Today the Pensive Quill Carries a double piece from guest writer Helen McClafferty drawing attention to the plight of Irish republican Gerry McGeough.
“Abuse of Process” Application Rejected
Gerry’s trial, adjourned since March, restarted today, September 13th. The resumption comes after his legal team’s “abuse of process” application was rejected this morning.
It appears that no matter how good the arguments, the Defense motions are destined to be brushed aside. Much of today’s “evidence” consisted of reading excerpts from Gerry’s novel “Defenders” to the court, while aged ex-members of the RUC and UDR from the Tyrone area looked on from the public gallery waiting to give testimony. According to many observers, “the show-trial has to be experienced to be believed.”
In this weekend’s Sunday Tribune, an article written by Suzanne Breen: “Swedish asylum allegations to be used in case against McGeough” stated that: “political asylum applications are generally regarded as confidential and it is understood that it will be the first time such documents will be used against a republican”. The article goes on to say that “indeed, the current position of the British government is that, in the public interest, asylum claims made by foreigners arriving in Britain are confidential. That is clearly stated on official forms given to asylum seekers. Gerry McGeough's attorney said "Gerry should have exactly the same rights."
According to the article “last year, the then British Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, told the House of Commons: "Information received from asylum seekers is treated in confidence and details of their claims are not disclosed to the authorities of the country they fear being returned to."
So, there you have it…Britain’s double standard rears its ugly head once again when it comes to Irish republicans getting any fair treatment in their diplock court system. Tomorrow members of the Gardai are scheduled to testify by video link from Dublin.
Gerry McGeough Suffers Another Heart Attack
14/09/2010
Gerry was to appear again in court today when he was taken ill this morning and rushed to Craigavon Hospital. It appears he has suffered another heart attack and will remain in the hospital under observation until further notice.
IT IS TIME TO STOP THIS 3 ½ YEAR PERSECUTION OF GERRY MCGEOUGH
For several years, prior to Gerry’s arrest, he was living a peaceful existence with his wife and children in Tyrone until he decided to run in the Assembly Elections as an Independent candidate on an anti-PSNI platform in March of 2007. That is when Gerry’s life took a change for the worse and it has been a living nightmare for him and his family ever since. Gerry was arrested at the count center, following the poll, and he has been vindictively persecuted by the British crown and their minion civil servants the RUC/PSNI.
Over the 3 ½ years that Gerry’s trial was continuously postponed by the Crown, much of the "evidence" has consisted of reading the statements of dead people into the record, quoting paragraphs at his trial from his novel "Defenders", published in 1998, which was factored in to the Prosecution's argument. Using the BBC television program Panorama as part of their case in order to try to fabricate evidence against him by focusing on the 1997 series ‘Provos” by Peter Taylor (screened as “Behind the Mask in the U.S.). Gerry’s Diplock trial is a sham. The case against Gerry has degenerated into a farce.
In contrast, the British government has operated a secret scheme granting royal pardons or immunity from prosecution to hand-picked ex-IRA members and Loyalists wanted for killings, bombings and other paramilitary activities. No members of the British forces are being charged or tried for their part in the 1969-98 North of Ireland conflict (the soldiers responsible for "Bloody Sunday" including those British/Orange forces behind the Dublin-Monaghan bombings).
In their obsessive need to prosecute and imprison Gerry, his legal team’s “abuse of process” application was rejected and the British are now prepared to turn international political asylum refugee laws on their head by using as their chief “evidence” alleged political asylum application papers from Sweden (which are normally subjected to a 50-year confidentiality protection clause under Swedish law). The move will be the first time such documents will be used against a republican and has widespread implications for the entire concept of political asylum and has now become a major Human Rights issue.
To pretend that Gerry’s arrest and on-going legal saga has anything to do with “justice” is a pathetic joke. He is being discriminated against for purely political reasons and there is a determined effort to railroad him into prison at the highest political level.
Your prayers that Gerry returns to his normal good health and for an end to the 3 1/2 year harassment of him and his family by the RUC and Crown are greatly appreciated.
Dont do the prayer thing Helen hon and I am still of the opinion that this farce will fade out like a damp squib (firework)the mans gonna walk,keep the chin up,vindictive bastards they may be but the powers that be know that a conviction could be a Pandoras box they really dont want to open,
ReplyDeleteWas in hospital with Gerry McGeough this evening, condition serious is possibly facing an invasive exploratory procedure in next few days. Gerry was told at the time of his last, near fatal, heart attack that his coronary condition is almost certainly stress-related as his cholesterol levels are normal and healthy. There's little doubt that the vindictive posecution of the farcical crown court action against him is quite literally killing him.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I actually read the extracts from his book that they are using as evidence, it is actually unreal that this nonsense is being allowed to continue.
ReplyDeleteAlso read about Gerry Kelly assuring him, (Gerry McGeough) that he could return home without a problem, the problems only appear to have started when he ran on the Independent ticket.
All this most be unbelievably frustrating for yourself and the McGeough family.
Helen,
ReplyDelete"..granting royal pardons or immunity from prosecution to hand-picked ex-IRA members and Loyalists wanted for killings, bombings and other paramilitary activities."
Who are the Loyalists granted royal pardons or immunity?
Robert, you ask who are the the loyalists who got royal pardons or immunity. Loyalists were involved in murder, collusion and cover-up along with the british establishment in the six counties from the beginning of the troubles. They had full immunity to go and kill catholics whenever they felt like it. They did have to run or hide from anyone. They were protected by the state. This is also the case as you well know by british soldiers, they murdered innocent men, women and children. These men actually received royal medals of honour. PARDON,IMMUNITY?
ReplyDeleteThe 'state' functions like that, you either seduce it [ kiss its ass ] or you get ground down. Robert, Loyalists are not immune to this. Billy Wright of topical example, was able to murder at will, kiddies in shops and geriatric parents of Republican prisoners. It is widely believed he and his wee gang had a Royal pardon throughout. But muck about with the peace-process and it's 'come in number 5 your time is over'. More than one way for the state to skin a cat. It's the agression here in going so far to get a trial going against McGeough to punish someone who isn't playing the game that's so shocking. At this stage how much damage would an independent candidate inflict? Why not just let him stand?
ReplyDeletebit ironic that gerry mcgeough fell
ReplyDeleteill a few days after giving the
names of 3 SINN FEIN members and a
claim against GERRY KELLY to a
diplock court, maybe it was guild which brought him to his hospital
bed,
do not worry, mcgeough will not face jail time and he will be fit to run in next years election, we will smile again at those anti stormont ones who will support him,
he did not get that many votes last time out but thats democracy,
he stood in the last assemply
elections on a anti-psni but pro
gardai ticket, perhaps helen does
not know the facts.
michaelhenry, I notice Gerry Kelly does not take sick when he hands over names, I suspect he has got used to it by now.
ReplyDeleteGerry McGeough named them to higlight the extent of the hypocrisy surrounding his trial, he simply exposed Kelly for what he is, which is a member of the British establishment prepared to lock up republicans who do not tow the line.
In fairness he is not on his lone, Storey has also crossed that line, their thirty pieces must be attached to a seemingly endless piece of string.
fionnuala-
ReplyDeletedoes GERRY KELLY hand over names to
a diplock court like mcgeough,
you do not mind that mcgeough would sit at stormont would you vote for him if you could,
we are never going to agree on politics but thats just the way it is, there would be no arguments if
everybody agreed.
am going away myself with my better half for a few days- hope i do not run into marty.
Mickeyboy I,d love to run over you opps I mean into you , because my friend I,ve a wee soft spot for you yip mo cara its in the bog lol, nah Mickeyboy only kidding your a geag,you sure are alert, and this country needs lerts! if your up my mountain get your own sheep,, and ffs Michael when the missus says she wants a poke,try and understand!
ReplyDeleteYes michaelhenry Gerry Kelly does hand over names to the Diplock Courts.
ReplyDeleteIf you provide names to the PSNI which Sinn Fein have done and instructed other people to do, then of course those names end up in a court.
Ballymurphy Republican,
ReplyDelete"They had full immunity to go and kill catholics whenever they felt like it. They did have to run or hide from anyone. They were protected by the state."
The hundreds if not thousands of Loyalists processed through the legal system would probaly disagree with that argument. What is becoming apparent is the state provided cover for many others. The recent report into the Claudy bombing and the alleged activities of a Catholic priest highlighted the ability and willingness of the state to circumvent due process in protecting Republicans also.
With that in mind it is maybe a little premature in making definitive statements on this subject.
Robert, loyalist murder gangs certainly did get a safe passage in and out of Catholic districts.
ReplyDeleteI know they did also collude with republicans, however, they were usually informers or people being paid to damage their own side.
I really do not know whether that is true about the Priest and Claudy?
Why would it have benefited the Brits to cover it up?
Abuse Upon Abuse
ReplyDeleteHelen and Gav,
Hope he is on the mend. But he will not be out of the woods if at all until this farce of a trial is finished with.
AM
ReplyDeleteThis time around it's going to take a little more time to mend. It's his second heart attack. He is one lucky man in that respect. I agree with you. This trial is killing him and Gerry is a strong man. I also can't help but feel that PSF appears to be complicit in all of this by their obvious silence on the matter. Not once in 3 1/2 years did anyone from PSF publicly condemn this farce of a trial and demand it be stopped immediately for Gerry and Vincent. What are they afraid of?
Helen,
ReplyDeleteI think SF are confronted with the shortcomings of their strategy. They have promoted a justice system which the Gerry McGeough case shows to be flawed. Years ago when SF was not supportive of these British institutions the party would readily have spoken out against the treatment of Gerry McGeough but now feel exposed if they say too much.
Robert I have to agree with Fionnuala regarding protection for informers who were out to destroy the republican cause. These people were used against their own side to try to destroy it. Whereas loyalist and state force murder gangs colluded with each other and were given a free ride to kill catholics and nationalists. Take Brian Nelson for instance who was allowed by the british government to bring weapons in from South Africa. Which resulted in the deaths of many nationalists including human rights lawyer Pat Finucane. We all know how the story goes. Sanctioned from the top and covered up by all and sundry. Sadly the reality is it can and will happen again. As in the case of Gerry Mc Geough it shows us that the british government are still intent on abusing human rights against anyone who stands up to them. Where will it all end!
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteAsk the Brits or William 'Plum' Smyth, a former chairman of the Progressive Unionist Party, who they are? The article didn't mention names. The story appeared in the BBC News For Northern Ireland, Sept 9th - "Court hears loyalist support in republican case".
Fionnuala,
ReplyDeleteThe book "Defenders" is a work of fiction...but I guess the Brits are too stupid to realize that? Grabbing at straw, wouldn't you say? Also, Gerry Adams and some other SF members appear in "Provos" by Peter Taylor. So will they now be required to appear in court to defend and explain themselves for taking part in this documentary?
It is frustrating, Fionnuala, but it is more disturbing to me that the majority of republicans, who know the score, are not speaking out on Gerry and Vincent’s behalf.
Are they afraid of retaliation? Have they just become so complacent with the status-quo?
Or is they just don’t give a damn, because it doesn’t touch their lives – at least not for now?
Michaelhenry,
ReplyDeleteI am now convinced you are part of the problem that exits in NI today. Your attitude toward anyone “outside of Sinn Fein’s control, plays right into the hands of the Brits and Loyalists and that is why Gerry and Vincent are where they are today. Thanks to people like you. Prior to the signing of the Stormont Agreement, such injustice would have been challenged by republicans and never tolerated by PSF. You just don’t get it! Gerry McGeough left SF because he didn’t like the direction PSF was taking republicanism and he was against their pro-abortion stance. His prerogative like it or not. However, does that give you or anyone else the right to hang him out to dry? Try to think outside the box. If the Brits get away with incarcerating McGeough and McAnespie on these over 30 year old charges, who is next? They may even come for your precious Gerry Adams or other members of Sinn Fein when they tire of them? Then what will you do?
AM,
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right. Sad state of affairs. I believe in peace, but NOT AT ANY COST!
Helen, if they put Big Gerry on trial we will all have to immigrate.
ReplyDeleteCould you imagine it, the denial of the century. Barbra Streisand and all his other admirers would be in attendance everyday throwing their inner garments round the court. The tree society would also be there, to ensure he got his morning hug.
Helen it really is too much to contemplate, even for the Brits it would prove too much.
Helen, there is a real climate of fear here in the North, there is great antipathy against anyone who ventures outside the allowed opinion.
There is also a lot of apathy, people are aware of the situation with Gerry and Vincent and the majority of people believe it is wrong, however, few will give a comment outside of their own friends and family, because they believe if they do, they could place themselves in real danger with 'Mainstream Republicans'
Mick Hall wrote something very interesting a few weeks back about the danger of turning a blind eye to injustice, however, people are people and many believe saying nothing is the better and the safer option.
Larry I agree with what you say about wright and his gang but my parents were not geriatric!
ReplyDeletePaddy apologies, it wasnt a derogatory intention just emphasising how low those guys were. Sorry for any offence. I only saw your post today.
ReplyDeleteFionnuala, How sad is that? So the oppressed have now become the oppressors? So everything the men and woman in the RA fought and died for turned out to be for nothing? Justice is only for those who follow party line? It is absolutely maddening to think that republicans are subjected to this fear and intimidation and even more pathetic to know they are subjected to it now by their own. I can understand it coming from the Brits and the Loyalist, but from “mainstream republicans”? By the way, is a “mainstream republican” one who supports only the views of Sinn Fein right or wrong?
ReplyDeleteHelen, the term 'Mainstream Republican' has now become almost exclusively synonymous with those who belong to and vote for Sinn Fein.
ReplyDeleteThey (Sinn Fein) do tolerate a degree of opposition, provided it is low key and censored.
However, anyone who presents a stong oppostion to them are instantly labeled as disjointed and dissenters.
Several months ago a former Sinn Fein representative, Dessie Ward, reported that 'leaving the party was like leaving the Mafia'
Mr Ward said, that although he tried to keep his departure from the party positive and amicable, many of his former colleagues appeared intent on making his life a misery.
Mr Ward was verbally abused on the street, he was challenged by former party colleagues when out shopping with his family.
Mainstream republicans, have infiltrated and practically taken over all aspects of community life, therefore, few can speak out without it being noted and registered somewhere.
There is a very genuine fear amongst people in relation to giving an honest opinion.
Very few people will ever totally let their guard down when speaking about the 'Mainstream Movement'
The sad reality of it all is, people will not even speak out about things they know to be wrong.
helen-
ReplyDeletenotice that you like the ni term,
this is IRELAND and IRELAND only
i have no strong feelings on the
abortion issue, i just think that
the decision should be left to the female who is pregnant,
hard enough at times to think inside the box with out going outside of it.
Helen ya gotta understand hon, when Mickeyboy talks about thinking inside the box,what he really means is the attic where his other half locks him in(for the good of the community and his own safety) I MEAN WOULD YOU GIVE HIM A MACHINE GUN!
ReplyDeletemarty...he scares me, LOL! It's like banging your head against a brick wall when you try to communicate with him on this PSF issue or about McGeough. As I mentioned earlier in my post to mh - that is why PSF gets away with the nonsense they get away with...because of blind followers like mh.
ReplyDeleteHelen,
ReplyDelete"Ask the Brits or William 'Plum' Smyth, a former chairman of the Progressive Unionist Party, who they are?"
You and others here appear to be unnecessarily on the defensive. My question was merely put on a basis of interest as to the individuals who had recieved Royal pardons. There was nothing implicit within.
Fionnuala,
ReplyDelete“Mainstream Republicans”. I figured as much.
“They (Sinn Fein) do tolerate a degree of opposition, provided it is low key and censored”
Well isn’t that noble of them. Isn’t that exactly what British government policy is all about in the north?
PSF MPs and TDs come to the USA (Adams, McGuinness, and Caoimhghin O’ Caolain) blowing smoke up everyone’s arse and a good number of the members of these “vetted” Irish-American organizations, unfortunately, are not “in tune” to what is really going on in the north since the signing of the Stormont Agreement. They, like michaelhenry, just follow blindly and never challenge them - not out of fear, but out of ignorance. The attitude here toward PSF is…”Okay, there is peace in the north of Ireland”. “Sinn Fein won”. “Everything is wonderful”!
I feel truly saddened by what is happening to republicans who dare to question the status-quo. I am especially angry about how loyal republicans, who served in the IRA, are being marginalized, threatened, beaten and discredited because they didn’t swallow all the “kool aid”. If it’s any consolation to you, I am finally starting to get emails and calls from people in the north and south of Ireland asking what they can do to now help Gerry. People who openly told me “they don’t support Gerry’s religious views”, but feel “he is definitely getting the shaft” and want to know what they can do to bring more attention to his case. Who knows, Fionnuala, maybe the tides are changing – for the better I hope.
Helen away last year I posted the lines from First they came for the jews,someone maybe Anthony pointed out that the lines were written by a pastor called Martin Niemoller, anyway hon those lines say it all so elequently, in Gerrys case,wheter you agree with his political/religious views makes not a jot of difference,if they could convict Gerry(and I still bet they dont)then the question people will/should ask themselves who will be next.!
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteFair enough. After the "wine comments" from a previous post, I assumed you were a bit hostile toward the "green, white and orange".
Helen,
ReplyDeleteHostile may be one way of describing my disagreement with many of the views expressed on the quill. I bear you or nobody here ill will - the banter may at times be sour but it is delivered with more of a snigger than a sneer.
marty,
ReplyDelete"First came the jews". You are 100% correct and that is what I try to impress upon people, but human nature being what is - until it touches them...you know how it goes.
Robert,
Thank you for sharing that with me.
That's cool! I feel the same way, except for michaelhenry at times. LOL! Only kidding.
Gerry is on the mend at the moment but still rather weak and housebound. He had to have another 3 stents put in. There were farcical scenes in the hospital while he was there when the crown forces came onto the ward to seize his medical records in an effort to determine how soon he would be fit to return to the show trial. It would appear that the crown prosecutors intend to make good on their promise to have him in 'gaol for xmas.'
ReplyDeleteGav I know what that ops like been there done that,Gerry will be fine I,m sure.its obvious that there is a hidden agenda here,and it would be interesting to know whos hand was behind this vindictive pursuit of Gerry and what the intended outcome is hoped for,it surely isnt justice for Sammy Brush, for imo he is nothing but a tiny cog in Englands dirty war, I,d bet its more a warning to republicans to be careful about rocking or knocking the dirty deed called the Belfast or GFA,the powers to be fail to relaise that even after almost 40 years here there is still people who wont be cowed down and a conviction against Gerry will not subdue people but rather give a cause to unite behind and also cause instability in an already psf.I.ve stated many times before that I think /hope Gerry walks,it makes no sense to convict.
ReplyDeleteMarty they are doing their dirty best to secure a conviction; even riding roughshod over diplomatic protocol in regard to the asylum application. The reason why they want to convict Gerry is so that he can be given a long sentence so that when he is released on license they will have the threat of revocation to hang over him. As we have seen in recent years the Brits will revoke a Republican's license on a whim; especially if they refuse to toe the line.
ReplyDeleteAbuse Upon Abuse
ReplyDeleteNuala
'The sad reality of it all is, people will not even speak out about
things they know to be wrong.'
The intimidation and censorship was a big shoulder at the wheel which pushed the strategy through.
Robert
‘Hostile may be one way of describing my disagreement with many of the
views expressed on the quill. I bear you or nobody here ill will - the
banter may at times be sour but it is delivered with more of a snigger
than a sneer.
I think that is fair comment.