UDA bosses set to expel Shoukri brothers
By Brian Rowan
15 June 2006
A statement from the UDA leadership confirming the expulsions of the Shoukri brothers and their closest associate is now imminent, according to reliable sources.
The group’s Inner Council met earlier this week and a statement was expected to be released soon - possibly within hours.
It will confirm that a majority of the UDA organisation no longer supports the Shoukri brothers - Andre and Ihab - and their associate Alan McClean.
At least four of the organisation’s so-called brigadiers support that decision, but the position of the UDA in south-east Antrim is still not clear. Earlier this week, its leader was still siding with Ihab Shoukri. There are unconfirmed reports that the UDA in south-east Antrim was meeting last night.
The Inner Council decision to expel the Shoukris and McClean followed a so-called paramilitary investigation into their alleged criminal activities.
Three weeks ago, as exclusively revealed in this newspaper, the UDA in the north of the city was told to remove them from their leadership positions.
Up to now, this has not happened, and the Inner Council leadership has now decided to make its position public.
The decision comes at a dangerous time, with the controversial Tour of the North, Whiterock and Ardoyne marches all scheduled for coming days and weeks.
As those parades approach, the UDA in north Belfast is detached from the rest of the paramilitary organisation.
The Inner Council is still trying to avoid a major split in its organisation. That is why it has delayed its statement until now.
The door has been closed to the Shoukris and McClean, but according to one source remains open to everyone else.
