In Castlereagh they "Strive to safeguard individual rights"

Tell that to Roisin McALiskey

 There is little doubt that the treatment of McAliskey and the pressures she was subjected to whilst held at the centre in no small part contributed to the deterioration in her physical and mental condition that ultimately, and belatedly have resulted in her release.

 Operated by the paramilitary RUC, Castlereagh has been the subject of criticism for almost the entire period it has been operational and there is absolutely no doubt that prisoners detained in the centre have been subjected to degrading treatment.

 The United Kingdom government seems unwilling to end the abuse perpetrated at the centre which has been the subject of two recent critical reports by International bodies. In 1994 the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment called for immediate improvements. In July 1995 the UN Human Rights Committee recommended it should be closed 'as a matter of urgency'.

 The Blair government has recently been pontificating in the Middle East on the need for adherence to United Nations decisions. The British Foreign Secretary has been calling for respect for Human Rights in the Balkans. The Northern Ireland Secretary however seems unmoved on the need to reform Castlereagh. What will it take? More illtreatment or perhaps a death before they heed International condemnation.

 In 1997 the Celtic League specifically condemned the operation of all holding centres in N. Ireland. The N. Ireland Office replied that in the operation of the Centres "it strives to..safeguard individual human rights". The greatest safeguard to the individual human rights of those detained in N. Ireland would be to heed international condemnation and close Castlereagh now!

Germany confirm's "neutral" stance over McAliskey's detention - 18-03-97

 Although the international media have kept us fairly up to date with the progress of the McAliskey situation it is worth re-stating, for the record, that the German authorities have no part in the detention of Roisin McAliskey. In the response to the Celtic League, the German Embassy draws our attention to the 1957 European Convention on Extradition, which clearly states that the extradition should be governed solely by the Law of the party requested (in this case, the U.K.).

 Whilst standing by the Extradition application, the comments by German Prsecutor in the case , Dr. Morré, to the U.K. / Irish media were confirmed. He stated that he had not been in contact with the British Crown Prosecution Service since the extradition request was made. He further made it clear that even if he were asked directly by the British authorities, his office would hold no view on the matter of Ms. McAliskey's arrest which is entirely in the hands of the U.K.

 See below for previous Celtic League involvement in the matter

McAliskey - British should heed Irish Government's Intervention

 The coded terms that Irish deputy Prime Minister has used in discussion with the British Ambassador to Dublin should be carefully scrutinised before the British respond. Mr. Spring had said the matter "could damage the shared objectives of the British and Irish government" in respect of advancing a negotiated settlement of Anglo-Irish differences.

 The McAliskey issue has the potential to seriously accelerate the steady unravelling of relations since the IRA ceasefire broke down.

 If the British do not understand this, they should consider what crass political actions by the Spanish government in their dealings with the Basque separatist movement has achieved in recent weeks. A bad situation has now spiralled out of control: A parallel can be drawn.

 The Irish government intervention should not be viewed by the British as unhelpful or as an interference. It provides a clear perspective of how moderate opinion in the Celtic countries views the circumstances of McAliskey's detention.

 By her continued detention the British government provide a raison d'etre for a continued spiral into violence.

Text of letter sent to Irish government relating to detention of Roisin McAliskey.

 I enclose correspondence to both the British and German governments concerning the disgraceful treatment currently being received by remand prisoner Roisin McAliskey in Holloway Prison, London.

 A wide range of Irish and International organisations have expressed concern about the regime under which this young woman is confined.

 We call upon the Irish government to make the strongest representations to the United Kingdom to ensure that the application of normal remand prisoner routine is applied. In particular the practice of strip searching and sleep deprivation should cease, and access to association and exercise facilities be afforded.

 We also urge your government to make clear to the British that as this prisoner is in the advanced stages of pregnancy prenatal and antenatal treatment should be afforded to both her and her child in line with those that one would associate with a civilised society. We would request that you seek a specific assurance that Ms. McAliskey will not be shackled while giving birth as is currently threatened.

 Yours faithfully,

 J.B. Moffatt, General Secretary.

 15/2/97

AMNESTY call for World action over Irish political prisoner 16-02-97

 McAliskey is currently on remand in Holloway Prison in London pending a German government extradition warrant (i.e. she is not charged with any offence within the U.K. and has not yet been tried over the German allegations).

 The circumstances of her detention have already caused considerable concern and the International Human Rights "watchdog", Amnesty, has taken the unusual step of calling for "urgent action" from its branches and members worldwide to protest to both the British and German governments. Amnesty believes that, "the outcome of the possible decision to separate mother and baby would amount to 'cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment' and would damage permanently the mother child bonding relationship".

 Roisin McAliskey is already subjected to a harrowing twice daily strip searching regime and is denied association with other inmates. Independent medical reports indicate that the circumstances of her detention (in isolation, with sleep deprivation and understandable concerns about her pregnancy) are worsening her overall medical condition.

 Signs that the British have started to realise the implications of the regime they are applying are indicated by the disclosure by Roisin's mother (former mid-Ulster MP Bernadette McAliskey) that prison authorities are trying to get her daughter to sign a disclaimer that would waive any legal claim against the prison in the event of harm being caused to her or the unborn child.

 The Celtic League will be adding its voice to the protests urged by Amnesty. We will also be directing criticism at the Irish government over its failure to act over treatment which verges on torture being applied by the British authorities to this detainee. McAliskey's is the latest high profile example of the treatment of Irish political prisoners in British jails.

 J. B. Moffatt, Celtic League.