Saor Pól Brennan Anois!

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Thursday October 09, 2008 17:11

by Saoirse - Ógra Shinn Féin

The Irish Republican Youth Movement, Ógra Shinn Féin, have said that they are committed to campaigning for the immediate release of 1983 Long Kesh Escapee Pól Brennan, who has been incarcerated in a US prison since January this year.

They said they will be stepping up efforts to highlight his plight in the time ahead, which includes two ‘Free Pól Brennan’ vigils on Tuesday 14 October, one at 6.30pm outside the GPO in Dublin and the other at Queen’s Student’s Union in Belfast at 7.30pm.

Pól was initially detained over an expired work permit, but what started as a small misunderstanding has escalated into a long running detention, and threat of extradition, with the US Homeland Security deeming Pól a ‘flight risk.’ This has placed huge strain on Mr Brennan and his wife Joanna who is caring for her elderly parents.

The National Organiser for Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan has called on the US Government to end this ongoing saga and to immediately release Pól Brennan. He said,

“The ongoing detention and threat of extradition is causing huge personal turmoil to Pól Brennan and his family. The allegations by the US Homeland Security are totally unfounded and already a number of US Congressmen have backed the campaign for Pól’s release.”

“The ongoing imprisonment of Pól Brennan is a denial of his human rights, and every right minded person should do their utmost to support his immediate release, to end the extradition ordeal he is facing and ensure he is re-united with his wife.”

“We would call on everyone to play a part and get active in the ‘Free Pól Brennan’ campaign. For our part, Ógra Shinn Féin are committed to campaigning and agitating until our friend, and comrade Pól is free at last!”