Price is being interned says priest


A poster charging that Price is being interned.

The continuing detention of a dissident republican has been described as "internment" by a priest known for his human rights work.

On Friday of last week Marian Price - also known by her married name, Marian McGlinchey - was moved from Maghaberry prison to the women's prison at Hydebank outside Belfast.

The internment claim has been "refuted" by Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson, who revoked Price's release license last May, returning her to prison.

This was after Price appeared at a dissident republican rally in Derry. She has since been charged in connection with the murders of two soldiers in County Antrim, which she denies.

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Former prison chaplain, Monsignor Raymond Murray, said Mr. Paterson's decision to revoke Price's license had echoes of the past for nationalists.

"This is a form of internment," said Monsignor Murray.

"I am just shocked that the secretary of state wouldn't be aware of how seriously nationalist people look on internment.

"We thought it had all ended and here it is coming under a form of revocation, revoking a license.

"He would have to explain to us and explain the process of law as regards Marian Price.

"In any way has she broken the law? That would have to be provided but it is not provided by shoving her into prison on a pretence in an unjust way."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has also criticized Price's continued detention.

"That action by Owen Paterson amounted to detention without trial and runs contrary to natural justice," McGuinness said.

"Sinn Féin has raised its concerns on this issue at every opportunity and will continue to press Owen Paterson on it as a matter of urgency."

However, in a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said: "Mrs. McGlinchey has been charged with two offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, one of which is in connection with the Masserene murders.

"In these circumstances, and considering the need to protect the public, Mrs. McGlinchey's licence was revoked. An independent panel of parole

commissioners is now considering her case.

"The secretary of state entirely refutes the allegation that this is internment without trial."

 

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