Derry republican prisoner Tony Taylor who is languishing behind bars on the unproven word of MI5 goons
SINN Fein’s national chairperson Declan Kearney has called for the immediate release of Derry prisoner Tony Taylor.
Mr Taylor was thrown back in Maghaberry jail on the word of MI5 goons who claimed he had breached the terms of his release licence.
But his campaigners have argued for evidence of his breach to be put before a court where it can be challenged and tested in front of a judge.
Tony was a leading light in the Republican Network for Unity group in the city.
But in March last year he was returned to prison after his early release licence was suspended by the then Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.
No reason was given for his return to jail.
The 48-year-old was jailed for three years for possession of a rifle.
But while out on early release, he was arrested by police, held for several days, and then returned to jail after it was claimed Parole Commissioners believed he posed a risk to the public.
Tony has been suffering ill health and his unlawful detention has also been affecting his family back home in Derry.
Speaking after the jail visit, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA said;
“Our fact-finding delegation to Maghaberry prison set out to get an insight in relation to the current prison environment.
“During our visit we had an opportunity to meet with prisoners both from the integrated wings and also political prisoners in Roe House.
“In addition, we met with prison management and those involved in delivering education, training and employability skills.
“The visit was extremely informative in relation to the pace of prison reform.
“While much progress has been made in improving the quality of the prison environment for both prisoners and staff, it is clear there is some distance to go to deliver on the completion of comprehensive prison reform.
“Both political and ordinary prisoners, as well as members of staff, are all entitled to be treated with the highest standards of equality, respect and dignity.
“Our delegation also met with Tony Taylor, who is currently being wrongfully detained. He should be released from detention with immediate effect.
“We also met Brendan McConville who provided us with an update on the Justice for the Craigavon Two campaign.
“We discussed the serious concerns, which exist in relation to the convictions of Brendan and his co-accused John Paul Wooton.
“We will use today’s visit as the basis for further engagement with prison management and the Justice Department in relation to how prison reform should be maximised in the coming period.”
