IRA graffiti at Orange Hall being treated as sectarian hate crime

Police are treating the painting of pro-IRA graffiti outside an Orange Hall in Co Antrim as a sectarian hate crime.

It is believed the incident outside the hall in the Main Street of Rasharkin occurred on Thursday night or early on Friday morning.

TUV leader Jim Allister said it was a “sinister development” designed to “instil fear” in the town’s unionist community.

The words “Ha Ha IRA” were painted on the footpath outside the Orange Hall.

A PSNI spokesperson said:  “A report was received this morning, Friday 30th August, that graffiti had been sprayed outside the building, on the footpath and the road.

“It is believed at this stage that the damage was caused sometime overnight.

“Inquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which could assist, is asked to contact police via 101, and quote reference number 360 of 30/08/24.”

TUV councillor Jonathan McAuley said he would be asking the local council to clear up the scene.

He said: “It is important to remember that there are many victims of IRA violence still in our community and it is particularly significant that the graffiti appeared just days before we as Orangemen and women mark Orange Victims’ Day.

“This Sunday Orange brethren will attend services and events across Northern Ireland to remember the 339 members of the Institution who were murdered during the terrorist campaign, the vast majority by the IRA.

“September 1 was chosen as Orange Victims’ Day because on that date in 1975 IRA murderers stormed into Tullyvallen Orange Hall during a lodge meeting, and murdered four Orangemen.

“A fifth member subsequently died later as a result of the injuries sustained.

“There’s nothing glorious or laughable about that.”

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said: “This is a very sinister development clearly designed to intimidate and instil fear in the minority unionist community of Rasharkin.

“I trust the police will act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice.”