Damien McLaughlin being arrested in Doengal in March this year by armed Gardai
SINN Féin Justice spokesperson Raymond McCartney has reiterated calls for an end to strip searching in Maghaberry Prison after a judge warned it may amount to ‘inhuman and degrading’ treatment.
The Foyle MLA was speaking after a Dublin High Court judge has delayed extradition a man facing charges in relation to the death of prison officer David Black.
McLaughlin skipped bail last November and went on the run from his West Belfast bail address shortly before his trial was due to start.
He was arrested in March this year in Donegal by armed gardai on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the PSNI.
Judge Aileen Donnelly said she was satisfied Damien McLaughlin could be subject o “inhuman and degrading conditions” in Maghaberry.
Raymond McCartney said: “The observation made by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly in the extradition case against Damien McLaughlin should prompt the Prison Service and the Department of Justice to stop the practice of strip searching and find a technological alternative.
“The judge was very clear in her concerns around the strip searching procedures which she warned presented a real risk of inhuman and degrading treatment.
“The need for an end to strip searching was one of the key findings and recommendations of the Ann Owers Prison Review report six years ago.
“This ruling by the judge outlines that strip searching is out of step with any semblance of human rights standards necessary in 2017 and should be ended immediately.”
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