Men charged over Belfast protest

Three Belfast men alleged to have taken part in a roof-top protest at Belfast City Hall last month appeared at the Magistrates…

Three Belfast men alleged to have taken part in a roof-top protest at Belfast City Hall last month appeared at the Magistrates Court yesterday. The protest was staged by Saoirse, the republican prisoners' freedom organisation, whose members climbed on to the dome above the front entrance and displayed banners stating: "Free all PoWs now" and "Whitewell Saoirse."

In the dock were Mr Bernard Griffin (18), from Fortwilliam Park; Mr Eoin O Broin (25), from New Lodge Road, and Mr Aodan Ferguson (17), from Oldpark Road.

They were charged with entering the City Hall as trespassers, unlawfully displaying banners and emblems, and with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. They were remanded on bail until January 26th.