An Aontú councillor has claimed that he suffered a “vicious assault” at the hands of abortion activists, because of his pro-life views.

The Aontú party states that it is “100% pro life” and campaigns for “the right to life of everyone irrespective of age, gender, race, creed, abilities or stage of development.”

Alleged pro-abortion attack

Reporting the assault to the PSNI, the Derry and Strabane District councillor, Emmet Doyle, described how he was alone when encountered a group of people who he recognised as opposing his pro-life views.

Mr Doyle went on to describe how the group physically assaulted him, leaving him with facial bruising and cuts across his head.

Mr Doyle said: “Whilst in the city centre in the early hours of Friday morning I suffered a vicious assault in Waterloo Street.

"After entering a food establishment alone, a group of people entered, some of whom I recognised to be members of a group deeply opposed to my stance on the right to life…

"On leaving the premises I was accosted and received a cut to my head, bruises and black eyes. The attack was unprovoked.

“As an elected representative, I passionately defend what I believe in and act on behalf of constituents regardless of their views. I would never think of physically attacking an opponent, we are all entitled to our views and the respect to communicate them.”

“I will not be silenced”

Mr Doyle described how he contacted the Police, who did not attend the scene. Mr Doyle was informed that Police were not available to take his statement.

Mr Doyle added: “Our city centre should be safe for anyone. Violence is entirely unacceptable no matter the victim and I intend to ensure the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.

"Nothing will stop me serving my constituents, I won’t be silenced.”

Abortion activists losing grip on abortion debate

SPUC Director of Public and Legal Affairs, Michael Robinson said:

“We must never forget that abortion is violence, against women and unborn children. We should not be surprised, then, that apologists for such a violent ideology sometimes turn to violence to intimidate pro-lifers.

“Unfortunately, we can expect to see more pro-abortion violence as apologists for abortion increasingly lose their grip on the abortion debate.

“Pro-lifers must not be deterred, however. We must continue to advocate for unborn babies and their mothers. Violence must not win.”