RNU Deplore Mistreatment of Tyrone POW, Gerry McGeough

national | crime and justice | press release Thursday April 21, 2011 00:01 by RNU PRO - Republican Network for Unity (RNU)

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Prisons Spokesperson, Ciaran Cunningham has been advised that theSix County Prison Service has refused allow Tyrone P.O.W, Gerry McGeough to attend his daughter’s First Communion.

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Prisons Spokesperson, Ciaran Cunningham has been advised that theSix County Prison Service has refused allow Tyrone P.O.W, Gerry McGeough to attend his daughter’s First Communion.

Mr. Cunningham said; “Gerry McGeough applied for compassionate leave to attend his young daughter’s First Communion. He is a dedicated and loving father who wished to share in his daughter’s and family’s special day. In addition, Gerry also received letters supporting his application from the Archbishop of Armagh. Sean Brady, Parish Priest, Rev. John Connolly and Solicitors Kevin Winters & Co.

According to the British Prison Service, Gerry McGeough was; ‘engaged in habitual criminal behaviour which does not instill confidence that you would refrain from further criminal activity if you were granted release at this time. The safety of the public comes first”.

The RNU Ard Chomhairle continued; “The Tyrone Republican is not a criminal, he is a Political Prisoner. He is a qualified Teacher, Author, President of County Tyrone A.O.H. a committed Father, Husband and a deeply religious man. His recent conviction took place in a Non-Jury Diplock Court regarding an incident thirty years ago.

The unjustifiable refusal by the sectarian Prison Service flies in the face of the sentencing Judge who said Mr. McGeough was not a threat to the public’. It is clear that very little has changed inside for Republican Prisoners since Bobby Sands death on Hunger-Strike! RNU call for Gerry to be permitted to attend his little daughter’s First Communion this Saturday”.