Kevin Winters

Mhic An Fháille, represented by Belfast firm KRW LAW LLP, made a complaint to the ombudsman in relation to her arrest on 19 August 2025.

The ombudsman found that officers made no effort to translate or verify the details she gave in Irish, despite the statutory recognition of the Irish language under the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 and the duties arising from the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

The ombudsman concluded that this failure likely fell below the standards required under the PSNI code of ethics, and recommended performance procedures for the officer involved, recommendations which the PSNI has accepted.

KRW LAW welcomed the decision as a “significant and necessary acknowledgement of the importance of linguistic rights in policing practice”.

Solicitor Kevin Winters said: “Maire’s complaint on police failure to properly engage with her when she spoke in Irish was disrespectful and demeaning. It set a wrong tone which clearly impacted on PSNI operational decision-making.

“She feels vindicated now that PONI have upheld her complaint on this issue. Although disappointed that her other complaints haven’t been upheld, she’s very pleased that at least one officer was reported to PSD.

“She hopes that what happened to her will never be repeated again. She really doesn’t want anyone who chooses to speak in Irish ever again be subjected to the same ordeal endured by her.

“This important outcome will support both her civil action for wrongful arrest and her pending judicial review challenge over wearing a Palestinian Action T-shirt.

“Overall, this PONI decision puts a marker down for PSNI acceptance and respect for the Irish language. We ought never again to witness such an unacceptable policing response to a citizen’s absolute entitlement to speak in Irish.”

KRW LAW notes the ombudsman’s additional decision to issue a policy recommendation to PSNI regarding future engagement with Irish language speakers.

“However, we remain disappointed that the ombudsman declined to uphold the remaining complaints relating to escalation of the arrest, legal basis, and disability related considerations,” Mr Winters said.

“KRW LAW will therefore appeal the refusal to uphold the remaining complaints and remains committed to vindicating our client’s rights in full.”