Day set aside for ‘complex legal arguments’ ahead of Derry Palestine rally trial

A day has been set aside for 'complex legal argument' in the case of five people, including a local councillor, charged with taking part in an illegal procession in support of Palestine. 

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 case has been scheduled for hearing on April 21 but at today's sitting Sinead Rogan barrister for some of the accused said tgat all the parties were in agreement that another day should be set aside for legal argument. 

She said there were 'quite complex legal issues and there was no point in waiting until the day of the contest.'

District Judge Oonagh Mullan asked was the contest going to go ahead on April 21 and was told it was but the legal arguments would need to be heard on a date before that.

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Stephen McNicholl barrister for some of the other accused said that there were 19 witnesses in the case but some could be agreed. 

A date was set for February 18 to review a date for the legal arguments. 

Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood had originally been charged in connection with the same incident but he had earlier accepted a diversionary disposal.