Fair Cop

You may have noticed the so-called ‘ring of steel’ surrounding the Laganside Court House recently. Or you may have seen the large banners erected in some neighborhoods, or heard people talking. Or you may have heard nearly all of our television news programs feverishly discussing the ins and outs, ups and downs of something called a ‘supergrass.’

But what exactly is a supergrass – and what’s a supergrass trial? And why is it so controversial?

In the U.S. state of Illinois, a man faces 75 years in prison. For what, you might ask? Well, it ain't murder. Or terrorism. Or espionage. It's...

Last week, two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, were arrested in their homes by PSNI officers using anti-terrorism legislation. This week, politicians and human rights group are fighting over whether this was the right thing to do.

UTV are reporting that 15 year-old boy and a 17 year-old girl have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Derry/Londonderry. They were arrested in the Cityside area in connection with dissident republican activity, and are being questioned at Antrim police station. We will have more as it develops. SEE IT ON UTV.

The BBC is reporting that a man is being fined £150 for shouting 'SS RUC' at the opening of the Derry/Londonderry Peace Bridge last month.

Recent events around the Short Strand area of Belfast have brought back the term 'recreational rioting' - which is being used widely by the media, by local elected representatives and by local community workers and activists.

The first of Belfast's contentious summer Orange Parades has seen a return to street violence.  The so-called 'Tour of the North' parade - which was re-routed by the Parade's Commission saw a number of police officers suffering minor injuries as missiles were thrown at them.

The Police Ombudsman has welcomed the independent review set up by Justice Minister David Ford and chaired by Community Relations Council Director McCusker, but has said it does not go far enough.

TheDetail.tv reveals that hundreds of PSNI officers have been disciplined over the last 6 years.

New measures will enhance police accountability and community-focused policing.