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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/27/loyalist-belfast-union-flag-protest-leaders-arrested
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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Loyalist Belfast flag protest leaders arrested | Loyalist Belfast flag protest leaders arrested |
| (30 days later) | |
| Two leaders of the loyalist protests against Belfast city council's decison to restrict flying the union flag have been arrested. | Two leaders of the loyalist protests against Belfast city council's decison to restrict flying the union flag have been arrested. |
| It is understood that Jamie Bryson and Willie Frazer will be questioned on suspicion of organising and participating in unlawful parades. | It is understood that Jamie Bryson and Willie Frazer will be questioned on suspicion of organising and participating in unlawful parades. |
| About 150 people have been arrested and charged with offences connected to the street disorder since December. | About 150 people have been arrested and charged with offences connected to the street disorder since December. |
| While the majority of demonstrations across Northern Ireland have been peaceful, a number of protests turned violent, with attacks on police and members of the centrist Alliance party. | While the majority of demonstrations across Northern Ireland have been peaceful, a number of protests turned violent, with attacks on police and members of the centrist Alliance party. |
| The loyalists targeted Alliance because it holds the balance of power at Belfast city hall, and it was Alliance votes at a council meeting on 3 December that changed the flag-flying policy from 365 days a year to a designated 18. | The loyalists targeted Alliance because it holds the balance of power at Belfast city hall, and it was Alliance votes at a council meeting on 3 December that changed the flag-flying policy from 365 days a year to a designated 18. |
| Frazer, who is a prominent campaigner for unionist victims of the Troubles, was arrested in his home village of Markethill, County Armagh. | Frazer, who is a prominent campaigner for unionist victims of the Troubles, was arrested in his home village of Markethill, County Armagh. |
| With Bryson, the 52-year-old has been one of the leading voices of the flag protests over the past 11 weekends. | With Bryson, the 52-year-old has been one of the leading voices of the flag protests over the past 11 weekends. |
| Earlier this week, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's chief constable, Matt Baggott, suggested the laws surrounding unnotified parades may need to be reviewed so as to provide more of a deterrent against illegal demonstrations. | Earlier this week, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's chief constable, Matt Baggott, suggested the laws surrounding unnotified parades may need to be reviewed so as to provide more of a deterrent against illegal demonstrations. |
| "I remain concerned that the current Public Processions Act does not provide sufficient deterrence to those breaking the law," he said. | "I remain concerned that the current Public Processions Act does not provide sufficient deterrence to those breaking the law," he said. |
| "The required standard of proof to convict is high, and the Act would benefit from review." | "The required standard of proof to convict is high, and the Act would benefit from review." |
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