Mcgeough Trial Raises Justice Questions - Rnu

national | crime and justice | press release Monday March 08, 2010 17:00 by Republican Network for Unity - RNU

Preas Ráiteas ó RNU/RNU Press Release

“Are we seeing a test case, to be followed by others in which respected Republicans, who speak out against Stormont, are then threatened with decades old charges? Are the new supergrass laws and wing at Maghaberry part of this strategy? Are the new partnerships and constabulary boards making the constabulary accountable or Sinn Fein accomplices after the fact?”

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU)Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, commenting on the trial of, “Tyrone Republican Gerry McGeough said that this case raises justice questions that are deeply troubling”.

“Republicans have been repeatedly challenged that if they had an alternative to joining a British administration, they were free to do so and should stand in elections. Gerry McGeough is an example of what happens if anyone takes up that challenge. He stood as an Independent Republican against endorsing the RUC/PSNI, and while not winning a seat gained much respect in nationalist and Republican areas .The British responded by a planned arrest at the vote count, on charges trumped up from 1981, in order to prevent him from standing again.”

“It is ironic that Gerry McGeough should begin trial on charges of IRA membership and involvement in an IRA attack in 1981, just as some regarded by most journalists and British crown officials as the leaders and commanders of the IRA at that time, are silent about his case but join with the DUP in touting someone to head a compromised Stormont ministry over the crown courts and constabulary, who called the Bloody Sunday Saville Inquiry pointless and a waste of money. Is McGeough not entitled to any loyalty or political support from those who were Republican leaders and commanders at that time? Was silence on cases like that of Gerry McGeough bartered away as part of the deal for Stormont? ’

“McGeough’s case raises a number of issues. While entitled to release on license after two years if pronounced guilty by the Diplock court, he would then face the face the threat of having his license revoked by the Crown on any whim or pretext or secret evidence as was done in the case of Terry McCafferty.

“Are we seeing a test case, to be followed by others in which respected Republicans, who speak out against Stormont, are then threatened with decades old charges? Are the new supergrass laws and wing at Maghaberry part of this strategy? Are the new partnerships and constabulary boards making the constabulary accountable or Sinn Fein accomplices after the fact?”

Statement Ends