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A 19th century engraving depicting officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the Royal Irish Police. Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Image

The government was to hold a commemoration this Friday, January 17, in tribute to the royal Irish police, responsible for maintaining order when Ireland was still British. In front of the controversy aroused by the initiative, the ceremony was postponed. Despite everything, a protest demonstration was held at Dublin Castle.

With our correspondent in Dublin, Emeline Vin

Coming to enjoy the music, Meabh does not understand that we can consider commemorating the royal Irish police and their British mercenaries, the Black and Tans. " Many have been sent here to maintain order, but they have been extremely violent, " she said. They burned villages, they raped, looted ... They did horrible things! Hatred remains very strong towards the Black and Tans. "

The commemoration has been postponed. Peadar Toibin, organizer of the rally and founder of the nationalist party Aontu, demands its cancellation. “ It was a British colonial force. The government is trying to equate those who suppressed the democratic rights of the Irish people with those who sacrificed so much for the freedom of the Irish. When the state commemorates something, it gives it value … ”

Fifty people answered his call, like Luke, 21. “ The government did not consult the people concerned. My great-grandfather was sentenced to death by the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) for his involvement in the 1916 uprising. Some of his children are still alive, my grandmother is still alive, and she been injured! Obviously, no veteran is still alive, but their children are. "

The date of the new commemoration has not been announced. Nor the form it will take.