NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
CALL FOR JUSTICE IN COREY CASE
The Celtic League has written to the Secretary of State for N. Ireland urging her to have the courage and integrity to order the release of Martin Corey.
The League says that his continued detention despite the original decision of the High Court undermines the rule of law.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Theresa Villiers MP
Stormont House
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT4 3SH
28/05/13
Dear Secretary of State,
I write with reference to the continued detention of the Irish republican prisoner, Martin Corey.
Martin Corey's release from his current Kafkaesque state of detention was ordered by the High Court, a decision which was then overruled by your predecessor (Shaun Woodward).
One would assume therefore that his continued `detained status' is by executive decision of your Office i.e. in the face of legal precedence.
I would urge your Office to consider wisely the current position. The present parlous state of (comparative) peace in Ireland which has been arrived at after a period of great turbulence can only be secured permanently by transparency and the rule of law.
The rule of law must be seen to be fair, just and to be obeyed. It can certainly not be `bent' at the whim or diktat of your Office or more malign and hidden agencies of the State.
Recently the Celtic League wrote to the UN Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers expressing our concern at possible political attempts to influence or intimidate Judges in N. Ireland. (link below). I know that your Office had similar concerns indeed in that instance I think that you told a DUP questioner in the House of Commons it is up to the courts to decide.
It is bizarre in the extreme for the Office of the Secretary of State to make statements designed to secure the independence and integrity of the judicial system and at the same time impose sanctions (as in the Corey case) which
traduce the integrity of the Courts.
Is it only `up to the Courts to decide', Secretary of State, when it suits? The Corey case sets a dangerous precedent and one that you should have the courage and integrity to rectify.
Link reference here:
Yours sincerely,
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League.
For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact:
General Secretary, Celtic League:
gensec@
The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query.
ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE.
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues
Internet site at:
■