IRELAND - CPT ASKED TO PROBE MISTREATMENT ALLEGATIONS

The Celtic League General Secretary has asked the Council of Europe Prison & Police Inspectorate, the CPT, to investigate allegations of mistreatment of a number of persons detained recently by the Irish Police.

The most serious allegation concerns a man with acute disability who is wheelchair bound. (see below):

"Mr Hugh CHETWYND, Head of Division European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) Council of Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex France

Dear Mr Hugh Chetwynd

Éire/Republic of Ireland: Allegations of mistreatment

I am writing to you following the arrest of Eddie McGarrigle John McCrossan and Neil Myles in Éire/Republic of Ireland at the beginning of March 2008 and are currently interred in Portlaoise prison, Co. Laois.

It has come to the League's attention that accusations of physical mistreatment against the three men, while they were in custody, took place, including punching, kicking and stamping by their interrogators.

In addition, Eddie McGarrigle is a paraplegic who has been wheel chair bound for over twenty years. The three men, named above, were charged with membership of the outlawed Irish National Liberation Army.

The Celtic League are concerned by these allegations and our intention for writing to you is to draw your attention to this matter and also, if possible for the CPT to investigate these allegations further.

Many thanks in advance.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary"

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

21/03/08