SINN Féin have denied painting over a mural erected to former IRA leader Brendan ‘The Dark’ Hughes.
The mural, close to the entrance to Twinbrook, was completed on Friday but covered over in paint in the early hours of Sunday.
The mural before it was defaced
Graffiti then appeared on the wall stating 'Sinn Féin fear the Dark' in reference to Brendan Hughes. It has since been also painted over.
Dissident republican group Saoradh have accused Sinn Féin members of defacing the mural.
"For the second time in a week and having waited until the mural was nearing completion, Sinn Féin members in West Belfast have defaced a mural we had been preparing to unveil dedicated to the memory of IRA legend Brendan 'The Dark' Hughes," the group said in a statement.
"Having kept an open mind about those responsible for defacing the mural originally, while our activists continued to prepare the wall this week several Sinn Féin members drove past and attempted to goad our activists from the safety of their cars about the wall and given who this mural was to be dedicated to, there can be no doubt as to who is responsible.
"Brendan Hughes was an IRA legend. No matter what way they wish to spin this, they have defaced a mural dedicated to a man that dedicated his life to the Republican Movement. This shows to all what Sinn Féin have become.
"As we have promised to the Hughes family, the mural WILL go up."
In response, Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker said the party condemns "all attacks on murals in our communities" and said those responsible must stop.
"Claims that Sinn Féin members were involved are completely false and without foundation," he added.
"Local Sinn Féin representatives, myself included, have also faced threats and abuse online in recent weeks.
"Political disagreement is legitimate. Threats, intimidation and abuse are not. This must end now."
Hughes was Officer Commanding (OC) of the Belfast Brigade of the Provisional IRA. He also led the 1980 hunger strike. He later became an open critic of Sinn Féin’s role in Stormont. He passed away in 2008.
Brendan Hughes' daughter Josephine took to social media earlier this week to hit out at those responsible for destroying the mural.
"What is it can someone explain to me, my daddy has been gone 18 years. Surely a mural on a wall can’t upset you that much that you need to destroy it.
“Is it that hard for you to see his face and remind you how much of a great republican he was? Or maybe jealous of the fact that he is so well thought of.
“You can do all you want, say all you want, but he will never be forgotten even after I’m gone. My kids and grandkids will make sure that his name is kept alive.”
