Rights group criticises approval for new plastic bullets

08/04/2005 - 08:12:04
A human rights group in the North has condemned the Policing Board's decision to endorse the purchase of a new form of plastic bullet.

The board approved the purchase yesterday, meaning the new "attenuated energy projectile" will be available for use, if needed, during the upcoming marching season.

The new bullets are claimed to be "less lethal" than the ones they are replacing, which killed 17 people in the North during the Troubles, including 14 children.

The Committee on the Administration of Justice, however, said the Policing Board had held no public meetings on the matter and had sought no independent medical advice.

Sinn Féin has also condemned the approval of the new plastic bullets, saying it would anger the nationalist community.

The SDLP also opposes the new bullets, but its two members on the Policing Board were out-voted yesterday.