Sinn Féin’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD, has expressed his deep concern over the heavy handed and brutal tactics used by the police against Native Americans who are protesting against the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have led vibrant protests against the Dakota Access 1,200 mile pipeline linking North Dakota to Illinois, which threatens their water supply and cultural heritage

Deputy Crowe said:

“Last month I sent a solidarity message to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who are protesting against the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

“Like many others, I’m extremely concerned for the welfare of these protesters as armed police have moved in to disperse the activists. There are widespread allegations of police brutality and film footage from the scene is damning. I completely condemn the use of rubber bullets by the police.

“I want to echo the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe criticism of law enforcement’s militarised response to the protest camp.

“I am calling on the US Government to stop the armed soldiers and riot police from demolishing the protesters camp and desist from assaulting peaceful protesters.”

ENDS