Republic Action Against Drugs have claimed responsibility for the murder of Andrew Allen in Buncrana and threatened “the ultimate sanction” for other young men in Derry.
In a statement to the ‘Derry Journal’ this morning RAAD said it carried out the murder of the 24-year-old father-of-two, alleging that he was a “death dealer” and “career” criminal. In the statement they claimed he had been warned to “cease his activities five to six months ago” but had not taken advantage of “RAAD’s amnesty”.
In the statement to the Derry Journal the group also issued a threat against six other individuals saying they would face 'the ultimate sanction'.
SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey said there was no room for kangaroo courts in the Derry community.
“I am disgusted by this statement by RAAD who, in their cynicism and arrogance, assume they have the right to mete out rough justice on anyone they regard as a threat, preying on community fears about drugs to try and drum up support," said Mr Ramsey.
“There is no place for kangaroo courts and summary justice in Derry, Donegal or any other community and the thugs and murderers who carry them out must be stringently dealt with by the proper criminal justice system.
“The community here is sick to its stomach with the actions of RAAD – they are frustrated and angered by their callousness and the message from the large numbers of people I speak to is clear – it is time for RAAD to realise they are not welcome and should stand down.
“Anyone with any information on these criminals should pass it on to the police as a matter of urgency and remember that they can do so confidentially and anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has called on the RAAD to disband.
Commenting Raymond McCartney said: “We did not have to wait for this admission to know who was responsible for the murder of Andrew Allen. Within hours of the murder it was widely accepted that this criminal gang masquerading as defenders of the community carried out this grusome act. The rationale being put forward by this gang for its existence is redundant and it has created nothing but grief in the community. Contrary to what this pseudo group claims there is no measurable support in the community for their actions.
"As was witnessed by the large attendance at the rally in the Top of the Hill last Saturday the people are demanding that you cease your activities and disband. All of your actions are anathema to the republican ethos and the use of a republican pseudonym besmirches a proud tradition.
"I appeal to those within RAAD who mistakenly believe that they are acting in the best interest of the people of Derry or harbour any affinity to republicanism to take the only credible step open to them and walk away now."