RNU Spokesperson Brutally Assaulted by the Unreformed RUC

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Saturday January 22, 2011 17:18

by RNU - Republican Network For Unity

Denouncing the brutal arrest of RNU Ard Comhairle member, MARTIN Óg MEEHAN REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) CATHAOIRLEACH/CHAIRPERSON, DANNY MCBREARTY said;“It is shameful but not surprising, that Republicans prominent in organising opposition to MI5 interference in Irish affairs and political policing are targeted by the unreformed Crown Constabulary across the Six Counties on a daily basis.

Mr. McBrearty continued; “After searching Mr. Meehan under the so-called Terrorism Act, a number of RUC/SPNI personnel brutally assaulted him then also forced him into wrist and leg restraints before he was dragged into an armoured land rover. Despite complaining of suffering from a serious heart condition and breathing difficulties, Mr. Meehan was arrested and taken to Antrim Road Barracks in Belfast.

Soon afterwards, the former Republican prisoner was ‘interviewed’ by two plain- clothes RUC/PSNI members who offered him a large amount of cash to jail three named Belfast Republicans. He was further warned that if he refused to ‘co-operate’, details of his personal movements would be passed to Loyalist Paramilitaries.

After refusing to comply, the RNU spokesperson was charged with assaulting three RUC/PSNI men, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He was then bailed to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court next month”.

The Republican Network for Unity Chairperson concluded; “Mr. Meehan’s disturbing arrest highlights the nefarious tactics used by the British Crown Forces to frame Irish Republicans for imprisonment or worse. It proves the point that the frequent abuse of human rights continues unabated to undermine working-class communities and the Republican struggle. RNU call upon the Nationalist and Republican community to re-examine their support for the re-branded RUC as it is clear they are not capable of the changes many believed were possible”.