By Lisa Ramsden
A CLOUGH councillor has emphatically denied any connection to an online message containing sectarian and anti-Islamic material. Police have said the sinister message, which is circulating on social media, is “a sectarian and Islamophobic hate crime”.
Alan Lewis, a DUP representative for Slieve Croob, has unequivocally condemned the sentiments expressed in it.
Cllr Lewis added that he wished “to make absolutely clear that this correspondence has nothing whatsoever to do with me”.
The message appears as a typed letter, which has then been photographed and distributed via instant messaging services.
The local councillor said he was first made aware of it late last Tuesday (24 February) and once it became public knowledge, he added that he was inundated with calls.
Some of these were threatening, from people believing the letter was authentic, Cllr Lewis said, while others were from callers recognising it was an attempt to smear his character and offering their support.
The offensive message stated that drug abuse, antisocial behaviour or ‘the wearing of, or any displays of republican/nationalist symbols’, including GAA and Celtic FC clothing, ‘will not be welcomed’ in Clough.
It further warned that nationalist and Islamic culture ‘will not be welcomed’ in the village and added that ‘reports of any of the above will be immediately noted and will lead to swift eviction by force’.
Urging recipients to notify Cllr Lewis of any such incidents, and including the local councillor’s mobile phone number, the sinister message indicated that in the scenario of such evictions ‘no warning will be given’ and that both ‘private property and vehicles ‘will be subject to sustained attack’.
The letter, which was also circulated on social media, added that ‘Clough is a safe Loyalist community’.
‘We go to great lengths to protect its residents and our children,’ it stated.
Threatening ‘extreme lengths’ over any displays of nationalist or Islamic culture in Clough, the message also described the local councillor as ‘an independent advisory’.
‘Make yourself and your family/living situation known to him to ensure a safe and enjoyable settlement into your home,’ it stated.
Speaking with his local newspaper, Cllr Lewis urged anyone with information about who is responsible for the message to speak with the PSNI.
Describing the letter as “anonymous and threatening,” he added it was “designed to intimidate”.
“I wish to make absolutely clear that this correspondence has nothing whatsoever to do with me,” said Cllr Lewis.
“I was unaware of its circulation until it was brought to my attention.
“I totally reject its contents and categorically distance myself from it.
“I will not be used or abused to legitimise such views, and I totally reject my name being used in any attempt to do so.” “Threats and intimidation have no place in our society and can play no part in the democratic process.”
