20/06/2006

UDA expels Shoukri brothers

North Belfast loyalists Ihab and Andre Shoukri have been expelled from the UDA.

A statement released earlier by the paramilitary organisation's 'inner council' read: "We, the ruling body of the above named association, have, following a protracted period of negotiation and investigation, decided to expel a few individual members from our association in North Belfast."

It is understood that the move comes after allegations by other UDA leaders that the two brothers had been involved in criminal activity.

Andre Shoukri is currently in jail on remand facing charges of blackmail, intimidation and money laundering.

His brother Ihab had charges of membership of the UDA and UFF dropped earlier this month, after a judge ruled that there was not enough evidence to convict him.

(EF/SP)

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