Palestine march accused contest at Derry court to centre around 'the right to protest and freedom of expression' as date fixed
A date has been set in April for the contest of five people charged in connection with a march for Palestine in Derry city centre.
Goretti Horgan (70) of Westland Avenue, Davina Pulis (36) of Knoxhill Park, Robert Paul Maxwell (60) of Rathlin Drive and Jude Coffey (27) of Gartan Square and local councillor Shaun Harkin (52) of Beechwood Avenue, all in Derry, are charged with taking part in an illegal procession on February 14, 2024, and in Harkin's case, February 17, in support of Palestine.
The court was told that there were 20 police witnesses to be called after a Palestinian solidarity demonstration in the Diamond led to a short march to the Guildhall.
Stephen McNicholl, barrister for some of the accused, said the contest would centre round 'the right to protest and freedom of expression'.
A date for the contest to be heard was fixed for April 21 and the case will be reviewed on January 28.