Garvaghy Road standoff brings Northern Ireland’s old wounds back to surface

In Portadown, Northern Ireland, residents have gathered for days to defend their community by blocking Garvaghy Road to prevent the annual Orange Order parade, organized by a Protestant group. Police have stopped the marchers from proceeding, citing the risk of violence, despite a court order overturning the ban. Protesters, some camping overnight, oppose police decisions and demand their right to protest, reigniting historical tensions between Catholics and Protestants. The situation has brought old wounds in Northern Ireland back to the surface amid heightened tensions over the contested parade.