People took to the streets of Belfast city centre on Saturday to protest the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) investigation into the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe. The teenager’s mother Fiona Donohoe praised the thousands of supporters who attended.
She told the crowd gathered: “We see on our social media every day the support that we have, but to see people come out today – this is Noah’s army. We are so grateful to every single person standing here in this heat today for Noah.”
Fiona Donohoe speaks at protest in support of her son Noah who lost his life over 2 years ago. pic.twitter.com/3OeW54GcmM
— Kevin Sharkey (@tv_KevinSharkey) August 13, 2022
The protest was organised by the Donohoe family, and comes after it emerged last month that Public interest immunity (PII) certification in relation to three police files had been signed off on by Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Shailesh Vara.
A public-interest immunity is a principle under which courts can grant a court order allowing one litigant to refrain from disclosing evidence to the other litigants where disclosure would be damaging to the public interest. This is an exception to the usual rule that all parties in litigation must disclose any evidence that is relevant to the proceedings.
The PII certification means that the police are able to withhold certain files to be used during the inquest into the death of the St. Malachy’s Grammar School pupil. The granting of the certification follows a PSNI application to withhold some information in police files to be used during the inquest into the death of the youngster.
The 14-year-old was found dead in a storm drain in North Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing from his home in the holylands area of South Belfast. Two years on, many unanswered questions remain around the talented schoolboy’s disappearance and death, and his family have repeatedly criticised the PSNI’s investigation into his death.
His aunt Niamh Donohoe last month took aim at the “corruption, negligence, incompetence and deceit” which she says has plagued the investigation into Noah’s disappearance and death.
Secretary of State Vara’s signing of the PII request, one of his first actions in his new role, triggered widespread backlash among Noah’s family, the public, campaigners and some politicians, including elected MLAs.
Last week, the law firm representing the Donohoe family expressed “grave concern” over Mr Vara’s actions, saying the decision will “exacerbate rather than allay deeply held concerns”.
Many of those attending were holding signs and banners emblazoned with “Justice for Noah”. Some donned blue and white striped GAA-style jerseys designed as part of the Justice for Noah campaign, with the number 14 on the back, representing Noah’s age when he died, while others joined in chants demanding the PSNI “tell the truth”.
Photos of Noah were also printed on banners and posters, and images of Noah and Fiona were hung on the gates of Belfast City Hall. Children and families were also pictured holding signs with the phrase, “Remember my Noah”.
“Stop the PSNI cover up”, another hand-made sign read.
#OneBoyOneVoiceOneArmy⚡️ #JusticeForNoahDonohoeNow💙#NoToPII#RememberMyNoah💙
I stand with @FIONADONOHOE2 @NiamhDonohoe78 for the truth and for Beautiful Noah https://t.co/nOha15HL5S— 💙⚡️💙🏺⭐ (@E2020Mc) August 14, 2022
What a turnout absolutely amazing @FIONADONOHOE2 @NiamhDonohoe78 @SDonohoe95 @darciedonohoe1 @BrendaR3116 @JulieFerry4 @raffertymartin1 @deirdreraffert6 pic.twitter.com/BjYl9nqYtM
— roisin turley (@roisinturley) August 13, 2022
#NoahDonohoe💙#NoahsArmy⚡️#NoToPII #StopTheCoverUp#Week112
Who are the Police covering for?
Who & how many put Noah Donohoe into that drain?My Daithí always supporting Noah ❤️ ♥️ pic.twitter.com/MyhrFlJ6s4
— Tracey Mc 💚☘️💚 JusticeForNoahDonohoe 💙💙⚡ (@traceyjustice21) August 14, 2022
In a statement shared to social media following Saturday’s rally, Noah’s mother Fiona thanked people for “never giving up on Noah”.
She wrote: “Honestly we are so overwhelmed but not surprised by the love and support #NoahsArmy continue to show. Todays turn out cannot be ignored .ALL WE WANT IS ANSWERS for beautiful Noah and we WILL NOT GIVE UP until we get them
#NoahsArmy you are something wonderful.The strength you give Niamh and I to keep fighting is immeasurable.”
Words of thanks are not enough for the support #NoahsArmy⚡give to finding Justice for beautiful Noah .What a powerful voice of unity today.The decision makers need to listen to our voice for Noah❤❤❤💙💙💙⚡⚡⚡#JusticeForNoahDonohoe pic.twitter.com/Cn7lBwt3ff
— Justice For Noah Donohoe (@FIONADONOHOE2) August 13, 2022
Young mother, teacher and Aontu representative for East Derry, Gemma Brolly spoke on behalf of new republican party Aontu at the rally. She told the crowd gathered that Fiona Donohoe deserves answers in her fight for “truth and justice”
In the North some are being protected at the cost of others.
We will not give up until Fiona has full truth and justice.
A powerful speech by Gemma Brolly at the Rally for #NoahDonohoeJustice today.#NoahsArmy pic.twitter.com/TK6hQHzsjI
— Aontú (@AontuIE) August 13, 2022
“As proud as I was to stand with Noah’s Army today & speak, united in our demand for truth & justice, I find it appalling that we have been forced into this position. No mother should have to fight for the truth in what happened her son,” she said on social media following the gathering.
Gemma Brolly gives the powerful Fiona Donohoe a heart felt hug after speaking on behalf of Aontú at the Rally for #NoahDonohoe #NoahsArmy #noahdonohoejustice pic.twitter.com/H8vJKwuaMc
— Peadar Tóibín TD (@Toibin1) August 14, 2022
Other politicians who spoke at the rally included Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast John Finucane and People before Profit MLA Gerry Carrol, signalling the broad-based traction the Donohoe family’s campaign for answers has gained.
The inquest into the death of the “intelligent and gentle” 14-year-old is set to begin on 28 November.