INLA graffiti appears in west Belfast ahead of Easter commemoration

The Belfast Telegraph understands the wall was sprayed and several posters were erected on Waterford Street close to the Falls Road shortly after 12.30am on Saturday.

The graffiti marks 50 years of the INLA and also bears the words ‘let the fight go on’, with further posters marking 50 years of the paramilitary group.

Several police units were deployed to the area when officers discovered the graffiti a short time later.

A police spokesperson said: “Police received a report of graffiti on a wall in the Falls Road area of west Belfast at around 1.15 am this morning.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101.”

The pro-INLA graffiti comes a day before an Easter commemoration parade is due to be held by the political wing of the INLA, the IRSP.

It is understood the IRSP, who deny any links to criminality, will bring up to 1,000 participants and 200 supporters onto the Falls Road for their yearly commemoration.

Police launched an investigation into the previous year’s parade when a masked colour party led the procession through west Belfast and into Milltown Cemetery.

Archive footage: IRSP Easter commemoration in west Belfast

Commenting on the weekend’s events, Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “This coming weekend will undoubtedly be a busy one for policing.

“Easter is an important time for many people and there are nearly 80 parades and commemorative events planned over the coming days.

“A key role of policing is to facilitate public processions, but it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they parade safely and within the law.

“For anyone attending Easter commemorations, our ask is that they mark it in a lawful, respectful and dignified manner.”