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LV UDA members marching to rally (3 shots)
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SV PAN & BACK VIEW UDA men blocking road (3 shots)
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SV Women & men UDA members across road holding clubs (3 shots)
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SV Army patrol past UDA members
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GV ZOOM BACK TO LV Traffic jam caused by UDA across motorway
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"In Belfast, columns of the masked and uniformed men marched in military style along roads in Protestant areas to take up their positions. They came from as far away as Londonderry to stage the demonstration which was the first in a series of demonstrations at the possible extradition of a UDA man to the Republic in connection with murder inquiries. They blocked about twenty roads in Belfast and some in other parts of the province. Women members of the UDA joined the demonstration which began at noon. The organisers promised that there'd be no trouble, and there was none, but the show of force was considerable. Army and police kept a discreet watch and helped to direct traffic. Although there were a few long jams, many drivers stayed off the roads during the protest.



In Belfast on Saturday, the militant Protestant Ulster Defence Association carried out its promise to hold a peaceful protest in the heart of the city. And, despite the crowds who did arrive to demonstrate, it was as they said it would be - peaceful.



They barricaded thirty roads in the city and brought busy Saturday traffic to a virtual standstill in the protest against the possible extradition of a UDA man to the Republic in connection with murder inquiries. Groups of women who said they were UDA members joined the protest which started at noon. The Belfast bus company halted all vehicles half an hour before the demonstration to prevent any hi-jacking of buses for use as barriers.



Police were there, but only to keep an eye on the rally...and to direct traffic.




Initials ESP/ ESP/0114


TELERECORDING original colour on 4353/73 34ft

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The militant Protestant Ulster Defence Association (UDA) barricaded the streets of Belfast on Saturday (28 April) in what turned out to be a peaceful protest against the possible extradition of a young UDA man to the Republic.

Gangs of masked, uniformed men stood by wooden barricades in protestant sections of east and west Belfast for an hour at noon. They blocked about 30 roads and brought busy Saturday traffic to a standstill.

About 500 men from Belfast and Londonderry detachments of the UDA took part after their announcement that the rally would take place. The man they protested over is 18-year-old Robert Taylor, due to be handed over to security forces in the south for questioning in connection with a double murder on New Year's Eve.

Police were there in force, but they took no action. Instead, they helped direct the traffic away from the area. The UDA said later that their demonstration was a success... that it showed they were able to paralyse the economic life of the city if and when they chose to do it.

Here is a sound-on-film commentary included in this filmed report. An alternative commentary appears overleaf.