Northern Ireland's First Minister leads the blockade of the first authorized Orange Free March in 28 years

Tensions have resurfaced in Portadown, Northern Ireland, following a decision by the High Court in Belfast to authorize a controversial march by the Protestant and pro-British Orange Order along Garvaghy Road, a predominantly Catholic area. The authorization marks the first time such a parade has been permitted in 28 years.

In response to the ruling, Northern Ireland's First Minister, Irish nationalist Michelle O'Neill, personally joined a counter-concentration on Sunday to attempt to block the march by the unionist organization, leading a political leadership stance against the court-approved route.