s Stephen Long described the attack on St Brides Catholic school as ‘‘completely reprehensible’’. Those responsible were clearly intent on stirring up sectarian tensions, he said.

‘‘The attacks on schools in this area, and schoolchildren in other areas, are singling out some of the most vulnerable elements in our society.

‘‘Those who would carry out such attacks are the enemies of peace.’’