6 (25) Swedish version
	Segregation is obvious in Belfast: street by street, block by block, area by area: Protestants and Catholics. The Shankhill is a Protestant working class residence area in west Belfast, caught between the Catholic areas The Falls and Ardoyne. Here as well as in other Protestant areas, young men are recruited by the extreme loyalist organizations Ulster Volunteer Force, Ulster Defence Army etc. The terrifying murals show their loyalty to Great Britain. In a similar way young Catholics are enlisted in corresponding organizations. Injuries and murders are revenged on either side. An eye for an eye, the retaliation is fierce. The Shankhill was on fire in July 1993. During the nights, young loyalists controlled the streets; they burnt cars, smashed everything in their way and fought the police and troops. The British helicopters made a racket throughout the nights. Shots echoed between the buildings. There's no shortage of weapons in Northern Ireland. Joe, a friend who lives there, said: "Can you believe, my ancestors came from Scotland more than 150 years ago. And I've met Catholics who say I don't belong here. They are not joking, you know. For them I'm still an intruder."
	First published: Sunday 27th October, 1996. Send a to the author! You may also use this form