Police arrest anti-war protestors

Up to seven people were arrested today as anti-war protesters tried to block off Belfast city centre.

Police in riot gear moved in to clear demonstrators off the road as tensions heightened during summit talks on the conflict in Iraq between US President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Sinn Fein and rally organisers accused the officers of wading in too fast, claiming one of those arrested was blind.

But the Police Service of Northern Ireland insisted repeated warnings were given before the arrests were made.

Around 150 people had gathered for a peaceful rally outde Belfast City Hall.

But as the protesters began to disperse, an estimated 50-60 marchers blocked the road at Donegall Square North and refused to move.

Sinn Fein councillor Eoin O’Broin insisted they posed no threat.

He said: “The PSNI, dressed in full riot gear, have deliberately attempted to raise tensions at this protest.

“They arrested a number of people, one of whom is blind. These people posed no threat.

“Clearly this was an attempt by the authorities to criminalise the anti-war movement in the face of growing opposition to this unjust war.”

Alisa Keane of the Stop the War Coalition also expressed concern at the police action.

“These people were separate from our protest, but the riot gear exacerbated the situation.

“It was quite tense, but we thought with a little bit of patience we could have got them moved.”

A PSNI spokeswoman insisted officers had no alternative.

She said: “Despite appeals from organisers and from police and a number of warnings the group still remained blocking the road.

“We were facilitating a peaceful, lawful protest but we also have a duty to ensure members of the public not involved in it can go about their business.”