Section 30 Contravenes European Convention On Human Rights

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Sunday August 01, 2010 15:26 by RNU PRO - Republican Network for Unity (RNU)

The REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, has equated the increase in the Offences Against the State Act against Political Activists in the 26 Counties as a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, has equated the increase in the Offences Against the State Act against Political Activists in the 26 Counties as a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr. McBrearty said; ‘Political Activists and their families across the 26 Counties have experienced increased Gardaí harassment and invasions of their right to liberty and privacy.

In early July, two RNU Activists had been travelling home in County Louth when their car was suddenly ran off the road by members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Special Branch. The two men were dragged from the vehicle, handcuffed, assaulted and forced to lie on the road at gunpoint for over an hour. They were subsequently arrested and their homes were also searched. Both men were then held for two days at separate Garda Stations.

Intrusive surveillance, intimidation and the arrests of RNU members under vague laws have amplified dramatically over the past six months, without much public scrutiny. Repressive legislation used against legitimate political activity must be opposed as it constitutes human rights abuses by the State and its Political Police’.

McBrearty concluded; ‘For our part, the Republican Network for Unity remains fully committed to exposing breaches of civil liberties and building a just and free Ireland’.