Debate contribution: Abuse Outside Courts
Debate contribution by Mrs Naomi Long on .
- MLA
- Mrs Naomi Long
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Abuse Outside Courts
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795898
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Assessing the level of threat and what response is required is an operational matter for the PSNI in each individual case. Many of us in this Chamber have been through that process many times, and it is not for me as Justice Minister to second-guess or interfere with it.
I will be clear, however, that there should be no place for threats and intimidation or any other kind of coercive behaviour around our courts, nor should there be any attempt to prevent those in the legal profession from discharging their duties before the courts. That is absolutely clear. The Member might be better to raise operational issues outside courthouses at the Policing Board with the Chief Constable, who is responsible for operational policing in that space. I am clear, however, that it is not appropriate in such a sensitive place and where serious business is being done for people to feel intimidated or threatened on their way in and out of a court building.
164 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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