Sinn Féin has claimed the body search of Strabane district council chairman Jarlath McNulty was the latest in the "harassment" of party members.
Mr McNulty was stopped and searched at Lifford Road in Strabane yesterday morning (Tuesday).
He was making his way to Lifford along with the Strabane chairman of the National Graves Association, John Kelly, when he was stopped at a checkpoint shortly after 10am yesterday.
West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty claimed that the two men were singled out for special attention by police.
"Despite the fact that the PSNI pulled the car over because they recognised the Sinn Féin council chair, they proceeded to ask him his details," he said.
"Both men were then taken from the car and subjected to a full body search. The car boot was also searched before both men were allowed to proceed."
Mr Doherty said other political party's representatives were not treated in this way.
He claimed Mr McNulty's treatment showed the "overtly political nature" of the PSNI.
Mr Doherty said: "This is but the latest example of a major step in the harassment of Sinn Féin members."
Confirming details of the incident, a PSNI spokesman said: "They were subjected to a search of outer clothing, none of which was removed. The search was documented.
"Anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly should contact the police ombudsman."
