Aontú Councillor Physically Attached For his Human Right to Life Views
Aontú Cllr Emmet Doyle, a member of Derry City & Strabane District Council has made a statement following an assault on him on the early hours of Friday morning.
Speaking today, Cllr Doyle said “Whilst in the city centre in the early hours of Friday morning I suffered a vicious assault in Waterloo Street.
After entering a food establishment alone, a group of people entered, some of whom I recognised to be members of a group deeply opposed to my stance on the right to life. They engaged me verbally and I left with my order.
On leaving the premises I was accosted and received a cut to my head, bruises and black eyes. The attack was unprovoked.
As an elected representative, I passionately defend what I believe in and act on behalf of constituents regardless of their views. I would never think of physically attacking an opponent, we are all entitled to our views and the respect to communicate them.
I rang the police after the event to report the attack, but they didn’t attend the scene and rang me some time later.
I was contacted and asked to come to the Strand Road Police Station this afternoon which I did, to be told no one was available to take my statement. I will attempt to do so again in the coming days.
I’m deeply grateful for the messages and support I have received from my party leader, Peadar Tóibín TD, family, party colleagues, constituents and colleagues from across Council.
Our city centre should be safe for anyone. Violence is entirely unacceptable no matter the victim and I intend to ensure the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
Nothing will stop me serving my constituents, I won’t be silenced.”
CRÍOCH
