Gerry McGeough has instructed that a measured response from him to Gerry Adams recent email be withheld from publication pending the outcome of a meeting between campaign supporters and Senior Sinn Fein officials in Dublin on Monday, February 6, 2012.
Thank you.
Helen McClafferty
2/2/12 -
AOH DELEGATION FROM THE US VISITS MCGEOUGH
Gerry McGeough had a visit yesterday from an AOH delegation from the USA. Gerry was very pleased with the visit and how well informed the delegation was regarding his plight. Gerry said “the delegation expressed their genuine commitment to continue to campaign for his release.” Gerry thanks the delegation, for taking time away from their hectic schedule to visit with him, and he extends his heartfelt thanks to all members in the AOH who have been so supportive of him and their kindness toward his family.
1/27/2012:
DELEGATION FROM SDLP MET PRIVATELY WITH GERRY MCGEOUGH IN MAGHABERRY PRISON
Gerry phoned to advise that a delegation of 4 members of the SDLP, led by Dr. Alasdair McDonnell, met with the IPOWS today about the protest in Maghaberry prison, as well as with Marion Price, and then had a private meeting with Gerry himself. Gerry said “this delegation is part of a growing campaign to highlight the seriousness of the dreadful conditions facing the IPOWS in Maghaberry prison along with the case of Marion Price and myself.” He further advised that “the SDLP will be raising a motion on behalf of Marion Price in Stormont on Monday.” Gerry was delighted to meet with the delegation and he felt it was a very constructive and positive meeting.
Yesterday I informed you that the Fianna Fail party confirmed they support the release of Gerry McGeough and have called on the Irish Government to fully implement the Weston Park Accord. Now the SDLP has met with Gerry. Our voices are starting to be heard and we must continue to keep the communication going.
I am asking for your total support in contacting every member of the SDLP now to call upon the Irish and British government to fully implement the Weston Park Accord and release Gerry McGeough.
There are also 14 Sinn Féin TD's we need to contact and ask them to 'get off the fence' and stand up for the Weston Park Accord and secure Gerry McGeough's immediate release now.
Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of Gerry and his family. Gerry and Maria have asked me to tell you they appreciate all you have done and ask you to please continue to keep them in your prayers and continue to speak out on their behalf and to keep the pressure on those in political power who need to do the right thing by Gerry and his family.
FIANNA FAIL PARTY SUPPORTS THE RELEASE OF GERRY MCGEOUGH AND HAVE ASKED THE IRISH GOVERNMENT TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THE WESTON PARK ACCORD:
I received the following two email from Micheal Martin TD, Leader and Spokesperson on the north of Ireland, with regard to my inquiry on the Irish government's position on the full implementation of the Weston Park Accord and the release of Gerry McGeough.
-----Original Message-----
From: Micheál Martin
To: in
Sent: Thu, Jan 26, 2012 6:55 am
Subject: Re: Email for Micheál Martin:
Dear Helen
We have raised this matter with the Government in relation to the non implementation of outstanding issues of the Weston Park Accord.
We will be in touch when we receive a response.
Kind regards
The Office of Micheál Martin TD
-----Original Message-----
From: Micheál Martin
To: mcclafferty32
Sent: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 12:29 pm
Subject: Re: Email for Micheál Martin:
Dear Helen,
Thank you for your recent email in relation to the Western Park Accord and its full implementation. As you may be aware Fianna Fáil are totally committed to the Western Park Accord and it's full implementation. I would also support Eamon O' Cuiv's request for Gerrry McGeough's immediate release based on humanitarian grounds. I hope this clarifies our position.
Yours sincerely,
Micheál Martin TD
Gerry McGeough said...
"Fair Play to Micheál Martin and the Fianna Fáil Party for raising the non-implementation of outstanding issues of the Weston Park Accord with the Irish government. Have to give credit where credit is do."
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Free Gerry McGeough Campaign believe this is our opportunity to apply pressure on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to respond and to ensure the implementation of all the outstanding issues of the Weston Park Accord, in particular paragraph 20, which deals with offences committed prior to the GFA. If this Accord is not fully implemented by both the Irish and British governments - then no republican who took part in the troubles prior to the GFA can ever be safe from prosecution.
Email Enda Kenny at: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie, : ASK HIM TO: 1) FULLY IMPLEMENT THE WESTON PARK ACCORD. 2) CALL ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO DO THE SAME. 3) CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF GERRY MCGEOUGH BASED ON PARAGRAPH 20 IN THE ACCORD.
Contact: Prime Minister David Cameron
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
ASK HIM TO: 1) FULLY IMPLEMENT THE WESTON PARK ACCORD. AND TO RELEASE GERRY MCGEOUGH IMMEDIATELY.
If you would like to contact the Prime Minister by email, please do so by following the guidance on the Number 10 website: http://www.number10.gov.uk/footer/contact-us
Do what you have to do - write a letter/send a fax/call his office. Don't be put off!
Thank you.
mcclafferty
Subject: Political Action Committees - Weston Park Agreement
Weston Park is your classic ‘Perfidious Albion”. In their dealings with the Irish, the British reneged on their 1801 promise of Catholic emancipation. They later reneged on their 1921 promise of a ‘Boundary Commission”. Now they have reneged on the 2001 Weston Park Accord, which promised no further political prosecutions and a Pat Finucane public inquiry amongst other things.
Individuals should not have to go through the courts to secure this Accord. However, since the political parties have abdicated their responsibilities in this matter, they have been left with no choice. If they fail, then it’s down to ‘people power’ and NOW is the time for all Irish people around the world, including the Sinn Fein membership, to start forming Political Action Committees (PAC) with high tech-communication skills. Why should we have to ‘beg’ the British and Irish governments to do the right thing? We need to be one voice and DEMAND them to adhere to the Weston Park Agreement NOW!
January 18, 2012
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED - MCGEOUGH CASE -
An agreement was made at Weston Park that no ex volunteer of the IRA would be brought through the courts and sentenced for war related activities prior to the Good Friday Agreement. It was agreed that both governments would introduce legislation to that effect. Therefore, Gerry McGeough should not be in jail as this breaks an international agreement and is an assault on the peace process. The Irish government and Sinn Féin need to start speaking up for the full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement. It is sheer complacency.
Please take the following steps immediately:
Send letter/email to: Gerry Adams
"Gerry McGeough's imprisonment is a full scale assault on democracy and the peace process in Ireland. Both governments made a solid agreement at Weston Park to introduce legislation that no one would go to prison for war related activities prior to the GFA. Nothing has changed. It is imperative that Sinn Fein call upon the British and the Irish Governments for the full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement. Gerry McGeough should be released IMMEDIATELY!!!"
cc: Tony Blair, Hilary Clinton on this.
Write to: Enda Kenny
Send letter/email to: Enda Kenny, An Taoiseach
"Gerry McGeough's imprisonment is a full scale assault on democracy and the peace process in Ireland. Both governments made a solid agreement at Weston Park to introduce legislation that no one would go to prison for war related activities prior to the GFA. Nothing has changed. The Irish Government really needs to speak up for the full implementation of this agreement. Gerry McGeough should be released IMMEDIATELY!!!"
cc: Tony Blair and Hillary Clinton on this.
Send this letter/email to: David Cameron, Prime Minister Great Britain
"Gerry McGeough's imprisonment is a full scale assault on democracy and the peace process in Ireland. Both governments made a solid agreement at Weston Park to introduce legislation that no one would go to prison for war related activities prior to the GFA. Nothing has changed. The British Government needs to adhere to this Agreement. Gerry McGeough should be released IMMEDIATELY!!!"
cc: Owen Paterson, Tony Blair, Hilliary Clinton
Here are the addresses/emails/phone numbers for the politicians in question:
David Cameron
Prime Minister, Great Britain
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A2AA
Email:
camerond@parliament.uk
An Taoiseach
Enda Kenny
Government Buildings
Merrion Street
Dublin, Ireland
Taoiseach's private office:
Email:
taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie
Tel # 01-6194020
Fax# 01-6764048
Owen Paterson
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Office
Stormont House
Stormont Estate
Belfast, NI BT43SH
Email: sos@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
Tel # 028-9052-0700
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Contact:
http://contact-us.state.gov/app/ask
Thank you so much for your immediate attention to this request. The Diplock court judge, who presided over Gerry's judicial review hearings will be making his decision within the next 2 weeks. PLEASE ACT ON THESE EMAILS/LETTERS/FAXES/PHONE CALLS IMMEDIATELY.
January 13, 2012
McGeough judicial hearing update:
Letter from Sinn Féin to McGeough’s Attorney – Re: Weston Park Agreement.
Gerry called to advise that Sinn Féin gave his attorney a letter, at the eleventh hour, referencing the Weston Park Agreement. “Although the letter is 5 years late, it is a start", said Gerry. However, his attorney needs more details and consultation from Sinn Féin in order to secure Gerry’s release. Gerry attributes Sinn Féin breaking their silence after 5 years, regarding his plight, to the intense International campaign of people around the world.
We now need to re-double our efforts and keep the pressure on the British to adhere to the Weston Park Agreement. Gerry said... "this is the beginning of the ‘Irish Spring’ that can clean away the ‘stench’ of British corruption in Ireland and put a final end to the nationalist nightmare.
Irish Echo: January 6, 2012
New year brings doubts over fragile peace
A judge, embarrassed by the political imprisonment of Gerry McGeough, has given instructions from the bench for loyalists to sue against royal pardons lest he continue to look like a jackass in continuing his imprisonment of McGeough.
More ...
Gerry's hearing today lasted more than 4 hours as his solicitors
argued for his entitlement to release under the Good Friday arrangement.
The first challenge was whether the Court had any authority to review
the crown's power to grant or withhold pardons.His solicitors contended
that when pardons are granted or withheld on arbitrary grounds that are
clearly discriminatory such as withdrawing a pardon from Gerry McGeough
because of his political opinions and candidacy in an election,that
such matters are indeed re viewable and subject to court rulings to
correct abuses of discretion.
The British then argued that while Gerry's solicitors had asserted that
he was not pardoned because of his political opinions they could not
offer proof on that issue.His solicitors answered that the crown had
offered no affidavits as to any other explanation for his being denied
a pardon,even though all of the officials,records and documents should
have been under their control.The crown's failure in these
circumstances supported Gerry's contention.
The Court then heard arguments on Gerry's imprisonment in Germany and
the USA on IRA related charges and why it should count towards the two
year early release scheme.
Gerry's case ,it was acknowledged may become an important precedent for
several others, including some Sinn Fein supporters.The Court asked why
there were no supporting affidavits from Gerry Kelly or Sinn Fein. These
have been requested but refused.
Gerry's solicitors were given until next Friday to provide additional
supporting documents from Sinn Fein.The record will be then closed and
the decision may come any time thereafter.
Sammy Brush of the DUP did attend the hearing but was not given an
opportunity to speak.Gerry McGeough was not brought to court from
Maghaberry.
MARTIN GALVIN, Esq.
Statement from Gerry McGeough, January 5, 2012
There is increasing evidence that the Sinn Fein leadership is crushing down on the membership of the party, especially on those who have been trying to highlight my case.
This serves to underscore the wide spread informed belief that as part of a secret deal between the Sinn Fein leadership, the Unionists and the British government, that I was to be politically sacrificed.
The Sinn Fein leadership desperately wants me to rot in silence in jail and they are extremely irritated by the support I am receiving and the fact that this support is not going away and won’t be quiet.
A document issued by the British government to Sinn Fein regarding me has now emerged and the seriousness of the information contained in this document will be revealed in a few days.
I am asking everyone to continue to apply pressure on the Sinn Fein leadership and British government to do the right thing and to release me immediately.
Gerry McGeough
January 5, 2012
Gerry McGeough would like to thank all the members of the Hamilton, NJ AOH Division and the Albany, NY AOH Division for their generous donation to his wife and 4 children during the Christmas holidays. Gerry and his wife are truly touched by the kindness and generosity of so many wonderful and caring members in the AOH in America. He asks for your prayers and continued support for his release in 2012.
January 2, 2012
UDR MEMBERSHIP IN UDA - FREE GERRY MCGEOUGH in 2012!
Sammy Brush, now vigorously opposing McGeough’s release, belonged to a regiment regarded by the British Army themselves as troublemakers, and which harbored covert members of the UDA which the British government of the day didn’t dare to ban fearing a Protestant backlash.
The Free Gerry McGeough Committee now want to know, how much weight should be attached to the opposition of a town councilor to Gerry’s release, who belonged to a British regiment which both the British Army and the British government knew for sure harbored extremist Protestant members of the murderous UDA/UFF, but failed to proscribe?
We all suspected but couldn’t be absolutely sure until the letter below emerged, i.e. that the Army knew that some members of the Ulster Defense Regiment (UDR) a regular British Army Regiment with regimental badge etc., were also active within the Ulster Defense Association (UDA), which carried out high-profile attacks including the Milltown massacre, the Castlerock killings and the Greysteel massacre under its cover name of the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF). The UFF always publicly claimed responsibility for the murders. The UDA and the UFF are the same organization.
The point is, if the Army knew for sure that members of the ‘legitimate’ UDR were also active for the UDA (and its ‘operational’ name the UFF) why didn’t the British make the UDA a proscribed organization as it had the PIRA?
Sammy Brush was a member of the UDR (i.e. the legit regiment) but no-one knew which members of the UDR were also members of the murderous UDA. What we can learn from the letter below is that the British Army was well aware that the UDR was being used by the UDA as a front. This is why the PIRA regarded members of the UDR e.g. Sammy Brush to be legit targets (Gerry McGeough was also badly injured too).
In the following letter, you have a top civil servant advising a Commanding Officer HQ N.I. saying that the (legit) UDR “One important (but unspoken) function of the UDR is to channel into a constructive and disciplined direction Protestant energies which might otherwise become disruptive”. Yet, later on in the same letter he advises “I suggest that the line to take is that the UDR is a non-sectarian force and that its members represent a wide range of political viewpoints”.
Copy of Letter:
From J. F. Howe
Civil Adviser to General Officer
Commanding
HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN IRELAND
Lisburn Co Antrim
Army Network Lisburn Military
Post Office Lisburn 5111 – ext 426
Lt. Col. J. L. Pownall, OBE
AG Secretariat,
Minister of Defence,
Main Building
Whitehall
London, SW1
Dear John,
UDR – MEMBERSHIP OF UDA
Thank you for your letter of 17th July about UDR involvement in the UDA.
It is inevitable that a part of the Protestant element of a part-time Regiment in Ulster will sympathise with the aims of the UDA; and it is suspected that there are cases where this sympathy is carried to the extent of active membership. There are however no proven facts as yet on which to base an estimate of the scale of the problem. The following are the firmer reports that have been received, and they are being investigated:
In a television interview in Belfast on 15th July, a masked man wearing a beret claimed that he was a UDR officer.
A UDR part-timer from a City battalion has furnished a list of nine other UDR men, including one officer, whom he says are active members of the UDA.
Two series of weapons losses are thought to be almost certainly in part the work of Protestant organizations. These are the losses of 9 SLRs since the beginning of the year in 8 UDR (East Tyrone), and 12 SLSRs in the last few weeks in the Portadown area (2 UDR).
The areas where HQ UDR believe that involvement is most likely to exist are Portadown and Lurgan (2 UDR), the Bann Valley (5 UDR), Ardboe and Augnacloy (8 UDR), Carrickfergus (9 UDR), and West Belfast (10 UDR).
The UDR has to draw a line somewhere between hard-line Protestants who can safely be contained in the UDR, and those who cannot. The UDA is not an illegal organization, and membership of the UDA is not an offence under the military laws; it is also a large organization not all of whose members can be regarded as dangerous extremists. One important (but unspoken) function of the UDR is to channel into a constructive and disciplined direction Protestant energies which might otherwise become disruptive. For these reasons it is felt that it would be counter-productive to discharge a UDR member solely on the grounds that he was a member of the UDA.
STAFF-IN-CONFIDENCE
Similarly…
CONFIDENTIAL
Page No 2 of 2 Pages
Similarly, it is not formally laid down that were an applicant to join the UDR is found to be a member of the UDA, his application must automatically be rejected. But the screening process for UDR applicants has recently been tightened up so that due weight is given to extreme Protestant sympathies and although each application is considered on its merits a person who was known to be a member of the UDA would be most unlikely to be admitted.
Commander UDR has recently written to Battalion Commanders instructing them on the line to take with each member of the force who are found to be involved in the UDA. Officers are expected to resign if they take an active part in UDA activities, and other ranks are to be warned that such behavior is inconsistent with their position in the force. If a soldier’s involvement in the UDA constitutes a military offence, the UDR takes a hard line and dismisses the man under Regulation 0490 Serial 7. Such circumstances are:
Where a soldier has failed to meet a UDR commitment because he was taking part in UDA activities.
Where a solder wears UDR uniform while taking part in UDA activities.
Where a man carries an Army Department firearms while taking part in UDA activities
Connivance with the UDA in providing military information or in the theft of Army weapons, or encouraging other soldiers to commit such acts.
I am sure that this moderate line towards UDA supporters is the right one in view of the role of the UDA as a safety valve. In my opinion it would be politically unwise to dismiss a member of the UDA from the UDR unless he had committed a military offence; the dismissal of a member of the UDR, on lesser grounds could well lead to wide-spread morale problems particularly in certain areas.
I recognize the reasons why Ministers might wish to be able to say unequivocally, in reply to Parliamentary Questions, that membership of the UDA is not compatible with membership of the UDR and that we have no evidence that any UDR member is actively associated with the UDA. But I fear it would be wrong to offer categorical assurances on either point, and indeed it might be very damaging politically if Ministers were to make a public statement which implied that the UDA was an outlawed organization. I suggest that the line to take is that the UDR is a non-sectarian force and that its members represent a wide range of political viewpoints; but that if a member’s conduct, arising out of his membership of the UDA or any other organization, constitutes a military offence or calls his future loyalties in question, action is taken. Any reported involvements of UDR members in extremists activities is a matter of concern to the military authorities and we would be grateful for details of cases so that they may be investigated.
Yours ever,
John
STAFF-IN-CONFIDENCE
CONFIDENTIAL
January 1, 2012
Gerry's Judicial Review hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2012. The hearing will either be postponed or it will be heard in full? I will update you as soon as I receive word on the outcome.
December 22, 2011
Spoke to Gerry today and he had just finished meeting in private with Cardinal Sean Brady who had been visiting prisoners with a wider church delegation. Gerry said the private meeting went very well and Cardinal Brady is doing all he possibly can to help with Gerry’s release. Gerry also wanted members of the AOH to know that Cardinal Brady warmly mentioned the time he was a guest at the AOH Convention held in Pittsburgh back in the late 90’s.
Gerry and his family would like to wish all his supporters in the USA and abroad a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. Gerry’s judicial review has been postponed again until January 6, 2012, at which time we plan to intensify the campaign for his release, and we welcome all of your support.
Helen McClafferty
Statement from Gerry McGeough, December 18, 2011,
from Maghaberry Prison:
“Judging from the feedback I am getting regarding my continued incarceration and the fact no members of the British forces are being prosecuted for their part in the murder of innocent Irish people; the continued gloating and insults from bigoted Unionist politicians, and the fact the old RUC (Special Branch) are now once again effectively running the PSNI, is causing deep, smoldering resentment among large sections of Irish Catholics here and abroad”.
Gerry McGeough
On Friday I updated everyone about Gerry’s judicial review being put off AGAIN until January 6th. In the update it was mentioned that the involvement of the UDR in the Miami Show band murders and the close ties between members of the force and loyalist sectarian assassinations were exposed. This is the same organization Sammy Brush was a member of – the discredited and bigoted UDR. Will Mr. Brush be calling for the prosecution of his fellow UDR colleagues and those loyalists responsible for this mass murder?
How much more obvious could it now be that Gerry McGeough’s incarceration was, and continues to be, personally vindictive and politically motivated?
Members of the British security forces have actually gotten away with murder of innocent Irish people, throughout the history of the troubles, and yet they all continue to escape prosecution while Gerry sits in 23 hour lock up, with no chance of spending Christmas with his wife and 4 children, while the likes of a Sammy Brush, the bigoted DUP, continue to gloat and sling insults at Irish Catholics; and the cold blooded murderers of the British security forces are immune from prosecution?
WHERE IS THE JUSTICE IN ALL THIS? THE NIO OFFICE CONTINUE TO DELIBERATELY POSTPONE GERRY’S JUDICIAL HEARING, OVER AND OVER AGAIN (JUST LIKE IT TOOK THEM 3 ½ YEARS TO BRING GERRY TO TRIAL) - MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR GERRY TO GAIN HIS FREEDOM? YET THEY REMAIN THE COWARDS THEY ARE WHEN IT COMES TO ARRESTING, HOLDING THEIR TRIALS IN A DIPLOCK COURT AND INCARCERATING THOSE BRITISH SECURITY FORCES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLD BLOODED MURDER OF INNOCENT IRISH PEOPLE.
Helen McClafferty
December 16, 2011 Judicial Review Update:
Gerry McGeough's judicial review to compel his release was on in court again today, and has now been adjourned until January 6-- obviously, Gerry will spend Christmas in Maghaberry.
The hearing had been put over until today, to join Sammy Brush, the UDR
member and DUP councillor who was in the gun battle with the IRA , in which he and allegedly Gerry were both wounded in June 1981. Brush was present in the court-- (Gerry was not, as he was not brought to court for the legal application). Brush submitted a written statement that Gerry should receive no leniency or reduction. Brush had been there in Court with senior DUP members Arlene Foster, Maurice Morrow and others when Gerry was jailed on February 11, and while he was in court alone today, there is a concern that the DUP will again put their political weight against Gerry's release. It is noteworthy that two days ago the involvement of the UDR in the Miami Showband murders and the close ties between members of the force
and loyalist sectarian assassinations were exposed. It is not clear whether the hearing will be conducted on January 6 on the basis of the legal affidavits
Gerry is in good spirits and growing a beard in solidarity with the protest in Maghaberry, but is still on lockdown 23 hours a day, and denied the two hours of exercise he needs, according to heart specialists.
Thanks from Gerry
December 9, 2011
I would like to thank the 'Irish Republican Collective' for their kind and generous donation to my family in their time of need. Your continued support is much appreciated.
Gerry
November 20, 2011
Gerry would also like to thank the 'Irish Republican Collective' who marched in Scotland a few weeks ago carrying the 'Free Gerry McGeough' banner.
Your support is greatly appreciated and my family and I ask you to please continue that support of us in our struggle for freedom with justice. God bless.
Gerry
December 9, 2011
FROM AOH PRESIDENT SEAMUS BOYLE
WWW.FREEGERRY.COM
Brothers,
You all know how supportive I have been of Sinn Fein, and I still am. However, I am asking you to contact your contacts with Sinn Fein and ask them to fully support the release of Gerry McGeough.
From the letter from McGeough, I can understand his frustration at being incarcerated, and his anger at Sinn Fein. As I have said on numerous occasions, we are not a rubber stamp for any party, whether here in the US or in Ireland, and when we as an organization are in full support of Gerry to the point of gathering thousands of petitions to release him, then we must ask our friends in Sinn Fein to do no less.
I will be contacting the leadership of Sinn Fein to get their side of the story, and as we know in every situation, there are always at least two sides to every story. I will keep you apprised of developments. I still support the work of Sinn Fein in many of their great works, but when I believe they can do more for an issue, then I have no problem speaking out about it as much as I have spoken out on issues by our Government which adversely effect our organization.
Seamus Boyle
National President
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America.
December 9, 2011
Gerry McGeough calls Sinn Fein Leadership's Silence 'a Disgrace'
A delegation from Sinn Fein met with all the groups in Maghaberry the other day, including independent republican Gerry McGeough.
In an ‘extremely robust exchange’, Gerry strongly criticized the Sinn Fein leadership on their shameful silence regarding his situation and accused them of ‘sacrificing him in the interest of their cozy relationship with the DUP’.
Gerry further stated ‘ Sinn Fein leadership’s attitude was in stark contrast to the ordinary membership whose vast and widespread majority members want the party to act on the motion for his immediate release, which was passed at this year’s Ard Fheis’. Gerry also requested that the Sinn Fein leadership demand the immediate arrest and diplock court prosecution of ‘Soldier F’ for the murder of 4 innocent people in Derry on Bloody Sunday.
Gerry wants to make it PERFECTLY CLEAR that the ‘SINN FEIN LEADERSHIP IS DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING on his behalf, regardless of whatever yarns they are spinning for their own PR purposes’.
Gerry would like to thank those Sinn Fein members who have worked tirelessly on his behalf, as well as the AOH in the US and abroad, Radio Free Eireann, Eamon O’Cuiv, the Free Gerry McGeough committee and all those supporters who have openly supported him and his family in this serious miscarriage of justice.
Gerry is asking everyone to pull together and speak out about the disgraceful and cowardly silence of the Sinn Fein leadership and to work on his behalf, in unity, for his immediate release.
McGeough Campaign Will Not Play 'Head-Games'
It appears there is another undermining campaign, most likely by British intelligence, to cause division within the Free Gerry McGeough camp. Within the past few weeks, all sorts of rumors have been circulating with the intent to cause friction among active members of this campaign. I just want to say ‘IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN’. Those supporting Gerry, from all different political and even religious affiliations, are working very hard together to ensure his long overdue release from Maghaberry. We will not be deterred. We will not succumb to unsubstantiated rumors, and we will not play your head-games. Those of us, who choose to support Gerry, stand firm in our commitment to justice not only for Gerry and his family, but also for all those wrongly convicted by the British government and their Diplock courts.
Thank you.
Helen McClafferty
Chairperson
Free Gerry McGeough Campaign
www.freegerry.com
Martin Galvin gives a recap of where Gerry's case stands right now in an interview on Radio Free Eireann, WBAI (wbai.org)
Broadcast on Saturday, December 03 2011
At Gerry McGeough’s judicial hearing yesterday, December 1st, Judge Treacy asked “has anyone taken a legal challenge against the decision of the British Secretary of State for having given pardons to other republicans in the past?”
This has the potential to cause massive political upheaval and dangerously destabilize the peace process. If Jim Allister or anyone in the DUP took a legal challenge against these pardons, then the jails will fill up with scores of those who received pardons including high ranking politicians within Sinn Fein.
It is time to release Gerry McGeough NOW and enact immediate legislation to prevent this from happening.
December 3, 2011
The letter below is now the standard ‘form letter’ that is being sent out by Gilmore and Ford’s office. These letters are called ‘cop out letters’. They are your ‘token , polite, brush-off reply letters’.
McGeough’s case is being seriously compromised by a Justice Minister who was jointly picked by the DUP and Sinn Fein. David Ford’s “no concessions” for McGeough or any other person wrongfully convicted is due in fact that Sinn Fein gifted him with the post he now uses to ignore and renege on his responsibilities.
Dear Ms. McClafferty,
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D.,
has asked me thank you for your correspondence regarding the case of Mr. Gerry
McGeough.
Mr. McGeough has initiated legal proceedings with a view to obtaining his early
release. As the matter is currently before the courts, it would therefore not be
appropriate to comment any further at this stage other than to confirm that
officials from this Department continue to monitor developments very closely.
Yours sincerely,
_______________
Mary Connery
Private Secretary
Status Update on McGeough's Judicial Hearing - December 1st
Gerry's application for release was in court before Justice Treacy on December 1st. The judge declared that the former member of the UDR, Sammy Brush, who was the target of the 1981 IRA ambush for which Gerry was jailed, should be served with legal papers in the event he wished to be heard in the action. The case was then adjourned to December 16, for that purpose.
If the judge agrees to decide the application on the basis of the legal papers, there could be a date for final submission and possibly argument, before the Christmas recess. Even then it is unlikely that a decision would be made until mid-January, at the very earliest. Obviously there could be other adjournments before the application is complete. Meanwhile Gerry remains in Maghaberry.
Please remember his wife and 4 children come this Christmas. Go to http://freegerry.com/donate.html
if you would like to make a donation.
You can also send Christmas cards to Gerry:
Gerry McGeough
Maghaberry Prison
Roe House
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn
NI BT28 2PT
Thank you.
NOVEMBER 28, 2011
URGENT - MAJOR PRIORITY. WE NEED EMAILS TO REACH DAVID FORD AND EAMON GILMORE BEFORE THURSDAY 12/1.
David Ford – Justice Minister for NI and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore. The letter should be on the basis that a line should have been drawn through all outstanding cases in the interest of the peace process. Make sure to include your address on the e-mail. This was advised by Eamon O'Cuiv. PLEASE EVERYONE…WRITE TO THEM TODAY - NO TIME TO WASTE.
MAJOR PUSH TO CONTACT CAMERON AND PATERSON PRIOR TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
Gerry will appear in court on Thursday, December 1st for his judicial review hearing. This hearing is vital to his release. PLEASE FLOOD THE OFFICES OF PM DAVID CAMERON AND NIS of S OWEN PATERSON WITH EMAILS CALLING FOR GERRY MCGEOUGH’S IMMEDIATE RELEASE – PLEASE DO THIS BEFORE DEC. 1ST.
Can you please tell me why you have not addressed any of the questions put to you in an open letter by Walkinstown Sinn Féin members about what you are doing to help my husband, Gerry McGeough?
I sit back patiently waiting for Sinn Féin to follow through on their promises to help get Gerry released and home to his family, and yet I see no results, only talk.
As you know Mr. Adams, Éamon Ó Cuív, an Irish Fianna Fáil TD, has taken the lead in trying to help my husband, and I personally feel that Sinn Féin should be working hand in hand with this fine gentleman to end the politically motivated incarceration of my husband. You are letting too much time pass while Gerry’s health continues to deteriorate. I would appreciate it if you would kindly respond to the questions asked of you by your own Sinn Féin supporters and let me know what you intend to do to help my husband and our family.
Thank you very much,
Maria Jose McGeough.
Monday, 14 November 2011
McGeough appeal heard in court
Lawyers for Gerry McGeough argued on Monday that the authorities knew of his whereabouts for a decade before he was arrested in 2007 over the shooting of ... Read More
Éamon Ó Cuív,the Irish TD who recently visited Gerry McGeough in Maghaberry Prison, is now going to play a leading role in the campaign to free Gerry McGeough.
Radio Free Eireann broadcast an interview with Éamon on Saturday November 12 on WBAI 99.5 FM (wbai.org)
November 7, 2011
Éamon Ó Cuív to head up international campaign to release Gerry McGeough
Mr. O’Cuiv is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and the grandson of Fianna Fáil founder, first Taoiseach and third President of Ireland, Éamon de Valera. Eamon met with Gerry McGeough today in Maghaberry Prison after 4 months of being denied a visit by the Prison Authorities. Hours before Mr. O’Cuiv’s visit, Gerry McGeough was informed that his judicial review hearing, which was postponed last week by the NIO until mid-February, has now been rescheduled to take place on December 1st. The NIO has also just agreed to grant Gerry his Appeal hearing next week.
According to Gerry, they had a very productive meeting/visit and they discussed the protests, the horrible conditions within Maghaberry prison and the current political state of affairs in Ireland and the UK.
Gerry and The Free Gerry McGeough Campaign are thrilled to share this good news with all of his supporters and would like to thank Mr. O’Cuiv for his courage to head up this International campaign.
Gerry is asking that everyone support Mr. O'Cuiv's efforts in obtaining his release.
November 3, 2011
AN OPEN LETTER TO GERRY ADAMS: RE: GERRY MCGEOUGH
Gerry, a chara,
As you read this letter, Gerry McGeough sits in a prison cell in Maghaberry Jail for being a member of the IRA in the 1970's. Recently Gerry was taken to an external hospital to have another stent put in his heart. The doctors told him that his condition has deteriorated rapidly due to lack of exercise and poor nutrition i.e the dire conditions in Maghaberry Jail.
In light of our recent pledge at the Ard Féis to support Gerry's release, on behalf of the Benny Connolly Cumann (Walkinstown) i would like to ask you: What has Sinn Féin done since the Ard Féis? What do Sinn Féin intend to do? Will Sinn Féin co-operate with Gerry McGeough's legal team? and Who in Sinn Féin is responsible for Gerry's safety?
I trust that you will give this matter the attention it deserves. Sinn Féin members throughout the country are greatly disturbed by this case and we do look forward to your response.
Best wishes - Brian Halpin,
Benny Connolly Cumann,
Walkinstown Sinn Féin.
November 1, 2011
NIO POSTPONES MCGEOUGH'S JUDICIAL REVIEW HEARING AGAIN!
Gerry McGeough’s ‘Judicial Review’ has now been postponed by the NIO until February 1, 2012. He won his right to a judicial review in September, yet they refused to schedule his review until December 12, 2011. Now they have added insult to injury by deliberately postponing his right to a review until February 1st, 2012, which would be approximately 5 months from the actual date when he won the right to a review of his case.
Tell me this isn’t a deliberate and vindictive move on the part of the NIO to make sure that Gerry is not given a timely hearing? What the NIO office is hoping for is that Gerry McGeough will die in prison before they are obligated, under the Stormont Agreement (I can no longer call it the Good Friday Agreement) to release him on humanitarian grounds, not to mention his illegal interment.
At present, Roe House is being tested for Hepatitis and other serious diseases, which seriously endanger Gerry’s health even further. It also needs to be noted that Gerry’s wife and 4 children were kept waiting one hour and a half last week for their weekly visit to see Gerry, and were only given 10 minutes to visit on the day of his daughter’s 11th birthday. Tell me this isn’t additional and deliberate harassment by the prison authorities to ensure that McGeough and his family be ‘kept in their Irish place’!
So, tell me…what are you going to do about it over there? Sit back and take it? Sit back and let a fellow Irish republican die in prison at the hands of the English?
Sinn Fein said they were ‘on top of the McGeough case and demanded his immediate release’…does it look like that to you now? I have tried to be fair in my reporting of those in power who are supporting the McGeough family, but now that push comes to shove….what is Sinn Fein, the most powerful political party in the north, actually doing for McGeough? If the ‘powers that be’ were really on top of this issue…why the further delay in Gerry’s case hearing?
Let’s get real here. My intentions are not to ‘offend’ any political party, but the McGeough family is being sold a ‘bill of goods’ by those in power and this further delay in Gerry’s judicial review hearing is proof of the pudding. As I’ve always said…ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS! Anyone can make a ‘press statement’ supporting whatever they want and make it sound good, but where is the follow-through? What have any of the political parties delivered to date?
As an Irish-American, who has been politically active since 1969 in supporting civil and human rights in the north of Ireland and a re-united Ireland, and who actually lived illegally in the north for 2 ½ years during the hunger strikes, I am shocked at the lack of cohesive and consistent support for the McGeough family.
Since the signing of the Stormont Agreement the war may be over, but in my opinion this ‘Agreement’ only helped to further silence Irish republicans. It appears that since that ‘Agreement’, everyone is afraid of their own shadow, to the point where the majority won’t even speak out about this injustice.
The McGeough family deserves more than what they have been dealt, and it’s up to you to do the right thing to help them, regardless of your political affiliations. It took the Diplock court 3½ years to bring Gerry to trial, and the NIO is now trying to ensure he never gets his legally won ‘judicial review’ hearing. ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE!
The recent revelations of a British agent working as an aide in Sinn Fein, explain the action taken against Gerry McGeough in the 2007 election as well as the subsequent years of character assassination and attempts to denigrate him politically. His arrest after the 2007 election and his 20 year sentence handed down by the Diplock court was a deliberate political act to censor him. Gerry’s arrest and incarceration on 37-year-old charges has not only censored him, but it has also rendered him helpless with regard to ever being able to go back to teaching.
The selective persecution of a man who supports peace, husband and father of 4, graduate of Trinity College, President of the Tyrone County Board of the AOH and cardiac patient, runs counter to the Good Friday Agreement. The British government doesn’t give a damn about Irish human life. The English treat their dogs better than they do Irishmen, woman and children. It’s up to you and me and all those who want to see justice done to get involved in the ‘Release McGeough Campaign’.
Gerry’s now proven political arrest and incarceration is a disgrace and YOU should all be outraged about it and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! ACTION IS REQUIRED and you have all been advised on what you can do to help Gerry and his family. You have been given the information/details on numerous occasions, so now it’s time to follow through on your support and promises. PLEASE DO IT NOW!
Thank you.
Please write and ask them to 'intervene' on behalf of Gerry McGeough:
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520 http://contact-us.state.gov/app/ask
Office of Tony Blair
P.O. Box 60519
London
W2 7JU
United Kingdom
email: info@tonyblairoffice.org
Owen Paterson
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Office
Stormont House
Stormont Estate
Belfast, NI BT43SH
email: sos@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
Tel # 028-9052-0700
David Cameron
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A2AA
Tuesday, October 25
Gerry McGeough made the following comments this morning regarding the article below:
EVERYBODY knew the July 17, 2000 convention in Clogher, Tyrone was a sham, and that it was rigged.
I always suspected British intelligence was working in the background, and this article now confirms my suspicions.
Furthermore, when I was arrested on 32-year-old ‘Troubles’ -related charges at the Count Center in Omagh during the 2007 elections, where I ran as an Independent candidate, the PSNI publicly stated that they arrested me that day because they couldn’t find me for all these years.
However, one of their own British agents (Denis Donaldson), a close aide within Sinn Fein, had been working to undermine my position as a Sinn Fein national executive (Ard Chomhairle) member back then.
So, let me ask the PSNI now…Why didn’t you arrest me in 2000 when you had the opportunity... when you had known my whereabouts from 2000 on?
Since my arrest in 2007, I have been victimized and silenced, and this was all done behind the scenes, starting back with the 2000 elections. This is an international scandal, and only proves to show that my arrest and incarceration was nothing more than politically motivated.
I am asking that everyone write to David Cameron and Owen Paterson demanding my immediate release.
Radio Free Eireann's interview with Attorney Martin Galvin on October 8 2011, in which he talks about
Gerry McGeough's deteriorating heart condition. Click here to download or listen
McGeough's Heart Health is Deteriorating
On September 28, 2011, Gerry McGeough was taken to hospital, where another stent was put in and he was immediately returned to prison. He is tired and not feeling well. The doctors are now further attributing his heart deterioration to the fact that he is not getting his heart medication on a consistent basis, and they discovered that on occasion he was given the wrong medication. He is also suffering from a lack of exercise, proper diet and stress.
Some of the stents that were put in after his first and second heart attacks are starting to close, which could result in him having a massive heart attack. Gerry is also incarcerated under very unsanitary conditions within the prison. When I spoke to him today, he was weak and his voice was faint.
The treatment of Gerry McGeough by the prison authorities and the NIO is sick and demented. However, I also find especially inexcusable the failure of the clergy to confront this atrocious inhumanity towards Gerry McGeough.
What has the Catholic clergy in Ireland and the UK done for Gerry McGeough during his time of need? Gerry has always been a defender of the Catholic faith. He is President of the Tyrone County Board of the AOH. Past editor of the Hibernian Magazine for Faith & Country.Teacher. Author. And most importantly, husband and father of four children.
After the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, Gerry lived a peaceful existence with his family in the north of Ireland, until he ran in the 2007 Assembly elections as an Independent, when he was arrested on then 32 year old troubles-related charges.
In May, 2011, I wrote to Cardinal Brady asking him to use his good office to help free Gerry McGeough on a humanitarian basis. In July, Cardinal Brady's representative visited with Gerry in Maghaberry prison. Unfortunately though, there has been no follow-up from the Archbishop's office to date. Gerry and his wife have not heard back from the Archbishop's office since that visit in July?
I am asking you to please contact your clergy regarding this matter and tell them that you expect them to speak out about this inhumane treatment of Gerry McGeough. You can also email Cardinal Brady's private secretary, Fr. John Connolly, jconnolly@aracoeli.com, and ask him 'what is the Archbishop's office doing to help Gerry McGeough?
Your immediate attention to this request is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Helen McClafferty
October 5, 2011
BBC –“ LIFT THE MEDIA BAN ON THE GERRY MCGEOUGH CASE”
I would like to know for how long the BBC are going to abide by the media blackout on the story of Gerry McGeough, at present in HMP Maghaberry in Co. Antrim? He has just had more heart surgery. How will the BBC report this matter if he dies in prison? Is this what the British government wants, knowing that if McGeough dies in prison, there would be big trouble on the ground?
Restricting coverage of a story for security reasons is vital at times, but is this such a time? Would it not be up to the BBC to challenge the media blackout on this story? Surely the trial and imprisonment of a famous and brilliant 53-year-old Irish Republican, a graduate of Trinity College, for a shooting 30 years ago of a UDR man in which no-one was killed but in which both he and his victim were injured, runs counter to the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement? The fact that he has 4 children of 10 and under and is a cardiac patient is surely enough 'human interest' to this story, even if the politics are of no interest to the people of England!
Gerry Adams calls this case 'an anomaly'. A cabinet minister in the last Irish government has been trying to visit McGeough but has been refused admittance to Maghaberry. In July PQs were tabled in the Dail about this case, yet the BBC remains silent.
How can the media’s silence about this case be justified?
September 29, 2011
Gerry was taken to hospital yesterday, another stent put in, and he has been returned to prison.
He is in a great deal of pain, tired and not feeling well. The doctors at the hospital said that he would have had another heart attack if he hadn't been taken to hospital as soon as he was. The doctors are now attributing his poor health, heart wise, to the fact that he is not getting his heart medication on a consistent basis and they discovered that on occasion he was given the wrong medication. He is also suffering from lack of exercise, the proper diet, stress; and the unsanitary conditions within the prison is not helping his condition by any means.
Gerry did say “the hospital staff was wonderful and treated me extremely well”. Upon Gerry's departure, the staff wished him well and said they hoped he would be released soon.
HAVE YOU WRITTEN TO SINN FEIN, OWEN PATERSON, DAVID CAMERON, DEMANDING THEY BE PRO-ACTIVE IN GETTING GERRY RELEASED ON A HUMANITARIAN BASIS ALONE, NOT TO MENTION HE HAS BEEN INCARCERATED ILLEGALLY?
Reach out to all the Human Rights organizations and ask them to be 'pro-active' in getting Gerry released due to serious health issue.
Please get busy. Thank you.
Helen McClafferty
Statement from Gerry McGeough September 22, 2011
‘Credit Where Credit Is Due’
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all those who are working so hard to build-up a broad based, non-party political, humanitarian campaign, which will ultimately be successful. I would also like to extend my gratitude to those members of Sinn Fein, particularly in the Dublin area, who continue to do trojan work in bringing attention to their political party regarding the gross injustice of my imprisonment. To all of you, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Keep up the great work and god bless.”
Gerry McGeough
Statement from Gerry McGeough on September 19, 2011 regarding Martin McGuinness
“I am asking Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness to issue a public statement for my immediate release as my incarceration makes a mockery of the peace process. If he does this, then I will wish him well in the race. I urge people to ensure that this grotesque injustice against me and my family be made into an issue throughout this Presidential election campaign.”
Gerry McGeough
Gerry has also been informed, by an outside doctor, that he will not be moved to hospital before the end of October as there has been a mix up with his health records which will delay his move for follow up medical treatment. Gerry also mentioned that he is not getting his mail in a timely fashion anymore. He has not received any of the letters I have written him in the month of August yet? He feels this is a further attempt by the screws to keep him in isolation from what’s going on outside.
Boston College Subpoena News
Write to your Congressman and Senators demanding they put a stop to this outrageous attack on Boston College at the request of the infamous RUC/PSNI.
September 15, 2011
Gerry calls on Owen Paterson and David Cameron to "release him immediately"
Gerry McGeough has called for his immediate release and said the British Army’s apology for the murder of an innocent man by a British soldier is “political hypocrisy” since the soldier is not being prosecuted for the murder. “Is there justice or not?” asks Gerry. Gerry wants to know how the British government can justify his incarceration for membership in the IRA in 1975 and yet allow this soldier to go un prosecuted for committing murder in 1971? As the article below reads: “RUC chief superintendent in the city, Frank Lagan, said the soldier responsible should have been charged with murder”.
Gerry asks that everyone write to Own Paterson and David Cameron demanding his immediate release. Please reference this story/incident when contacting them.
Owen Paterson
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Office
Stormont House
Stormont Estate
Belfast, NI BT43SH
email: sos@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
Tel # 028-9052-0700
David Cameron
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A2AA
You can fax the Prime Minister on 020 7925 0918. (From outside the UK, the number is +442079250918)
Army apologises for shooting man
www.bbc.co.uk
The Chief of the General Staff of the British Army sends an official apology to the family of a man shot dead by a soldier in Londonderry in 1971.
September 10, 2011
Gerry McGeough's health in jeopardy
Gerry called this morning to advise that several doctors affiliated with Maghaberry prison have made a decision to move Gerry McGeough to a hospital as they feel he now needs specialized attention with regard to his heart. He will be moved 'secretly' within the coming weeks or as early as tomorrow? He has not been told exactly when. Please keep Gerry in your prayers and PLEASE do everything in your power to get the NIO to release him and return him to his wife and 4 children immediately. Gerry stated that the conditions at Maghaberry prison aren't fit for pigs let alone human beings. The prison is a breeding ground for disease and inhumane treatment. Thank you.
Gerry McGeough thanks Sinn Féin members who supported the motion calling on their party to campaign for his release!
A Chairde,
Warmest greetings to you all! A common question that students of the Second World War often ask their teachers is: Why did the German people remain silent? Why did they not speak out when the trains began to roll into the concentration camps? Why indeed?
On a cold, dark and wet Friday afternoon in February of this year 2011, my four young children huddled outside the bleak facade of Belfast's High Court. Only moments earlier, an English judge, presiding over a corrupt Diplock Court, had ordered that their Daddy be chained and hauled off to jail for 20 years on the grounds that he was allegedly a member of the IRA in 1975 and that as an IRA volunteer, he allegedly wounded a UDR man during the Hunger Strikes in 1981. These children, the youngest being just 2 and all born since the year 2000, had become the latest victims of a conflict that was supposed to have ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
A few yards from where they stood crying uncontrollably, a clutch of vile, bitter, anti-republican and anti-GFA unionists smirked and gloated before the T.V cameras; beside themselves with excitement at the blow they perceived they had dealt the republican movement in Tyrone.
As they get older in the years to come, these children will reflect on this great trauma in their lives. They will remember not just that day but the four previous years of legal limbo when their father had to stand virtually alone against the might of British injustice in Ireland and how this impacted upon family life. They will also recall the sad, weekly visits to jail during a time when we had all been promised the joyful sound of the "laughter of our children"
And when they discover that throughout all this time some republicans remained silent they will ask the obvious question, Why? Why did they not speak out against this grotesque injustice as it was being perpetrated against our family?
As a fellow republican, I would like to thank all those individual members of Sinn Féin who have so graciously campaigned for my freedom. You have recognised the dangers that my imprisonment poses to us all and to the peace process that we have struggled so hard to achieve. This year it is me. Next year it could be one of you and then the entire republican movement after that, if we are not watchful.
There are those whom we euphemistically call the "securocrats" who are intent upon claiming back the gains of 1998. Their mission statement is quite simple: "Croppies lie down". Through their political persecution of me they have sought to silence and intimidate all republicans and undermine the Peace Process. Do not let them succeed. I urge you to speak out in the name of true justice and show that we cannot brow-beaten. Republican friendship, unity and solidarity runs deep and the days of croppies lie down are long gone.
Thank you all for your support,
Gerry McGeough
Gerry McGeough outraged at judicial hearing date!
by Helen McClafferty Thursday, September 8, 2011
Spoke to Gerry again today. He is outraged by the decision of the NIO to postpone his hearing until December 12th especially since he won the right to a judicial review of his case in July. He feels this is nothing more than the NIO procrastinating in order to keep him in prison.
He also commented on the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter’s letters, regarding his case, saying “it’s nonsense and that the Minister of Justice for Ireland can and should get involved with his case as Gerry is also an Irish citizen and the offenses he was charged with, in the discredited Diplock courts, are over 35 years old.
Gerry also feels the country is overrun with Human and Civil Rights organizations that are well paid, well financed, ‘do nothings’. Gerry wants to know “what have any of these organizations done to help him, the POWs in Maghaberry, or even Brendan Lillis before his release?”
Gerry said it was “‘the courage and determination of the people who got Brendan Lillis released – no one else”. He feels the money these HR and CR organizations are getting to ‘do nothing’ should be redirected to hospitals where he feels it would be put to better use”.
Gerry asks that we continue to protest his internment and not to be ‘put-off’ by such blatant indifference by any TDs or MLA.
From: Gerry Adams
To: mcclafferty32
Sent: Thu, Sep 1, 2011 5:51 am
Subject: Re: Gerry McGeough
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
GERRY ADAMS LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR GERRY MCGEOUGH
Helen, a chara,
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding Gerry McGeough.
It is our firm view that this prosecution should not have happened. The offences for which Gerry McGeough was convicted fell under the terms os the Good Friday Agreement.
Had Gerry McGeough been imprisoned at the time of the Good Friday Agreement he would have qualified for release.
It is clear that an anomaly has arisen around some of these historical cases a fact acknowledged by the British Government some time ago along with a commitment to rectify the situation. You will not be surprised to know that they have thus far refused to honour that commitment.
Sinn Féin is also pressing the Irish Government who are co-signators to the Good Friday Agreement to honour it's obligations and to press the British on this issue.
It is Sinn Féin's belief that Gerry McGeough should be released and allowed to return to this family in County Tyrone and we have made this clear publicly and in our contacts with the British Government.
I trust you find information helpful.
Is mise le meas,
Gerry Adams TD
Sinn Féin Party President
TD for Louth & East Meath
From: mcclafferty32@aol.com
To: gerry.adams@oireachtas.ie
Date: 25/08/2011 04:39
Subject: Gerry McGeough
Dear Mr. Adams:
Gerry McGeough has won a Judicial Review of his case and I ask that you use your good office and tell the NIO to grant Gerry McGeough an immediate release and send him home to his wife and four children - no strings attached!
I would appreciate the courtesy of a reply.
Thank you.
Helen McClafferty
On July 5, 2011, Eamon O Cuiv TD, former cabinet minister in the last FF government asked two parliamentary questions about Gerry McGeough in the Dail.
1) “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs why a prisoner (details given) who is
being held in Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn, Co Antrim is not covered under the Terms of the Good Friday Agreement and will he make a statement on the matter”.
The Minister’s Reply:
“The provisions of the Good Friday Agreement relate to the release of prisoners who were convicted prior to the Agreement for offences committed prior to 1998. The provisions do not relate to people that were convicted or committed offences after that date”.
2) “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs has he or his Department made any representation that a prisoner (details given) who is being held in Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland and who is in bad health be released on humanitarian grounds and will he make a statement on the matter”.
The Minister’s Reply:
“I am aware of the case mentioned by the Deputy. I understand that the prisoner has initiated legal proceedings seeking early release. Because this matter is before the courts it would be improper of me to say more than that my officials continue to monitor the case”.
The above questions and answers were written Parliamentary questions. All questions put to government ministers in the Irish and British parliaments, whether oral or written are logged in the parliamentary records, so now Gerry McGeough is formerly recorded in the annals of Irish history.
In writing your emails to the TDs and the MLAs please bring this matter to their attention. There is absolutely no way anyone in the Irish or British government can say they know nothing of Gerry’s case. What is most important is the fact that Gerry McGeough had not committed any offences after the Good Friday Agreement yet that was never taken into consideration in the Diplock court. Please highlight this fact when contacting the Irish and British governments.
Thank you for taking the time to write to me regarding Gerry McGeough.
I am unequivocal that the arrest and prosecution of Gerry should never have taken place.
The activities for which he was arrested and taken to Maghaberry Prison for fall directly under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Had Gerry McGeough been in prison at the time of the Good Friday agreement he would have qualified for release.
Gerry should be released and allow to return home to his wife and children immediately.
It is a condition of the GFA that if someone who falls under the GFA was arrested that they had to be released in the 2 year time frame.
Sinn Fein delegations have met with Gerry McGeough in Maghaberry and have also raised his case with both governments.
I for my own part will continue to push for his release and will make representations prior to his Judicial Review in September.
Is mise le meas
Dessie Ellis.
August 6, 2011 - Monica McWilliams and Virginia McVea of the Human Rights Commission visited with Gerry about his case and the shocking conditions of the political wing in Maghaberry prison.
Gerry called again yesterday to advise that after his meeting with Cardinal Brady’s secretary last week, the prisoners, who engaged in the dirty protest, were released for 2 hours of exercise yesterday after being locked up 24/7 for weeks. Also, Monica McWilliams and Virginia McVea of the Human Rights Commission visited with Gerry yesterday to discuss the conditions of the prison and Gerry’s case. Both women were obliged to wear protective clothing for health reasons and were shocked when they saw the condition of the political wing at Maghaberry. Gerry would also like to thank Sinn Fein Cumann, especially in the Dublin area, who has been forwarding motions on his behalf for the Ard Fheis. Gerry is in good spirits and continuously wants to let everyone know how much he appreciates everyone’s support and especially their efforts on his behalf. Gerry will let us know as soon as a date has been set for his upcoming Judicial Review in September.
August 5, 2011 - Cardinal Brady's Secretary meets with Gerry McGeough in Maghaberry Prison
Gerry called today to advise that Cardinal Brady's secretary paid him a visit the other day and Gerry requested that the Cardinal intervene directly to resolve the Brendan Lillis matter and the protests in the prison. He also discussed his own case with the Cardinal's secretary.
THE CASE FOR GERRY MCGEOUGH
It has been said that Republicans who do not view joining Britain’s Stormont administration as a means to end British rule, are permitted to disagree. Those holding such views require no such permission, any more than would their commitment to a united Ireland need the terms of the Good Friday deal to become a legitimate aspiration.
The script usually follows with a challenge to put it to the test at elections, in words reminiscent of John Hume or Gerry Fitt during the years when the SDLP claimed to be the elected representatives speaking for the community.
This challenge, and boasts about a new era of justice were literally put on trial in a Belfast Courtroom in the case of Gerry McGeough. It was a trial conducted after the appointment of a compromised justice ministry, agreed by the DUP and Sinn Fein. All of the constabulary boards and partnerships which were touted as safeguards of this new era of justice were clearly in place. Such claims were in the dock alongside the Tyrone Republican. The verdict is clear.
SINGLED OUT
The arrest, trial and 20 year sentence imposed in the case of Gerry McGeough seem far less to do with events of thirty years ago, than with retaliation for his actions in March 2007 and his temerity in standing for election as an Independent Republican, opposed to any embrace of a re-branded Royal Ulster Constabulary.
Gerry McGeough, now over fifty, married and settled with four young children, was charged with joining the Provisional IRA in 1975 at age seventeen, and in the midst of the 1981 Hunger Strike, taking part in an IRA ambush of an armed member of the UDR, in which McGeough was seriously wounded.
He could have been arrested more than 20 years earlier simply by lodging an extradition warrant during his four years of imprisonment for the IRA in a notorious German bunker prison, or later during the three years spent imprisoned in the United States on IRA related weapons charges. Nor were charges made when he returned to live openly in Tyrone, nor even as he campaigned in BBC studio debates, at public rallies, or speeches given outside constabulary barracks with his campaign posters prominently displayed. Instead the crown moved against him only in March 2007, outside the polling centre where his votes were being tallied.
Why was Gerry McGeough singled out, at a time when former senior IRA members are part of a British Stormont Administration?
The explanation seems unmistakable. Gerry McGeough was the victim of a retaliatory arrest which brought new meaning to the phrase political policing. His arrest was intended to stop him from standing again as an Independent Republican, and perhaps more importantly as a message to other veteran Republicans, who had earned their stripes in the struggle and might consider putting it to the test at elections. If you stand for election as an Independent Republican, decades old charges will be trumped up against you.
ABUSE OF PROCESS
McGeough’s solicitors believed that the thirty year delay in bringing charges warranted dismissal as an abuse of process. They were encouraged by a case that seemed to be directly on point under consideration by the very same judge.
The family of Nora McCabe, helped by Relatives for Justice, applied for charges against RUC members for her murder on July 9, 1981, and for perjury during the cover-up which followed. RUC members claimed that they fired the fatal plastic bullet in response to rioting, burning vehicles and an attack by petrol bombers. Film taken by a television crew showed none of it was true.
Crown Judge Coghlin denied the McCabe family’s application. Too much time had passed, he said. Any charges preferred now after so many years would be a clear abuse of process and inevitably dismissed. While deeply disappointed for the McCabe family, the case seemed to guarantee a dismissal for Gerry McGeough
However Coghlin applied different rules in the case of Gerry McGeough, for an incident which occurred four weeks before Nora McCabe was killed by the RUC. Time and delays here meant nothing. Representatives from British-Irish Rights Watch and the Committee for the Administration of Justice had traveled to the court to monitor the hearing on this crucial issue. Coghlin began the hearing by excluding them from the courtroom.
The pledges from the crown to Mr. McGeough conveyed through Sinn Fein that he was free to return to Tyrone were discarded. Delays were McGeough’s fault. He was somehow faulted that no extradition warrant was filed or that no attempt to arrest him was made at his home or at campaign events and debates. Meanwhile RUC members were excused for colluding in the ongoing cover-up of Nora McCabe’s murder.
If the vaunted safeguards of a compromised justice ministry, constabulary boards and partnerships mean anything in bringing justice to nationalists, how can the same judges still bend the same rules in favor of the RUC and across the backs of nationalists?
SELECTIVE AMNESTY
During the period from his arrest until last February’s sentence, the British government acknowledged several murders and murder cover-ups of innocent nationalists committed by crown forces.
When Cameron euphemistically called the Bloody Sunday murders, unjustified and unjustifiable killings, he was tacitly admitting that British troopers had committed crimes of murder or manslaughter, and that their sworn testimony before Widgery or Saville was perjury. No arrests of any of these troopers followed.
The crown apologized to the family of 12 year old Majella O’Hare, murdered as she walked to confession. While admitting that sworn testimony about IRA snipers and crossfire was false, the crown made no arrests of those troopers for a murder cover-up.
No one expects arrests of any members of the British Army or RUC who colluded in murders by their loyalist agents or tortured nationalists at interrogation centers and then sent them to Long Kesh or Armagh, with perjured accounts of voluntary confessions.
Clearly the crown has bestowed an amnesty on members of the British Army and RUC that does not extend to those Republicans like Gerry McGeough who speak against the British administration.
DIPLOCK COURT
A Diplock trial was ordered. Those tasked with drawing up repressive British laws often seem to choose their terms with a deliberate sense of irony. Words like ‘temporary’, ‘emergency’ or ‘special’ invariably create provisions and powers which are permanent, lasting and routinely used.
Diplock Courts were deliberately created to replace Internment, with a sham trial that could be counted upon to dispose of Republican opponents. Diplock Courts were abolished, as British secretary Owen Patterson emphasized, in responding to an inquiry from then MEP Joseph Higgins. Abolished of course means never used except in each and every case where the crown deems them useful.
The evidence was such that only a Diplock Court would entertain much less credit. There was no identification by any witness. McGeough was forcibly stripped and photographed after his arrest. Photos of an old wound were displayed as the crown speculated that it might possibly be a bullet wound, and possibly sustained in 1981.
A bullet fragment with no forensics or DNA link to McGeough was introduced. The smashed fragment may or may not have been the same caliber fired by then UDR member Sammy Brush. A key Garda witness, known as the “The Badger”, was described by former MI6 officer Fred Holroyd as someone with ties to British intelligence. When asked about his these links with British intelligence the “Badger” refused to answer.
Pages from a fictional book authored by Gerry McGeough were read into the record as evidence. Finally a political asylum application, whose confidentiality is a cornerstone of international law, was admitted without hesitation.
During the trial McGeough suffered two heart attacks. The judge ordered constables to view him at the hospital where he was confined and retrieve his medical records.
In 1916, British commanders monitored the work of doctors to keep James Connolly alive until troopers could shoot him. Here it seems that the crown judge feared Gerry McGeough might die from a heart attack before being sent to prison.
The verdict was a foregone conclusion. The flimsy evidence somehow became inescapable proof of guilt. The crown judge would not delay jailing McGeough for medical documents but directed that he be taken forthwith to Maghaberry. Senior DUP members who attended the trial expressed joy that the judge had delivered for them.
MAGHABERRY
Thirty years ago Republican political prisoners were in the midst of a Hunger Strike in Long Kesh. It had been forced on the prisoners by years of beatings and brutality, much of it accompanying mirror searches or strip-searches of the prisoners. Today in Maghaberry the same sort of brutal strip-searches are being inflicted, despite an agreement last August that the practice would be halted. On his day of sentence McGeough was subjected to such a search. He was brought to hospital instead of court. His solicitors noted that brutality of this type could be life threatening. Again the compromised justice ministry or Stormont offices brought no protection to Republican prisoners facing the same sort of callous brutality that Brendan Hughes and Bobby Sands resisted.
He was sentenced by video-link and was not brought to the court. The judge imposed a twenty year sentence, angry that Gerry McGeough expressed no remorse for IRA membership.
It is said that he will only serve two years. To paraphrase the old saying made famous by Ernie O’Malley, it is easy to sleep on another man’s two years.
However the early release provided by the Good Friday deal is by no means guaranteed. Already Republicans have seen such releases arbitrarily revoked and license used as a license to jail at will in cases like those of Marian Price, Terry McCafferty and Martin Corey. No one who has followed this case would be surprised if still more injustice awaits Gerry McGeough.
PostScript: Following the publication of this article Gerry McGeough was granted a judicial review of his claim that he should have been credited with the three years served in America for IRA offenses in the 1990s and immediately released under the GFA.A schedule for briefs and proceedings will be set in September.
Martin Galvin, Esq.
July 13, 2011 - Socialist Party TDs in Dáil Eireann call for an immediate pardon for Gerry McGeough
Dear Minister,
I am write to you following representations made to us by supporters of Gerry McGeough who was last year put on trial for the shooting and injuring of a member of the UDR in 1981. In previous correspondence between my party colleague Joe Higgins (then an MEP now a TD) and the Northern Ireland Office we contended, notwithstanding political differences with him, that the prosecution of Gerry McGeough and the hearing of his case in a non jury court contravened the Good Friday Agreement.
Gerry McGeough has since been successful in obtaining a judicial review into his case which we gather will be conducted in September. In the interim we call on you to arrange for Gerry McGeough to receive a Royal pardon rather than have him endure further months of harsh conditions in Maghaberry prison.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Daly TD
Dáil Eireann
Dublin 2
July 8, 2011
Gerry called this morning. The court has agreed to allow Gerry McGeough his Judicial Review. This is the first bit of good news Gerry and his family has had since his arrest in 2007. Gerry wants to thank everyone who continues to work so hard on him and his family's behalf. He said he is so appreciative to have such a good attorney, good friends and such wonderful, caring and principled supporters behind him. Keep the fires burning until Gerry is a free man.
Gerry is not looking for the Queen's pardon. He is looking for Justice!
Gerry called me again today and wants everyone to know that he is not looking for the “Queen’s Pardon” and does not recognize such a pardon. That is a term used by pro-British media. His attorney is seeking the same “Amnesty” for Gerry that was issued to some 50 Provisionals under the GFA. Gerry would have never seen the inside of a prison if it weren't for the English occupation of his country. Gerry did not receive a fair trial as he was tried under the infamous Diplock court and the whole trial and incarceration is a political sham. Gerry was in high spirits and he is proud to be an Irishman who served his country and promotes his Catholic faith. Today Gerry’s attorney went to court to see if the judge will grant Gerry a ‘judicial review’ of his case. Gerry’s last words to me this morning were that “he will get justice!”
A former IRA man jailed for the attempted murder of an off-duty UDR soldier 30 years ago should be freed under a special pardon granted by the Queen, the High Court heard on Wednesday.
Lawyers for Gerry McGeough have launched judicial review proceedings in a bid to obtain a Royal Prerogative of Mercy.
The 52-year-old, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, is serving a 20-year sentence imposed earlier this year for shooting Samuel Brush.
Mr Brush, who worked as a postman at the time, was making a delivery near Aughnacloy when he was attacked in June 1981.
McGeough was convicted of his attempted murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and IRA membership.
His barrister argued today that he should now be granted the special mercy warrant to ensure equal treatment with other convicted terrorists who have benefited from it.
It was claimed that it would be unlawful to draw a distinction because McGeough was previously jailed abroad.
He was held for four years in German prisons for alleged attacks against the British Army in Europe during the 1980s.
McGeough was later extradited to the United States and imprisoned for three years in connection with weapons offences.
Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement he is expected to be released in two years time following his conviction for the attack on Mr Brush.
His legal team contend that the time he spent behind bars abroad should count towards that period.
Barrister Sean Devine argued that McGeough was in an indistinguishable position from others who have received the Royal Prerogative of Mercy.
He told the court: "It's slightly distasteful on one view, but that's the problem with the Good Friday Agreement.
"That's the outworkings of any political agreement."
Mr Devine added: "Although he has had on any view a good result in the sense he was convicted of serious offences and will only have to serve two years for it, that's not the only issue here."
After hearing arguments the judge reserved his decision on whether to grant leave to seek a judicial review.
Mr Justice Treacy said he would give his verdict next week after considering counsels' submissions.
BBC Northern Ireland
June 16, 2011
NEW 'FREE GERRY MCGEOUGH CAMPAIGN' UNDERWAY
The groundswell of support calling for Gerry McGeough's immediate release from prison is growing and your continued support is not only appreciated but necessary. Gerry is being denied his heart medication and has been sent to hospital twice since his incarceration a few months ago.
The conditions at Maghaberry prison for POWs are only getting worse and the prison authorities are not addressing these issues. Gerry has suffered two heart attacks since his arrest 4 years ago and the screws are messing with him not only emotionally but now physically. We NEED to get him released before they kill him in prison. Your support of Gerry to date has given him and his family hope, but now the campaign needs even a greater amount of support in order to achieve Gerry's immediate freedom and put a stop to the continued British injustice and inhumane treatment of Gerry and the other POWs in Maghaberry prison.
Again, thank you for your support over these past 4 years and I hope you will continue to be part of the Free Gerry McGeough Campaign until our goals are accomplished. You can also check for updates on this continued campaign on the freegerry.com web site where you can also make a donation through paypal to help Gerry’s wife and 4 children during his incarceration. Thanks again for all you do!
Helen McClafferty
June 3, 2011
Statement By Gerry McGeough
A chairde,
First of all, may i offer my apologies for not being with you tonight. Believe me, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be among friends in Dublin on an occasion such as this.
That said, may i extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you and on behalf of my family, and may i say that your support and solidarity is greatly welcome and most deeply appreciated.
You will undoubtedly be aware of the fact that these are very difficult times in Maghaberry. Standing in a cell ankle deep in filthy water and witnessing nightly encounters with the riot squad, have been some of my more recent experiences.
Regularly, i ask myself What, in the name of God, am i doing in here, and why must my wife and young children have to endure the nightmare that they are going through?
Is this the reality of the new dispensation that is so proudly and indeed arrogantly, boasted of day after day?
It appears that everyone is expected to "move on" and put the past behind us - provided of course that a select few are singled out for scapegoating and full scale persecution. No peace dividend for us; despite being supporters of the "process".
In light of this, i thank the growing number of concerned people who are speaking out on our behalf and who realise that the secrecy, corruption, lies and vindictiveness must be challenged and exposed.
Thank you and may God Bless you all.
Beannachtaí - Gerry McGeough,
Maghaberry Prison
June 3, 2011
Benefit for McGeough Family held on June 3rd 2011 in Dungannon NI.
Concert given by the Druids. A successful night for the family.
May 20, 2011
Maghaberry prisoners injured in last night's lockdown.
Gerry called this morning to advise that during last night's physically enforced lockdown, several prisoners wound up with broken arms, legs and noses, beat down by close to 50 prison guards with dogs, dressed in full riot gear, masks, and batons calling the prisoner's "Fenian bastards" and the situation has seriously worsened at Maghaberry.
Although Gerry is not a member of any organization, the prisoners have welcomed Gerry as a 'guest' on the republican wing and they have advised him not to take part in their struggle due to health reasons that could have a negative outcome for Gerry. Since the' dirty protest' by over a dozen prisoners two weeks ago, Gerry's cell is still full of excrement. The prison authorities are planning to continue this brutal 23-24 lockup every night. Gerry said you could hear the Loyalist prisoners cheering on the republican prisoner's as well.
The prison officials are trying to keep the republican prisoners in lockup 23-24 hours a day, which is what has been causing the rioting.
Tryrone Times
Friday May 20, 2011
Victim’s relative calls for justice on anniversary of Dublin Monaghan bombs
A TYRONE relative of the Monaghan and Dublin bomb victims has called for a fresh investigation to be launched into the atrocity which killed 33 people this day 37 years ago. MORE...
May 19, 2011
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED
IT'S TIME FOR THE NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE TO ISSUE GERRY AN IMMEDIATE PARDON!
(BEFORE THEY KILL HIM IN PRISON)!
I am asking everyone of you to PLEASE write, call, fax, email the following key people in the 6 counties and the 26 counties asking them to please use their good office and write a letter to the Northern Ireland Office asking them to issue Gerry McGeough an immediate pardon.
Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, Gerry has lived a peaceful and productive life. He is an accomplished Irish speaker and a promoter of Ireland's unique culture and heritage. He put himself through university, graduating from Trinity College, Dublin with an Honors Degree in History in 2003. The following year he attained a Higher Diploma in Education from University College, Dublin and went on to teach history. Gerry is the former editor of the Hibernian Magazine, for faith and country, President of the Tyrone County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernian's and a devoted husband and father of 4 children from the Brantry area of Tyrone.
In the past two years, Gerry has suffered two heart attacks due the stress of a four year long dragged out politically motivated trial ending with a 'guilty verdict' and a 20 year sentence on April 1, 2011. Gerry was and still is a supporter of the peace process and this man should be given an immediate pardon and allowed to return to his family.
SEND LETTERS, FAXES, EMAILS OR CALL - BUT PLEASE DO IT NOW!
Mary McAleese
President of Ireland
Aras an Uachtrain
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel # 353-1-617- 1000
Fax# 353-1-617-1001
An Taoiseach
Enda Kenny
Government Buildings
Merrion Street
Dublin, Ireland
Taoiseach's private office:
email:taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie
Tel # 01-6194020
Fax# 01-6764048
Owen Paterson
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Office
Stormont House
Stormont Estate
Belfast, NI BT43SH
email:sos@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
Tel # 028-9052-0700
Mr. Richard Holland
Northern Ireland & International Division
Department of the Taoiseach
Government Buildings
Upper Merrion Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
email:eu@taoiseach.gov.ie
I ask all members of the Ancient Order of Hibernian's to also contact:
Cardinal Sean Brady
c/o Very Rev. John Connolly
Ara Coeli
Cathedral Road
Armagh, NI BT617QY
email:jconnolly@aracoeli.com
Tel # 028-3752-2045
Fax # 028-3752-6182
Asking him to use his good office, as well, to contact the Northern Ireland Office to issue Gerry McGeough an immediate pardon.
Thank you.
Helen McClafferty
May 19, 2011
Last night at 7:30pm 40 prison guards dressed in riot gear with dogs, and batons converged on the prison in order to enforce early lock down. Gerry McGeough was forced into his cell and suffered chest pains where he had to use his heart spray. Immediately after, he was removed from his cell and taken to the doctor.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended last night's benefit in support of Gerry McGeough's family and to all those who couldn't make it and sent donations instead. Your kindness and support is very much appreciated by Gerry and his family.
After the benefit was over last night, I stayed up until 3:00am (USA time) in order to call Maria to let her know about the wonderful turnout we had so she could let Gerry know when she and the children visited with him today. I thought it would help to lift his spirits a bit to know how many generous friends and supporters he has back here in the USA. Again, a sincere thanks to all those who helped make this benefit a success for Maria and the children. Continue to keep Gerry and his family in your prayers and don't forget about the two upcoming benefits for Gerry's family:
May 27th - Quinn's Pub in Crumlin Village. The Players Brigade have volunteered the night to help raise funds for Gerry's family and Friday AND June 3 at 8:30pm - June 4 at 1:30am - Location -The Bank House Hotel Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
Helen McClafferty
HELP THE FAMILY OF TYRONE REPUBLICAN GERRY McGEOUGH
GERRY MCGEOUGH'S POLITICALLY MOTIVATED ARREST AND INCARCERATION, THE FIRST IRISH REPUBLICAN TO BE CHARGED ON 30 YEAR OLD TROUBLES RELATED CHARGES SINCE THE GFA, HAS NOW OPENED PANDORA'S BOX WHICH OBVIOUSLY WILL NOW LEAD TO SERIOUS RAMIFICATIONS FOR ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE TROUBLES PRIOR TO THE GFA. THEREFORE, THE DEALS MADE PRIOR TO THE GFA, NO LONG HOLD WATER.
McGeough tried to tell everyone that if the British government were allowed to prosecute him in a Diplock Court on 'ancient charges' after the GFA; and if they were successful in incarcerating him. WHO WOULD BE NEXT?
Irish Echo Online:
So why is the queen coming to Ireland?
By Michael Cummings
The Queen of England will visit Ireland next week. The visit, the first by a British monarch since before the Easter Rebellion, is curious for its timing.More..
April 21, 2011 Northern Ireland Office Reneges On Good Friday Agreement & McGeough's 2 Year Release
Gerry McGeough's attorney asked the NIO to allow Gerry a few hours leave on May 7th to attend his son Cormac's Holy Communion services. Both the Cardinal and the Bishop wrote letters of support on behalf of Gerry, but to no avail. The request was denied and a letter was sent to Gerry from the NIO which read:
" Your habitual criminal behavior does not instill confidence that you would refrain from further criminal activity if granted compassionate release at this time. The safety of the public is most important".
CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR? WHAT criminal behavior?
McGeough's charges were over 30 years old and were related strictly to the Troubles and prior to the GFA. The same as every other ex-provo and Loyalist! The letter further stated that his release date would be 1/29/2021? How is that possible? Under the Good Friday Agreement he is entitled to be released after serving 2 years?
Could there be ANY doubt left in anyone's mind at this point, that the tentacles of the British government, the DUP and Sinn Fein have become so tightly entwined in the selective 'criminalization' of McGeough? Not only is the NIO now trying to label Gerry a 'common criminal,' but they appear to now be reneging on the Good Friday Agreement with regard to Gerry's political prisoner status and his release in two years.
Regardless of your Irish political affiliations, the McGeough case is a blight on the Good Friday Agreement and those sworn to uphold it. Reputable over-seas newspapers have confirmed that a deal was made between the British government and Sinn Fein for ex-provos 'on the run' to receive 'Royal Pardons' in '98 and McGeough was one of those 50. Shame on Sinn Fein for allowing this to happen! They have absolutely no excuse for allowing the British government and DUP to get away with this extreme, blatant discrimination and persecution of one man and his family because he ran on an anti RUC/PSNI platform in the 2007 elections.
Write to Gerry:
Maghaberry Prison,
Roe House
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn, NI
April 17, 2011
Gerry's wife called on Saturday to inform us that Gerry is not getting his mail or his heart medication in Maghaberry.
Please continue to write to Gerry as this may be a ploy by the prison authorities to give Gerry the impression he has been forgotten about since his incarceration.
Maghaberry Prison,
Roe House
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn, NI
Article on Gerry McGeough Irish American News
April 2011
by
Chris Fogarty
Here is my column in the April Irish American News that hit the streets today; the
same day Helen McClafferty's email arrived (see it below my column) about Gerry
McGeough.
Chris Fogarty
GERRY MCGEOUGH, Irish patriot and devout father of four young children has been
convicted by a Diplock (juryless) court in Belfast and faced sentencing on March 18.
Though Gerry’s supporters filled the courtroom nobody from the Adams/McGuinness faction
attended. (For up-to-date news see www.freegerry.com.) McGeough is convicted of armed
combat against a British Ulster Defense Regiment (UDR) soldier in 1981 in which both were
wounded. The UDR was once the B-Specials whose crimes prompted such international disgust
that Britain “abolished” it by changing its name to UDR. Soon thereafter, in 1992, the UDR’s
stench forced the British gov’t to “abolish” it by making it part of “Royal Irish Regiment.” It is
important to note here that under British rule in Occupied Ireland it is murder to kill a British
soldier (an armed combatant) but law remains silent when British soldiers murder Irish
noncombatants. Thus, British soldiers who perpetrated Bloody Sunday by shooting 30, mostly
in the back, of which 14 died, are not charged. Nor are the named UDR/RUC/SAS car-bombers
of Dublin/Monaghan in which 33 died and some 300 were maimed. Nor are the UVF bombers
of McGurk’s Pub (15 dead including two children outside). Ditto UVF members who murdered
hundreds of Catholics, randomly. The family of Nora McCabe (R.I.P.) permanently blinded by
a rubber bullet fired through her window by a British soldier has been informed by the government
that has stone-walled until now, that it is too late to prosecute. The MI5/FBI arrangers of the
Omagh atrocity (29 murdered, some 200 maimed) are similarly untouchable (by attributing it to
the IRA whose bomb it had been). The government and news media attributed all British
atrocities to the IRA until evidence proved otherwise.
EVEN SLOW LEARNERS must now concede the folly of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA).
The folly was made clear in the version mailed to Irish voters prior to the 1998 referendum.
The constant drumbeat of “Vote Yes For Peace” overcame the actual text that consisted of
some 65 pages of aspirational posturing, mutually-contradictory statements, and bafflegab, with
a half-page of clear, uncontradicted, thus enforceable, text – the part mandating the rescission
of Ireland’s Constitution’s Articles 2 and 3 that had laid permanent claim to the entire island
and its territorial waters. Ireland’s government did gut those Articles thus giving Ireland’s pro-
British minority a veto over Ireland’s sovereignty.
BOSTON COLLEGE tape-recorded key figures from both sides about ten years ago. Some
of those data are collected in “Voices from the Grave” by Edward Moloney. Half of the book
is in the words of IRA-man Brendan “Darkie” Hughes; the other half by Ulster Volunteer Force
(UVF) leader David Irvine, both now dead. Moloney intersperses his own comments, but fails
to distinguish war deaths from war crimes, thus he wrongfully equates Hughes and Irvine, though
he seems otherwise unbiased.
The book should be sub-titled "Final Proof for Slow Learners" (that the GFA was a sell-out).
It should be read by those who didn't notice the one-sided text of the original GFA itself, or
don’t know that republican prisoners are being subjected to re-criminalization and pre-hungerstrike
-era torture, or hadn't noticed that Occupied Ireland has been officially re-designated from
disputed territory to an undisputed province of Britain, or hadn't noticed that Gerry McGeough
has just been convicted in a Diplock (juryless) court and faces imprisonment for combat with
a British soldier thirty years ago, in which both were wounded, while none of the named British
mass murderers of civilians are being prosecuted. The book’s protagonists, Hughes and Irvine,
draw the following overall conclusions: Hughes concludes that what the GFA has wrought is a
giant step backwards that wasn't worth a single life, neither those he took, nor of British soldiers,
nor the hunger-strikers, nor of others who had risked all for Irish freedom. The facts support
Hughes: other than in catastrophic military defeat no nation has ever before surrendered some
20% of its national territory as Ireland had done. To stop the killings? No; homicides had peaked
as far back as 1972 (at 472) and dropped sharply to small numbers by 1983, fifteen years before
the 1998 GFA. Hughes says that he "would have gladly taken a bullet for Gerry Adams," but
due to the sell-out he “should have put a bullet in him."
IRVINE RECOUNTS how his UVF had targeted Catholics randomly (“Any Taig Will Do”
graffiti was everywhere), and perpetrated many massacres, all to terrorize Catholics. Irvine, at
least one RUC, and British spooks perpetrated the bloodiest day of all, the Dublin/Monaghan
car-bombings that killed 34 and maimed some 300. Also the Miami Show Band bus massacre
in which his men and a few SAS men stopped the bus on its way home after a Belfast gig.
Dressed in uniforms, they held the musicians outside at gunpoint while surreptitiously placing
a delayed-timer bomb aboard to kill Dublin innocents later while falsely implicating the band
in terrorism. It exploded in the perpetrator’s hands and blew one musician across the roadside
fence out of sight. He was the only Irish survivor. The surviving SAS/UVF men machine-
gunned the rest of the band. The dead terrorists were Irvine’s UVF men, Wesley Somerville
and Harris Boyle.
SUCH WAS David Irvine’s work that achieved the GFA. When Britain’s MI5, through Fr.
Alex Reid of Belfast’s Clonard Monastery, subverted Gerry Adams, Irvine grasped the
situation and participated in it. He exulted in his role in "copper-fastening Ulster to Britain."
For him all his random murders of Catholics had borne fruit, having made his part of Ireland
officially British. However, he describes his first triumphant trip to Washington and his chagrin
when a US official explained to him why the U.S. had taken Britain's side. It wasn’t that U.S.
officials shared Irvine's hatred of Catholics. It was merely that Neo-Cons were planning wars
against Islam and wanted to free up the British army for use in those wars.
MORE PROOF YET that Adams/McGuinness has sold out: First be aware that the U.S.
government does not trust its citizens to meet and hear Irish republicans. For more than four
decades our government has refused visitors’ visas to them. It still bars them; Republican Sinn
Fein’s Rory O Bradaigh remains barred. Adams and McGuinness were allowed in only after
they became British operatives. Their congressional backers were our enemies who had
supported Britain since 1973.
ORE: By phone from Pat Haran: “DUP leader Peter Robinson recently stated his
willingness to attend a Catholic funeral Mass of a friend.” Martin McGuinness interpreted it
as "Peter has addressed the issue of Mass" and consequently he (McGuinness) discourages
protests against the Queen’s visit to Ireland. Is Peter’s willingness to attend a Catholic mass
such a concession as to require Irish acceptance of a visit to Ireland of the Commander of
British Forces? Those same British Forces were rushed to Buckingham Palace for honors
by the queen only weeks after shooting dead 14 innocent civilians in Derry. Note that neither
Martin nor Peter addressed the paint bombing of St. Mathews Chapel in Belfast a few nights
ago by thugs loyal to HM the queen.
Gerry was sentenced to 20 years. He will be eligible for release in 2 years on license or parole, however this can be arbitrarily revoked at any time with very little legal safeguard. This is the worst part of the type of sentencing he got... the fact they can pick him up at ANY time for ANY reason they see fit.
Who gains by McGeough's incarceration?
The Diplock court has chosen to politically marginalize one ex-IRA man for an offense committed over 30 years ago, yet allow the rest of psf and loyalists to skate by untouched for worse offences. We have to look at who has to gain by McGeough’s persecution and incarceration? The “powers that be” are at play here and it has nothing to do with serving up justice 30 years later on an offence that took place during the troubles and prior to the GFA.
It needs to be noted here, as well, that Mr. Brush was no innocent bystander during the troubles himself. Look up the history of the UDR (former "B Specials) and you'll get a clear picture of exactly what Sammy Brush stood for and still stands for today; especially since he is now councilor with the infamous anti-Catholic political party, the DUP.
April 1, 2011
Gerry McGeough was not sentenced today. Judge decided to put off sentencing for another week? However, Gerry's attorney met with the sentencing commission and it looks like Gerry will be released in two years under the GFA. Gerry should NOT be serving ANY time in prison let alone 2 years.
April 1st sentencing for Gerry McGeough
Gerry McGeough's sentencing on April 1st will take place by video-conferencing so that he will not be subject to a forced strip search, as his attorney and family fear for his health.
On March 21st, date of original sentencing, Gerry wound up in the hospital with chest pains, and his family was not advised of his
whereabouts until 7:00pm that evening. His wife and children were not allowed to visit with him in the hospital either, as he was held under heavy prison guard until they returned him to the prison the next afternoon.
Gerry is not in good health, and we must make every effort to see that he is not harmed while in prison, and that every effort is made to free him. He doesn't belong in prison, and this is a totally politically motivated persecution.
Please send cards/letters of support:
Gerry McGeough
Maghaberry Prison,
Roe House
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn, NI
Action required:
Pass on information to family, friends, organizations, etc. in the New York, New Jersey and PA area about the Benefit for Gerry McGeough's Family on Saturday, May 14th at O'Lunney's Time Square Pub, 145 West 45th Street, NYC. 7:30pm until midnight. Admission $20.00 includes entertainment and complimentary buffet. Cash bar.
For tickets please call;
Helen :201-372-0333 - Tim: 516-660-7456 or Sandy: 718-436-4770.
If you can't attend the benefit, please make a donation through PayPal
or scroll down to the end of the Donate Page for instructions on making a donation by check.
Thank you,
Helen
March 21, 2011
Gerry's sentencing hearing didn't take place today. He had chest pains this morning prior to court. The prison doctor referred him to an external hospital. His attorney is pressuring the prison for further details.
March 20, 2011
Maghaberry Prison Rosary Crusade
Gerry McGeough, along with other republican prisoners, have embarked on a Rosary crusade
today within Roe House. They have asked everyone to join them in the rosary, on a daily basis,
for a timely withdrawal of the British from Irish soil and the re-unification of Ireland.
HELP THE FAMILY OF TYRONE REPUBLICAN GERRY McGEOUGH
Jailed by the BRITISH in Maghaberry in 2011 for resisting British rule as an IRA
Volunteer in 1981!
GERRY MCGEOUGH SENTENCING CHANGED TO MONDAY, MARCH 21ST
Republican Prisoner, Gerry McGeough is due to attend court on Monday March 21st 2011 for sentencing in relation to an attack on a British soldier 30 years ago.
Gerry as a republican will be refusing the degrading and humiliating strip searches he would be expected to go through both going to and returning from court.
Gerry is married with four young children and has an underlying medical condition having suffered 2 heart attacks in the past. Gerry has 5 stents inserted to help alleviate his condition.
It is feared any attempt to forcibly strip Gerry could have life threatening consequences.
Gerry is to be sentenced on Friday, March 18th - please send him cards/letters
of support. While we all celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17th, we must
remember there are IPOWs in British jails who don't belong there."
Gerry McGeough
Maghaberry Prison,
Roe House
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn, NI
February 2, 20100
NIO Denies McGeough Pardon
NIO denies Gerry McGeough a 'pardon'. It was opposed by them on the grounds that they claimed that everyone who got pardons had served at least 2 years for the incident charged? However, Gerry's legal team believes there are a couple of cases where the person did not have to serve any time. They are researching this and hopefully they will be able to overcome their opposition. It is imperative that everyone continue to contact their local politicians and protest Gerry's politically motivated arrest/trial/verdict to begin with.
Message of Support for Gerry McGeough & Family
The Officers & membership of Friends Of Irish Freedom offer continued support to Gerry McGeough. Friends Of Irish Freedom befriended Gerry when he was first incarcerated in Germany. We supported him through his extradition to the USA and during his time in the USA.
FOIF has promoted Gerry's efforts to run for election and throughout his recent ordeal. We condemn the hypocritical farce of a trial Gerry was force to endure. We condemn politically motivated harassment of Gerry McGeough. We condemn the British-paid Quislings, P. Sinn Fein, who stand by in silence as Irish Republicans are persecuted.
We commit ourselves to supporting Gerry McGeough and his family; along with other Irish Republican Prisoners.
Cathleen O'Brien
Friends Of Irish Freedom USA
Gerry McGeough 'jailed for his beliefs' - IRISH REPUBLICAN NEWS
Gerry McGeough is the only republican to be jailed for historical crimes since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. On Friday, he was convicted of IRA membership...
On February 18, 2011, after almost 4 years of a politically motivated arrest and trial, Gerry McGeough’s case ended with a "guilty" verdict handed down by a British diplock court. McGeough is the first Irish republican to be sentenced under the GFA on troubles related charges dating back over 30 years. He is now in Maghaberry prison awaiting sentencing.
For several years, prior to McGeough’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 ever since.
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, the British turned 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 was the first time such documents were used against a republican and now has widespread implications for the entire concept of political asylum.
To pretend that McGeough’s arrest, his almost 4 year on-going legal saga, and now his ‘guilty’ verdict, has anything to do with “justice,” is pathetic. He is being discriminated against for purely political reasons and there was a determined effort to railroad him into prison at the highest political level.
McGeough’s attorneys have filed a request with the NIO seeking a “pardon” for McGeough. People are being asked to contact their local politicians to ask them to ensure that the NIO treat McGeough equally, the same as others have been treated since the GFA, and grant him a pardon. For further details, updates and history on the case, please go to the ‘freegerry.com’ web site.
Helen McClafferty
Chairperson,
Freegerry.com Campaign
February 22, 2011
Right now there are two things to do:
1) PUT PRESSURE ON THE NIO:
It is imperative that EVERYONE contact their local politicians through phone calls or letters demanding they put pressure on the NIO to treat Gerry McGeough equally the same as others have been since the GFA and grant him a pardon. Gerry's arrest during the elections of 2007 was an attack on democracy.
2) Fundraiser:
I know how difficult it is for everyone financially, especially with the economy the way it is, but we have a mother and four children who are in desperate need of financial assistance. Gerry's wife Maria, and their four children, do not even have a reliable car to take them back and forth to visit Gerry in prison. In the past 4 years, due to serious court ordered restrictions, Gerry has not been able to work at anything that would have given him a sustainable income, not to mention the two heart-attacks he suffered under all the stress he has endured since his arrest in 2007. This fiasco and sham of a case/trial, and now incarceration, has financially drained him and his family almost totally.
As chair of the "freegerry.com" campaign, I am personally asking that everyone donate 'something' to the Gerry McGeough Family Fund so that we can at least keep Gerry's wife and four children fed, clothed and warm until Gerry is free. You can make your donation by clicking on the 'donate' button on the left. You can contribute through paypal, credit card, or by check.
Every penny will be accounted for, as the money will be wire transferred directly into Gerry's bank account where Maria and the children will be able to withdraw the money as they need it for their basic survival. Your kindness and generosity is so greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the email address above or through the "freegerry.com" web site or Helen McClafferty on facebook.
WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY HERE AND WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN, SO PLEASE GET STARTED RIGHT AWAY ON BOTH OF THE ABOVE ISSUES - WE HAVE NO TIME TO WASTE!
Thank you so very much,
Helen McClafferty
Chairperson
Gerry McGeough Family Fund and Freegerry.com
February 21, 2011
RNU CONDEMN IMPRISONMENT of GERRY McGEOUGH
Republican Network for Unity utterly condemns the imprisonment of Gerry McGeough and asks that all principled Republicans work for his immediate release.
Gerry McGeough, a devoutly Christian man and a committed father of five, would never have faced a British court nor seen a Maghaberry cell were it not for the principled stand he took against his former party’s endorsement of the British PSNI. In his case, British justice tore the mask from the so-called ‘Peace Process’.
The message sent out from the British state via Judge Stephens to former republican POWs’ and combatants across Ireland was clear. They are considered hostages depending on their political conscience. Such a political settlement can not be considered compatible with Republican ideals.
The incarceration of Gerry McGeough demonstrates once again how the Good Friday Agreement was not an advancement of Republican ideals, and RNU reiterate our commitment to exposing the unfairness and inequality contained within, and the establishment of lasting peace and justice in a free and independent Irish Republic.
Gerry McGeough's incarceration demonstrates how the Stormont regime depends totally on the crushing of dissenting voices and RNU call for his immediate release.
STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE JUSTICE FOR GERRY MCGEOUGH CAMPAIGN
FEBRUARY 20TH
AN APPEAL TO PEOPLE TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTING SINN FEIN
It was blatantly noticeable that there was no Sinn Fein elected representatives in the diplock court on Friday, 18th February to support Gerry McGeough. However, ordinary people filled the public gallery to capacity in support of Gerry and his family. At the same time, Arlene Foster, Roger Burton and Maurice Morrow, from the DUP, cheered and smiled as a father of four was jailed. After attending their crown court in support of Sammy Brush, they walked out of court and past a mother and four crying children left on the side of the street. Now after four years, and Gerry out of the way, Sinn Fein decides to pay lip service to helping him? However, it is very apparent to those following this politically motivated trial and incarceration all these years, that this is only an attempt to salvage votes come election time.
The Justice For Gerry McGeough Committee are now launching a campaign, north and south, asking people to abstain from voting Sinn Fein in all areas, most importantly Fermanagh and south Tyrone, until Gerry McGeough is PERMANENTLY released from jail and back with his family where he belongs. "LONG LIVE THE IRISH NATION".
February 18, 2011
MCGOUGH FOUND GUILTY - MCANESPIE WALKS
Gerry was found guilty on all counts and had his bail revoked and was dragged out of the court. McAnespie was found not guilty and walked. Pictures will follow tomorrow from the court.
Write to Gerry and express your SOLIDARITY with him...
Maghaberry Prison,
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn, NI
Flood him with cards/letters.
Outside the Courthouse
February 18, 2011
British Government and PSF collusion to silence McGeough
The politically motivated arrest and now conviction of Gerry McGeough was a set up as soon as Gerry challenged PSF in the 2007 elections on an anti-psni platform at the time Adams/McGuinness were telling everyone to 'cooperate' with them. It's more than a sell out, it's treason. They worked hand and hand with the Brits to silence McGeough.
The only way to pay PSF back is at ELECTION TME and I would expect that anyone who is against injustice will give PSF the shaft they deserve when that time comes.
I can't begin to explain the sadness and disgust I feel at this time. If all these Irish republican groups, here and abroad, would put their egos in check - there is still work to be done on behalf of McGeough and all other Irish political prisoners.
In the USA, Gerry would be entitled to an appeal. I'm in the process of contacting his attorney to see what can be done.
Please continue to monitor the freegerry.com web site for updates and action items. An injustice of this kind (being sold out by his own comrades) should only serve to bring about a more united front against PSF, as they have proven to be the cunning cowards they are by their blatant silence with regard to his arrest and trial these past 4 years, not to mention their obvious absence from the diplock court today when Gerry's verdict was handed down.
I realize there are a number of people who do not share Gerry’s religious or political beliefs and that’s fine. However, they should not allow that to get in the way of them standing up to injustice, regardless of who the person is or what they believe. I have not been a PSF supporter since the signing of the GFA, but I didn’t let McAnespie hang out to dry in the last 4 years because he is a shinner.
Helen McClafferty
STATEMENT BY GERRY MCGEOUGH ON EVE OF VERDICT
A chairde,
On the cusp of this so-called "verdict", I would like to take the opportunity of
thanking all those who have stood loyally by us throughout the ordeal of these
last four years.
In particular, I would like to mention Helen McClafferty, Martin Galvin, John
McDonagh, Sandy Boyer and Pam Somers to name but a few of our many good friends
in the United States. Among those who have stood fearlessly with us in Ireland
are our friends and neighbours in the Justice for the McGeough Family Pressure
Group. To all of you, and countless others, we owe a debt of gratitude.
By now, most people are aware of my position on this "legal" saga that we have
endured ever since my arrest following the 2007 Assembly Elections here in the
Six-Counties.
The whole thing is one massive charade, a total and utter contemptible sham. It
has been a pathetic attempt by the British to intimidate and silence me; and it
has failed miserably. I am not frightened by the British. I shall never be
intimidated by them and even if they throw me in their jails others will speak
out on my behalf. The voice of Irish Freedom and Independence will never be
silenced. Our enemies have failed in their objective, regardless of the outcome
of their little "verdict".
The British have no right to "rule" in any part of Ireland. Their presence in my
country is illegal and immoral and it is imperative that they leave our shores
immediately and forever.
I urge people not to be despondent if things go against me. Rather, avail of the
opportunity to expose the cruel and vindictive nature of the British State in
Ireland by organising an International Campaign to highlight the injustice of
this persecution. Tyranny must not be allowed the last word.
Finally, for now, I thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Always keep
in mind the fact that no Englishman has the right to pass judgement upon any
Irish Patriot on Irish soil, and by the Grace of God our Nation, and we its
people, will one day soon witness an end to this evil foreign dominance of our
country. May God Bless you all and Long Live the Irish Nation and its people,
both at home and amongst our Diaspora. Éirinn go Brách!
Gerry McGeough
February 16, 2011
February 14, 2011
Gerry and his family have been deeply touched by the prayers, support and
solidarity they have received from people both in their community and further
afield over the past days. The McGeough family extends its sincere appreciation
to one and all.
URGENT - MCGEOUGH VERDICT TO BE HANDED DOWN ON FRIDAY 2/18!
Gerry has been given a date for the "verdict". He is to stand before the Diplock
Court's English judge on Friday, February 18th.
The "verdict" will be delivered at 2.00pm in Court 12 at the Laganside High
Court in Belfast.
The Pressure Group "Justice for the McGeough Family" are asking supporters to
pack the building.
Tyrone/US A.O.H. Presentations
February 2, 2011
Gerry McGeough, President of the Tyrone County Board of the Ancient Order of
Hibernians, makes a presentation to Seán Pender, Chairman of the American A.O.H.
Freedom For All Ireland committee, during an event in Omagh on St Bridget's
Night, February 1st, 2011. Jere E. Cole, National Director, American A.O.H.,
looks on.
January 31, 2011
While on a recent visit to Derry City, Gerry was told that people were comparing
the zeal of the British in bringing him to trial on charges going back
thirty-five years and their refusal to prosecute those members of the British
forces involved in the killing of Belfast housewife, Nora McCabe. Mrs. McCabe
was shot with a plastic bullet in the early 1980s.
Ironically, the same judge who ruled that too much time had elapsed in the
McCabe case for there to be a fair trial, stating that an Abuse of Process
application relating to any prosecution would most likely be successful, also
ruled in Gerry's Abuse of Process application.
In relation to Gerry, he ruled that the trial could go ahead.
January 21, 2011
It has been a busy week for Gerry, following his election to the post of A.O.H.
President in Tyrone, which has resulted in local radio and media coverage. Much
of the coverage has revolved around the recent trial and Gerry has been greatly
heartened by the wave of good-will and messages of support that he has received
from people at large.
Overall, people remain bewildered and disgusted by the fact that he was put on
trial in the first place.
January 16, 2011
Gerry has this evening been unanimously elected President of the Tyrone County
Board of The Ancient Order of Hibernians. He has expressed delight at the development and described it as a tremendous honor.
CONDOLENCES TO THE HARTE FAMILY
Gerry, Maria and family extend their deepest sympathy and condolences to Mickey
and Marion Harte and family on the sad and tragic death of their daughter
Michaela, killed while on her honeymoon.
January 8, 2011
Imagine this:
A political candidate stands as an Independent on issues of principle during
elections in Zimbabwe. Every political dirty trick and smear in the book is used
against him during the campaign.
At the end of the election count, he is arrested as he leaves the Poll Count
Center and taken for interrogation. The international community, with Britain
taking the lead, would be in uproar squealing over the injustice of it all.
Despite his high-profile during the election and before, the Zimbabwe police
state that they arrested him at the Center only because they had no idea of his
whereabouts prior to that date. The international media are disgusted at the
pathetic excuse.
A few days later, the candidate is charged with attacks against the former
Rhodesian military going back 35 years and thrown in jail. Only after a massive
legal struggle is he granted bail and freed under severe restrictions. Due to
these restrictions he is unable to pursue his teaching career, which has an
effect on his family as he is the main breadwinner.
While his political enemies continue to slander him on the internet, he is
dragged before courts every month and the case is put back for no good reason
every time. Britain continues to highlight the injustice of his case and demands
that all politically motivated charges be dropped.
Two-and-a-half years after his arrest, the candidate remains in legal limbo. He
suffers a major heart attack. The British press and media are in uproar and
demand that Robert Mugabe put an end to this vindictive political persecution.
The candidate survives the heart-attack but his health is now a source of major
concern to his legal team. Regardless of this, the Zimbabwe authorities go ahead
with a trial against him, which begins exactly three years to the day after his
arrest.
In order to try him, a special non-jury court system is resurrected for the
event, even though this system has been repealed years earlier and is
notoriously corrupt. The British government is hysterical about this human
rights abuse.
The trial is stopped for an Abuse of Process application. This is refused
despite the excellent legal arguments in its favour.
The trial resumes six months after it first began. On the second day, the
candidate is rushed to hospital for emergency heart treatment. The local
national media censor all reporting on this major development. The British are
outraged.
Following a surgical procedure, the trial is resumed for a third time. The
charges against him involve membership of a Nationalist group and the wounding
of a Rhodesian soldier during the conflict 30 years earlier.
The evidence against the candidate includes one of his novels, a stated work of
fiction, which has been published and on sale for years. A chapter from this
novel is read out of context in court and entered as "evidence". The
international community is aghast at the idiocy of such a development, and
writers' guilds around the world protest at the injustice of such Philistine
behaviour.
Next, it emerges that the candidate once sought political asylum in Sweden. The
Swedish government readily hand over his application papers to the Zimbabwean
authorities and dispatch one of their Immigration Officials to testify against
the candidate. This constitutes the prosecution's main evidence.
International Human Rights and Refugee Groups are beside themselves with fury
and the UN condemns the move. The British threaten a boycott against Zimbabwe
and lecture the Swedes on their treachery.
The trial ends and the candidate is told to brace himself for a twenty year
sentence.
The above story is hardly imaginable. A government provokes international anger
in order to pursue a vindictive, politically motivated trial against someone
just because he stood in an election and articulated views that were at odds
with the powers that be.
Guess what? All of this has happened, not in Zimbabwe, but in the North of Ireland, against Gerry McGeough. The only difference is that the British
government, far from speaking out against the injustice, is actually responsible for it. Also, the international community, human rights groups and writers' guilds have been remarkably silent about it all. It's time we all spoke out.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The following is a copy of a letter from Owen Patterson, Britain's Secretary of
State for the North of Ireland.
It comes in response to an inquiry from the Dublin MEP (Member of the European
Parliament) Joe Higgins, who questioned the use of the supposedly phased out and
widely discredited Diplock Court system against Gerry.
Despite the legal-speak bluster, Britain's political discomfort over the case is
clearly evident in Patterson's reply.
January 1, 2011
A chairde,
On behalf of the family and myself allow me this opportunity to wish everyone a
very Happy New Year and to thank one and all for your continuing prayers and
support.
Beannacht Dé oraibh,
Gerry McGeough
December 20, 2010
I would like to express my continued appreciate for everything everyone has done for me and my family during these past 3 1/2 years of this politically motivated case/trial. As most of you know, the trial is now over and I am awaiting the verdict. In the meantime, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
Nollaig Shona
"Christmas Greetings!"
from Gerry McGeough and Family
An Irish Christmas Blessing
The light of the Christmas star to you
The warmth of home and hearth to you
The cheer and good will of friends to you
The hope of a childlike heart to you
The joy of a thousand angels to you
The love of the Son and God's peace to you.
December 12, 2010
Gerry has said that he is both very impressed and deeply moved by the energy, ideas and commitment of the many people who have determined to launch a high-profile international campaign to have him released in the event that he is imprisoned as a consequence of the recent Diplock Court show-trial that he was forced to endure.
December 6, 2010
A lot of people have been asking when the "verdict" in Gerry's trial is due. To
date there has been no announcement, and Gerry will most likely only be informed
that a decision is to be delivered a day or two in advance.
At that point he will let people know of the exact date upon which he is to be
before the Diplock Court in Belfast to hear his fate.
Earlier this year it was indicated that the British hope to have him in jail by
Christmas. No members of the British Army/UDR/RUC have been arrested or charged
for the killings of Catholic civilians during the Troubles, despite ample
available evidence sufficient to bring prosecutions.
December 2, 2010
2011 Upcoming Elections and McGeough can't run as a candidate!
The blatant political nature of the case against Gerry is underscored by the
fact that almost four years have elapsed since his arrest outside a polling
count center the day after the 2007 Assembly elections. And still his fate
remains unclear!
Despite the fact that the charges against him are up to 35-years-old and the
so-called "evidence" has been around for decades, it took exactly three years
from the day of his arrest to bring him to trial.
That trial, which began in March of this year, only ended in mid-November and a
verdict remains pending.
Throughout this time, Gerry and his family have been tied down in a Limbo
situation due to the heavy restrictions against him.
Although this has singularly failed to break Gerry's spirit, it has prevented
him from developing the necessary political structures needed to run in any of
the elections due in 2011. Many observers believe that this is the real reason
behind the vindictive persecution of Gerry McGeough.
Regardless of the verdict, it is now too late for Gerry to contemplate running
as a candidate in any of the forthcoming Six-County elections. British democracy
and "fair-play" at its best.
November 26, 2010
McGeough Calls on Sinn Fein and SDLP to "speak out"
Gerry has called on Sinn Féin and the SDLP to speak out on behalf of the
innocent Irish Catholic victims of British State violence. He has asked both
parties and the Irish government to echo his recent call at Stormont for the
immediate arrest of all RUC/UDR/British Forces involved in the slaughter of
defenseless Catholic civilians during the "Troubles".
November 24, 2010
"BRING BRITISH SOLDIERS AND RUC TO TRIAL FOR THE MURDER OF INNOCENT IRISH CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS DURING THE TROUBLES!"
Gerry and a number of delegates from the Pressure Group "Justice for the
McGeough Family" traveled to Stormont today. The group had been invited by
Gerry McHugh, the Independent MLA for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, who very kindly
made his rooms and facilities available for use throughout the day long visit.
Gerry spoke to the media and highlighted the hypocrisy and injustices
surrounding the case against him. His presence clearly rattled a lot of
political cages, although several Sinn Féin figures shook hands with him and
wished him well.
One SF activist from Galbally in Co. Tyrone managed to irk a number of Gerry's
supporters when she chirpily, though not intentionally maliciously, told him that
he would "only" do two years! This prompted one supporter to later wonder if she would feed his family for those two years.
Gerry's trip, which was aimed at highlighting the glaring discrimination of his
prosecution, came at an opportune time. In the course of the day news emerged
that an RUC man would not face prosecution for his role in the loyalist massacre of six men in Loughlinisland, Co. Down in the early 90s. This despite ample
evidence against him. The news has caused outrage among Nationalists.
Meanwhile, Gerry still awaits a verdict that could see him be given a
twenty-year sentence for membership of the IRA in 1975 and for the attempted
killing of a UDR soldier in 1981. The chief "evidence" against him being
political asylum application documents provided to the sham Diplock court by
those fearless guardians of international human rights, the Swedish government.
November 23, 2010
"Dissident" Labeling
A Spin On The Meaning In Order To Discredit and Silence
Outside of East Tyrone, people may not be aware of the fact that "Lord" Maurice Morrow of the DUP is using the local papers to brand both McGeough and McAnespie as "dissident republicans". This is a deliberate attempt not only to influence the verdict, but also, should they be jailed, the two-year release clause can be overlooked if the parole board are "advised" that they are "dissidents" and therefore a "threat" to society. The advice will be to keep them locked up for the full term!
Gerry explained - "This is why we have to be so constantly on guard about this label". "Being within the grip of Diplock doesn't give us the luxury of philosophizing about the finer points of political terminology".
Michelle Gildernew has been asked by Gerry McGeough to publicly respond to Morrow by using Stormont "privilege" to name the ex-members of the UDR and RUC who were involved in the loyalist killings of Catholics in the East Tyrone/ North Armagh area during the Troubles. Gerry said "she should demand that they be charged and brought before Diplock Courts". That would certainly shut Morrow, et al, up. Needless to say, Gildernew hasn't responded.
November 22, 2010
Gerry McGeough at Stormont
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 23rd, I shall be going to Stormont at the invitation
of Fermanagh/South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh.
I am making this trip in order to highlight the glaring inconsistencies that
have arisen as a consequence of the near four-year persecution of myself and my
family since my arrest at the count centre in Omagh following the 2007 Assembly
Elections.
Why have Vincent McAnespie and I been dragged through the supposedly phased-out
Diplock Court system, charged with Troubles-related issues going back 35-years,
while soldier "F" has yet to be arrested, let alone charged, for killing four
civilians in Derry on Bloody Sunday?
In addition, I shall want to know why no ex-members of the UDR and RUC have been
arrested for their roles in the loyalist killings of Catholic civilians in East
Tyrone and North Armagh during the Troubles.
In relation to this, I am considering making available a list of these
ex-UDR/RUC identities with a view to having an MLA name them in Stormont under
"privilege".
Our prosecution amounts to a cherry picking of the GFA by the NIO and is a
direct attack on the peace process.
Finally, I shall want to know why I, as one of the "on-the-runs", have been
singled out for politically motivated prosecution, while dozens of others have
been afforded "Royal Pardons". Why this discrimination?
November 17, 2010
SWEDISH GOVERNMENT HYPOCRISY
by Helen McClafferty
on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7:19pm
The Swedish government just got finished turning over alleged political asylum documentation to be used in the trial of Gerry McGeough in the discredited Diplock court in the north of Ireland and allowed one of their government officials, Helen Hedebris, to testify on behalf of the prosecution. They then turn around and publicly criticize the European Court of Human Rights for not giving Iraqi asylum- seekers priority and stopped the deportation of 40 Iraqi asylum-seekers?
What is wrong with this picture? If it weren't for the Swedish government, Gerry McGeough would have been a free man. It appears from the article below, which appeared in today’s New York Times, that the Swedish government speaks out of both sides of their mouth. They are as two-faced as the British government.
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Sweden's immigration authority has criticized the European Court of Human Rights for being inefficient in handling complaints from Iraqi asylum-seekers.
In a statement Wednesday the Swedish Migration Board said the European court has a big backlog of complaints from Iraqi asylum seekers and doesn't give priority to urgent cases.
Refugees who are denied asylum in a European country can appeal the decision to the European Court of Human Rights. Sweden assesses asylum seekers from Iraq on an individual basis and more than 200 such cases are currently being reviewed by the European court.
On Tuesday, Sweden stopped the deportation of 40 Iraqi asylum seekers because it was unsure about the guidance from the European court.
SEND THIS ARTICLE TO YOUR LOCAL PAPER WITH A LETTER TO THE EDITOR PROTESTING THE HYPOCRISY OF THE SWEDISH GOVERNMENT WITH REGARD TO GERRY MCGEOUGH VS. OTHER POLITICAL ASYLUM-SEEKERS!
November 16, 2010
Gerry has reported a significant increase in the level of electronic harassment
this evening. Aside from "live-wire tapping" during phone-calls, when loud
metallic clicking sounds interrupt private conversations, there has also been
external interference on his facebook sites.
This comes only hours after the Democratic Unionist Party's justice spokesman
"Lord" Maurice Morrow, a South Tyrone politician and close chum of the UDR man
at the center of Gerry's case, launched a blistering attack against Gerry in the
Dungannon-based Tyrone Times newspaper.
With utter disregard for the judicial process and the fact that the trial is, de
facto, on-going until a verdict has been reached, Morrow falsely accused Gerry
and Vincent McAnespie (a standing member of Sinn Féin) of being "dissidents"---a
move aimed at prejudicing the outcome of their case.
Morrow's hate-filled tirade against Gerry is in stark contrast to his total
silence and refusal to condemn a paid advert in the local unionist newspaper,
the Tyrone Courier.
The ad, placed by the Dungannon Free Presbyterians in September, described Pope
Benedict XVI as "the man of sin and antichrist" and went on to label the
Catholic Mass as "a blasphemous fable and a dangerous deceit".
The Catholic community are seething with anger at the ad, the fact that it was
published and that no apology has come from the newspaper or any other
protestant/unionist quarter over the deep offense it has caused to Tyrone
Catholics.
The Tyrone Ancient Order of Hibernians have taken a public stance on the matter,
demanding an apology, and Gerry, as a leading Hibernian in the area, has made
public the fact that he has raised the issue with the Advertising Standards
Authority. He has also openly criticized unionist representatives for their
refusal to condemn this anti-Catholic sectarianism.
This has made him a particular hate-figure for the Free Presbyterians and
hard-line unionist politicians, who are eager to see him jailed as soon as
possible.
Conversely, it has won him huge levels of approval among Catholics and
Nationalists.
November 14, 2010
Delegates at a meeting of the Ulster Provincial committee of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians (Board of Erin) today passed a motion expressing solidarity with
Gerry and his family.
The meeting, which was held in Lisburn, Co Antrim, was attended by Hibernians
from across Ulster. Gerry along with several of his Brethern from Brantry A.O.H.
Division 207 was also in attendance and he thanked the delegates for their
prayers and solidarity.
About seven weeks ago, dozens of families from Gerry's home area bombarded the
Sinn Féin offices in Dungannon and Coalisland, in County Tyrone, with numerous
phone-calls beseeching the local politicians to do something about the scandal
of the on-going political show-trial. Those people are still waiting for a
reply/acknowledgement to their queries.
This tardiness and contempt for the electorate is in stark contrast to the swift
response of Miriam Gonzalez, the wife of Britain's Deputy Prime Minister, Nick
Clegg.
On November 9th, Gerry's sister-in-law e-mailed Gonzalez from Spain and asked
her fellow Spaniard to intervene in the case on humanitarian grounds.
Within 48-hours Gonzalez responded by private e-mail regreting that there was
nothing she could do in the matter. The good manners of this reply was
nonetheless appreciated.
How much longer will the people of South Tyrone have to wait for their local
politicians to show them the decency of a reply to their questions? Maybe they
plan to deliver the response on the doorsteps when they come calling for votes
next year.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that an observer at the last day of the Diplock
"trial" in Belfast calculated that £15,000 in tax-payers' money was spent on
that day alone! How much has this entire charade cost over the last
three-and-a-half years and could that money not have been spent more usefully in
this time of global recession?
November 10, 2010
The Diplock Court "trial" finally ended today and a verdict is to be handed down at some point over the coming weeks.
In any normal judicial system the case against Gerry would have been thrown out ages ago. However, the Diplock Courts were instituted in order to insure convictions despite the lack of hard, or any, evidence.
It is no coincidence that the Diplock Court system, which was supposed to have been ended in 2009, was extended for an extra two years in July of last year. This extension enabled the British to "try" Gerry under this notoriously corrupt provision, which they have just done.
Today, Gerry's legal team told him to brace himself for a twenty-year sentence, to be handed down before Christmas.
Michelle Gildernew on the last day of the
McGeough/McAnespie trial issued a statement
calling for the proceedings to be halted.
The Pressure Group "Justice for the McGeough Family" has welcomed the late
intervention comments by Sinn Féin's Michelle Gildernew.
On November 9th, in what was to have been the last day of the trial, Ms
Gildernew issued a statement calling for the proceedings to be halted. The
Diplock Court trial against Gerry McGeough and Vincent McAnespie first began on
March 8th, 2010.
The Pressure Group nonetheless appreciate the MP's statement, which comes at a
time of growing anger and frustration among ordinary people at the perceived
injustice being perpetrated against the two men by the British/Unionist
Establishment.
November 9, 2010
6th day in McGeough/McAnespie Trial
In the course of his closing argument, Gerry's barrister today completely
demolished the prosecution's case against his client.
If there is a conviction against Gerry following this magnificent defense, then
it will be on purely political grounds.
Although the trial was to have officially ended today, proceedings will have to
be continued again tomorrow in order to allow Vincent McAnespie's barrister to
finish his closing arguments.
November 8, 2010
British Double Standards
Here is a picture of Soldier F. A liar and a murderer. This man is responsible for the murder of 4 innocent civil rights marchers in Derry in 1972. Why isn’t he on trial right now facing criminal charges?
The British crown and their minions, the RUC/PSNI, had no problem arresting Gerry McGeough 3 ½ years ago on alleged 30 year old troubles related charges, and they continue to drag him through a politically motivated trial in their Diplock court. The British government, although they publicly apologized for the murder of 13 innocent people on that day - Bloody Sunday, they still have not brought any of the soldiers involved in that massacre to trial to date. What is wrong with this picture?
Update on 5th day of the trial of McGeough/McAnespie
Today, Vincent McAnespie took the stand in order to deny the charge of "intent"
that has been leveled against him.
Following this, the prosecution began its summation, which will continue tomorrow morning.
This will be followed by the Defense teams concluding their arguments also. The trial will
officially end tomorrow and the verdict will be handed down in the coming weeks.
If convicted, Gerry will receive a twenty year sentence under the Diplock process.
There shouldl be a lot of nervous people if Gerry goes down on this charge!.
I am trying to be very optimistic that there will be a moment of truth somewhere in tomorrow's
proceedings.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Open Letter to all International
Human Rights Organisations
Who especially handle political asylum cases
Re: Gerry McGeough
The general consensus that society in the north of Ireland must now "move on" from the era of the Troubles is being seriously undermined by an on-going legal saga that is causing growing resentment among nationalists in Tyrone and which is now starting to gain attention elsewhere across Ireland and beyond.
November 1, 2010 saw the resumption of a trial that is raising issues of major concern to international Human Rights groups as well as bringing to light matters that the British government, in particular, would prefer left untouched.
At the centre of the controversy is 52-year-old Gerry McGeough, a teacher and published author from the Brantry area of South Tyrone, who is now the focus of a political and legal storm that has dragged in the Swedish government, the U.S. and German authorities and a host of interested parties from several other nations. Added to this is a growing litany of revelations that has opened a Pandora's Box of secret deals and leaked intelligence memos that are beginning to cause major angst within some political circles.
The saga began on March 8th, 2007, the day after the Stormont Assembly elections when Gerry McGeough, who had stood as an Independent Republican candidate in the Fermanagh/South Tyrone constituency, was dramatically arrested outside the Count Centre in Omagh. A convoy of PSNI vehicles took McGeough to Antrim, where he was eventually charged with membership in the IRA in 1975, when he was 16-years-old, and with wounding a part-time member of the UDR in 1981. The arrest became news headlines within the hour
Shortly after Mr. McGeough's arrest, Vincent McAnespie, an Aughnacloy Building Contractor in his late forties, was also arrested following a raid on his home. The charges against Mr. McAnespie were eventually reduced to possession of weapons in 1981.
Explaining the unusual manner of Mr. McGeough's arrest, the PSNI claimed that they had been looking for him for years but had not been able to locate him until his appearance at the Omagh Count Centre. Mr. McGeough’s lawyers dismissed this as "ridiculous", pointing out that apart from the fact that he had been living openly in the North before the election; he was also one of the most high-profile candidates during the campaign, speaking regularly in public and making appearances on T.V. and live radio programs.
Mr. McGeough’s arrest was politically motivated and sanctioned by the British government. If a political candidate was arrested during an election in Zimbabwe, or anywhere else, the British would be squealing about human rights abuses".
After three weeks in Maghaberry prison, Mr. McGeough's lawyers finally secured bail for him following a considerable legal struggle during which the Prosecution tried to prevent his release by claiming that he was wanted in Germany and the United States for Irish republican related activities in the 1980s. When these accusations were found to be groundless, he was released on strict bail conditions, most of which remain in place over three-and-a-half-years later.
Mr. McGeough, who lives with his Spanish-born wife and their four young children, spent the next couple of years making monthly court appearances during which the case was constantly put back, sometimes for the flimsiest of reasons, such as someone at the DPP had forgotten to post a letter crucial to the investigation.
During this time, the family had to put up with many hardships including having a British Army helicopter hover and clatter over their remote rural home at eleven o'clock one night as small children struggled to sleep. They have also had to endure phone-tapping, e-mail and regular mail interception and disruption. In addition, because of the serious Troubles-related charges against him, Mr. McGeough has not been able to find work as a teacher since his arrest.
In July, 2009, Mr. McGeough suffered a massive heart-attack. That same month, the British government extended the use of the non-jury Diplock Court system for another two years. A notorious legacy of the Troubles, the Diplock Courts were supposed to have been finally phased out by 2009.
On March 8th, exactly three years after his arrest, Mr. McGeough was put on trial before a
Diplock Court in Belfast. The previous day, the Sunday Tribune newspaper revealed that a secret deal had been done between the British government and Sinn Féin allowing up to fifty "on-the-run" republicans to receive Royal Pardons since the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
Shaun Woodward, Britain's then Secretary of State for the North, publicly denounced the revelation as "nonsense". Shortly afterwards, McGeough's lawyers produced one of the Pardons and the Northern Ireland Office has since confirmed that a deal had, in fact, been done.
Arguing that their client, who is one of the listed "on-the-runs", was being discriminated against for political reasons, Mr. McGeough's legal team secured an adjournment of the trial after three days while they sought the disclosure of documents from the NIO for an "Abuse of Process" application.
Despite ample evidence of the existence of such material, a judge ruled that the NIO need not disclose some forty-one relevant files in the interests of "national security". He also dismissed the "Abuse of Process" application and the trial resumed on September 13th. That day consisted of having a PSNI detective read a full chapter of one of Gerry's books to the court. He had "secured" the book from a library in Dublin. The novel itself, "Defenders", is a work of fiction published in 1998. Incredibly, this has been accepted as "evidence" by the non-jury court.
The trial against Mr. McGeough, which is estimated to have cost £1 million to date, was halted again the following day after McGeough was rushed to hospital where he underwent a further heart procedure on September 17th. He has since been released from hospital and the trial resumed on November 1st.
If convicted, he will spend two years in prison under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement before being eligible for release on license. Mr. McGeough’s children, all of whom were born since the year 2000, are the real victims of the Troubles. This whole experience is a real trauma for them. Why should they have to be put through this?
A staunch supporter of the Peace Process, Mr. McGeough and his supporters believe he is being singled out simply because he stood in the elections and expressed a viewpoint that upset the powers that be. People are verbally upset and now starting to question “why are no British soldiers being put on trial for Bloody Sunday"? And, what about those behind the Dublin/Monaghan bombings? Either the Troubles are over or they're not. If not, then shouldn’t everybody be put on trial before Diplock Courts?
Meanwhile, the Prosecution used alleged Political Asylum application papers from Sweden as the mainstay of its evidence against Mr. McGeough. The move has raised considerable alarm among some international Human Rights groups, who argue that this violates the whole concept of political asylum and is an attack upon the rights of refugees everywhere.
Swedish Civil Servant Helen Hedebris, believed to be fanatically pro-British, obviously had been working in close collaboration with the RUC/PSNI over the years and her testimony for the prosecution, against Mr. McGeough in a Diplock trial, was disgraceful and the Swedish government should hang their head in shame for allowing her to testify for the prosecution.
In their obsessive need to prosecute and imprison this Irishman, the British obviously were prepared to turn international political asylum refugee laws on their head. This move on November 4, 2010 by the British and Swedish governments now has widespread implications for the entire concept of political asylum.
Ironically, under British law, Political Asylum applicants are guaranteed that their documents will be kept confidential and under no circumstances handed over to the authorities in the country they may be fleeing from. The Crown’s prosecution argued that this doesn't apply to material from Sweden?
Supporters of Mr. McGeough and the Good Friday Agreement are now asking that all international Human Rights organizations, especially those dealing with asylum-seekers, take the Swedish and British governments to task for their blatant disregard in using political asylum documents as evidence in the discredited Diplock Court system in the north of Ireland.
What happened here is a stain on Sweden's otherwise excellent record in the area of international Human Rights. Without this Swedish input, Gerry would now be a free man. The British and Swedish governments must now be held accountable for this and we are asking for these Human Rights organizations to press for a review of the decision on the documentation used in Mr. McGeough’s trial.
A statement in support of Gerry McGeough
by Chris and Mary Fogarty
Even if found "guilty" what will McGeough be "guilty" of? Of being a patriot? He is charged, as an Irishman, with attacking but NOT killing an invading British soldier! How long ago - 25 years ago? Meanwhile, the English soldiers who murdered 14 human rights marchers on Bloody
Sunday will NOT be prosecuted even though Prime Minister Cameron recently admitted in parliament that those soldiers had perpetrated mass murder that day.
So, the British gov't, having stonewalled calls for justice for more than 30 years, finally fessed' up; but STILL refuses to prosecute the murderers. The difference in British gov't treatment of McGeough for an alleged "attempt" and the impunity granted to British soldiers who actually perpetrated
Bloody Sunday (and the Dublin/Monaghan bombing murders of 33, etc. etc.) demonstrates the corruption of British rule in Ireland. And that permanent, traditional, murderous corruption is why Ireland must break free of it. What Ireland needs to be free is more men and women of integrity, determination, self-respect, and courage. Gerry McGeough personifies all of these virtues. How small and vicious are his persecutors in comparison!
November 5, 2010 - 4th Day of McGeough/McAnespie Trial
To no great surprise the Diplock Court trial judge today "ruled" that Political
Asylum application papers from Sweden are admissible as "evidence" against
Gerry.
The move by Judge Ben Stevens, an Englishman and reputed senior freemason,
reflects the growing blatant determination by the British authorities to have
Gerry convicted and railroaded into jail as soon as possible.
Gerry remains equally determined in his views that the British have no right to
occupy any part of Ireland and that they should get out as soon as possible.
November 4th - Continuation of the McGeough/McAnespie Trial
Swedish Government Needs To Be Held Accountable For Their Disgraceful Collusion With The British Government!
First time observers at Gerry's trial today said they were left stunned at the proceedings. One shocked on-looker even described it as a "pure political show-trial".
The main focus of attention today was Swedish Immigration official Helen Hedebris, who proved herself to be more British than the British themselves with her constant reference to "here in Britain" when speaking about the North of Ireland. At one point Hedebris, who was a prosecution witness, went into Margaret Thatcher mode when she called the shooting of British soldiers in the context of the Irish Troubles as nothing more than a crime and actions that couldn't be remotely described as "political".
Hedebris spent much of her time in the witness box reading out tracts from a 1983 Political Asylum application that was allegedly lodged by Gerry when he supposedly sought refugee status in Sweden.
Having heard the contents, the trial judge is now going to rule on whether or not they are admissible for his consideration. Only a Diplock court could provide such wondrous conflict of interest.
Ironically, under British law, Political Asylum applicants are guaranteed that their documents will be kept confidential and under no circumstances handed over to the authorities in the country they may be fleeing from. The prosecution argued that this doesn't apply to material from Sweden-and Hedebris showed herself eager to agree with them.
The Swedish woman was in her element in the Diplock Court setting. Visibly excited at being "one of the team", on-lookers said "she was beside herself as she mingled with RUC/PSNI detectives and prosecution functionaries".
Without this Swedish input, Gerry would now be a free man.
The Swedish Government's collusion with the British government to convict Gerry McGeough at any cost needs to be immediately condemned by everyone.
In their obsessive need to prosecute and imprison this Irishman, the British obviously were prepared to turn international political asylum refugee laws on their head. This move today now has widespread implications for the entire concept of political asylum and should now become a major Human Rights issue and we all have an obligation to make it such!
Swedish Civil Servant Helen Hedebris, believed to be fanatically pro-British, obviously has been working in close collaboration with the RUC/PSNI over the years and her testimony today for the prosecution, against Gerry in a Diplock trial, was disgraceful and the Swedish government should hang their head in shame today.
There should be worldwide outrage at the fact that confidential political asylum application papers were used as "evidence" in the discredited Diplock Court system in the North of Ireland. Today's action is a stain on Sweden's otherwise excellent record in the area of international Human Rights. The Swedish government must now be held accountable for this.
Helen McClafferty
November 3, 2010
As the trial is set to continue for the second half of the week, Gerry has taken
the opportunity to thank all those who have been sending him messages of support
from across Ireland, the United States, Australia and beyond.
The prayers and expressions of solidarity have been a great comfort for all the
McGeough family and are deeply appreciated.
A RETIRED Garda detective claimed privilege in a court yesterday after he was questioned about former MI6 officer and whistleblower Fred Holroyd – even though he said he did not know him.
Former detective John McCoy was giving evidence by videolink from Dublin in the resumed trial at Belfast Crown Court of Tyrone republican Gerry McGeough, who is denying the attempted murder of a UDR soldier nearly 30 years ago.
The prosecution claims Mr McGeough (51) was injured after his intended victim Samuel Brush returned fire during an ambush near Aughnacloy in June 1981. It is alleged that Mr McGeough, from Carrycastle Road, Dungannon, who stood in the 2007 Assembly elections, was treated for a gunshot wound in a Dublin hospital before being transferred to Monaghan County Hospital.
Mr McCoy said he was one of the Garda officers assigned to guard a man he believed to be Mr McGeough, but the patient walked out of the hospital along with a large group of visitors, including a leading IRA man.
During cross-examination a lawyer for Mr McGeough asked Mr McCoy if he knew a man called Fred Holroyd.
He replied that he did not know him, but added: “I would claim privilege on that.”
Mr McCoy said he had read plenty of newspaper articles “that I have been associated with that particular gentleman, but I cannot recall ever having met him”.
The lawyer asked Mr McCoy: “Why did you ask to claim privilege in respect of someone you didn’t know?”
Mr McCoy replied: “I didn’t want to pursue it to protect the State.”
He added: “My reputation has been linked to this man by numerous statements and articles in the papers and this gentleman said he knew me.”
He insisted he had never had any dealings with Mr Holroyd.
Vincent McAnespie (47), from Aghabo Close, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, is denying possession of guns and ammunition and impeding Mr McGeough’s apprehension by hiding the weapons.
A retired Garda detective has denied having any links to British intelligence.
John McCoy tried to claim privilege when he was questioned about former MI6 officer and whistle blower Fred Holyroyd - even though he said he did not know him.
John McCoy was giving evidence by video link from Dublin at the trial of prominent republican Gerry McGeough.
Mr McGeough denies attempting to murder a UDR soldier nearly 30 years ago.
The prosecution claims that Mr McGeough, 51, was injured after his intended victim Samuel Brush returned fire on him during an ambush near Aughnacloy in June 1981.
It is alleged that Mr McGeough from Carrycastle Road, Dungannon, who stood in the 2007 Assembly elections, was treated for a gunshot wound in a Dublin hospital before being transferred to Monaghan County Hospital.
Belfast Crown Court heard from John McCoy that he was one of the police officers assigned to guard a man he believed to be Mr McGeough but the patient walked out of the hospital along with a large group of visitors, including he claimed, leading IRA man Jim Lynagh.
During cross examination, a lawyer for Mr McGeough asked the retired detective if he knew a man called Fred Holyroyd.
Gerry McGeough denies a charge of attempted murder He replied that he did not know him but said: "I would claim privilege on that".
Mr McCoy said he had read plenty of newspaper articles "that I have been associated with that particular gentleman but I cannot recall ever having met him."
'Protect the State'
The lawyer asked Mr McCoy: "Why did you ask to claim privilege in respect of someone you didn't know?"
McCoy replied "I didn't want to pursue it to protect the State".
He added: "My reputation has been linked to this man by numerous statements and articles in the papers and this gentleman said he knew me."
But he insisted he had never had any dealings with Mr Holyroyd.
Also in the dock was 47-year-old Vincent McAnespie from Aghabo Close, Aughnacloy.
He denies possession of guns and ammunition and impeding Mr McGeough's apprehension by hiding the weapons.
Trial Update: November 2, 2010
Following some inconclusive legal wrangling, Gerry's trial was adjourned early today and will resume on Thursday when the Swedish Immigration official Helen Hedebris is scheduled to testify.
The prosecution's entire case against Gerry now hinges on the use of Swedish Political Asylum application papers as "evidence" in this Diplock trial.
On Thursday, Gerry's lawyers will argue that such material is, by its very nature, inadmissible as "evidence".
The Judge's ruling, which will have widespread international implications in regard to Refugee Status, will be eagerly watched by Civil and Human Rights groups everywhere.
November 1, 2010
Trial Update
Gerry's Diplock Court trial resumed today. Due to technical problems it took some time before the video link to a court in Dublin could be established.
When this did eventually get underway, several witnesses gave their testimony. These included a number of mostly retired members of the Gardaí who, it was claimed, guarded a hospitalized wounded man in 1981. The Six-County prosecution allege that this man was Gerry, however the upshot of today's testimonies revealed that none of the witnesses could positively establish the wounded man's identity.
A forensic report on the bullet removed from the wounded man stated that it could not be attributed to a particular weapon with any degree of certainty.
Among those giving evidence was retired Garda Detective John McCoy. McCoy was questioned about allegations that he was the "Badger", a code name given to a member of the Gardaí who was said to be working for British Intelligence in the 26-Counties during the Troubles. The retired Garda invoked "Privilege" during this line of questioning.
The trial continues.
October 31, 2010
Eve of trial statement from Gerry McGeough
A Chairde,
Just want to say a big THANK-YOU to everyone who has sent messages of support and offered their prayers ahead of the re-starting of this so-called "trial".
By now, you will all be aware of the fact that this charade has nothing
whatsoever to do with Justice and everything to do with continuing the war against the Irish people by other means. It is raw, brute political intimidation and censorship in its most blatant form.
This persecution against me is being driven by elements from within the British /Unionist establishment who hate with a passion everything that is Irish Nationalist and Catholic. They are blinded by bigotry.
Needless to say, I have never been impressed or intimidated by this outfit in the past and most certainly will not bow down to them now. Irish-Catholics will not be pushed around in our own country and the sooner these people face that reality the better.
My patience has been sorely tested by these anti-Irish, anti-Catholic wretches and I believe that the time has now come for the establishment of a broad-based Independence Movement that will demand the end to foreign misrule in our country. Our ancient Irish Nation requires freedom, unity and full independence from Britain...as of now.
As an Irishman, I am sick to the teeth of the English presence in our country. England has nothing to offer our people but misery and captivity. This is our Nation and we want it back. England, get out of Ireland and take your pathetic little Diplock courts with you! Remember, the Irish Nation will never be beaten and Irishmen and women everywhere must stand up and be proud of our ancient
heritage and noble history of resistance to the foreign enemy! Éirinn go Brách/Ireland Forever!
Gerry McGeough
October 29, 2010
The Pressure Group "Justice for the McGeough Family" are asking people to turn
up and show their support for Gerry when the Diplock trial re-opens on Monday,
November 1st.
The Group recognise that this is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation and that
people and their families will be attending Mass. Undoubtedly, this date was
specially selected by the viciously anti-Catholic elements who still run the
Six-Counties for that very reason.
The Group, however, are urging those who can make it to turn-up at the Laganside
Court in Belfast for 10.00am. The courtroom is on the 4th floor of the building.
Everyone's support and solidarity is greatly appreciated.
October 28, 2010
Gerry's lawyers have written to the Prosecution asking them to reconsider the
date they have selected for the re-opening of the trial.
November 1st is All Saints' Day, a very special date in the Catholic calendar
and many people feel that the freemasons/orangemen who dominate the Diplock
system have chosen this date as a deliberate provocation.
Gerry's supporters have pointed out that no orthodox Jew would be forced to
appear in court during Yom Kippur and it will be interesting to see how the
Prosecution respond to a request to have Catholic religious sensibilities
respected.
October 27, 2010
Gerry McGeough in reply to Mairtin O'Muilleoir's article: "Poppies In The Wind"
"A good article and I'm glad that those close to the Sinn Féin leadership in Belfast are finally speaking out in public against this injustice. Máirtin Ó Muilleoir, however, knows fine well that I am not a "dissident" republican and to suggest this in his otherwise excellent article was wholly unnecessary. One does not have to be a member of Sinn Féin in order to be a mainstream republican. Aside from that correction-go raibh maith agat, a Mháirtin
Gerry McGeough
From the Balcony, A Publisher's Blog
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Straws in the wind set to disturb efforts to build support for a new era in policing come from the most unexpected sources.
The sporting of poppies is a political statement in Britain but in the North of Ireland it is also, sadly, often used as a sectarian symbol. Wise counsel would suggest that an impartial police force avoid wearing poppies in republican areas — not least because they evoke memories of the despised RUC officer, machine gun in one hand, baton in the other, poppy on the helmet.
Apparently, those who support the wearing of poppy on the PSNI uniform won that argument. Last week in West Belfast, before the official poppy season kicked in, officers were patrolling the streets — where their welcome remains tentative — with the poppy on show, two weeks before the official appeal kicks off.
Similarly, the vindictive efforts to railroad dissident republican Gerry McGeough into jail for an IRA attack carried out a lifetime ago smacks of the worst actions of securocrats. How strange that anyone who raises the slaughter of civilians by the British Army is dismissed as living in the past while enormous resources are deployed to put Gerry McGeough behind bars in connection with an incident from those same dark days. When Mr McGeough's trial starts on 1 November, don't be surprised if it collapses swiftly. All the evidence is that while paper-thin cases were sufficient to imprison republicans in the seventies along the conveyor belt of Castlereagh and courts, things have tightened up considerably since then. Let's see.
Posted by Máirtín Ó Muilleoir at 11:25 PM
October 25, 2010
The Pressure Group "Justice for the McGeough Family" have issued a statement
congratulating Sinn Féin's Michelle Gildernew on the recent High Court ruling
confirming her position as the Member of Parliament for Fermanagh/South Tyrone.
Ms. Gildernew secured the constituency by one vote, which prompted the Unionist
opposition candidate to bring legal action, citing alleged electoral malpractice
during the poll last May.
Now that she is the official MP for the area, the Pressure Group have asked that
she break her more than three-and-a-half year silence on the nightmare that the
McGeough family have been put through by the British authorities ever since
Gerry's arrest following the 2007 Assembly Elections in which he stood as a
candidate.
Not only is Ms Gildernew the local political representative, but she is also a
neighbor of the McGeough family living just a few fields away in the next
townland and their children attend the same school together.
The Pressure Group have described Ms. Gildernew's inability to speak out on
behalf of a fellow republican as "weird and inappropriate".
They add that there is no political rationale to her silence given that her
fellow Sinn Féin MP, Pat Doherty, who represents West Tyrone, has made a point
of recently visiting Gerry at his home in South-East Tyrone in order to discuss
the case and listen to the family's concerns. Mr. Doherty was warmly welcomed by
the McGeough family and his visit has been applauded by people in the
Brantry/Eglish area, who appreciate his decency in this matter.
Members of Sinn Féin have also traveled from as far away as Dublin to express
solidarity with Gerry and the Pressure Group are now asking why Michelle
Gildernew cannot make the two minute journey to the McGeough household in order
to do likewise.
Please go to the DONATE page and take the necessary action required.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE - OCTOBER 24, 2010
Retired garda known as 'The Badger' to testify in IRA attempted murder trial
Lawyers for Gerry McGeough, accused of trying to kill a UDR man almost 30 years ago, to cross-examine former detective
Suzanne Breen, Northern Editor
Gerry McGeough leaves Enniskillen court handcuffed in a police car
A retired garda detective known as 'The Badger', who had a close working relationship with British intelligence, is to be called as a witness in the trial of a former Sinn Féin ard comhairle member and IRA gun-runner.
Lawyers for Gerry McGeough, who is accused of trying to kill a UDR man almost 30 years ago, are keen to cross-examine the Badger. McGeough, from Co Tyrone, is the first republican to be tried for historical crimes since the Good Friday Agreement.
The prosecution claims he was injured when he tried to kill UDR man Sammy Brush in 1981. It is alleged that Brush returned fire and that McGeough was treated for a gunshot wound in St Vincent's hospital in Dublin and later Monaghan County Hospital.
The Badger was one of several gardaí sent to guard the wounded man, alleged to be McGeough, in Monaghan County Hospital and to arrest him when he was discharged. However, the patient escaped before he could be arrested.
In 2007, the Badger made a statement about this incident to gardaí. This statement is part of the prosecution case. Although the prosecution haven't listed the Badger as a witness, McGeough's lawyers want to cross-examine him.
Solicitor Peter Corrigan said: "We have requested that he be called as a witness. Around six other guards are already due to give evidence via video link from the Four Courts."
McGeough's lawyers are consulting with former MI6 officer turned whistle-blower Fred Holroyd, who met the Badger several times. Holroyd said the detective gave information on republicans to British intelligence.
Although gardaí kept their relationship with British intelligence secret because of the political sensitivities at the time, the Badger met MI6 with the full knowledge and authority of his superiors, Holroyd said.
In his statement, the Badger describes how the patient in Monaghan County Hospital, alleged to be Gerry McGeough, had feebly walked the corridors in a dressing gown, pyjamas and slippers, complaining of pain.
That evening, a young man who said he was McGeough's brother arrived with three women to visit the patient. Four IRA men – including Jim Lynagh who was killed by the SAS at Loughall six years later – also visited. Gardaí then saw the women, and what appeared to be the first young man, leave after 30 minutes. The young man walked out normally. Gardaí later discovered it was actually the patient dressed as his visitor.
McGeough's trial, which was postponed after he became ill and underwent emergency heart surgery six weeks ago, is due to resume next week.
October 24, 2010
October 11, 2010
STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE RECENTLY FORMED "JUSTICE FOR THE MCGEOUGH FAMILY" PRESSURE GROUP
The general consensus that society here must now "move on" from the era of the
Troubles is being seriously undermined by an on-going legal saga that is causing
growing resentment among nationalists in Tyrone and which is now starting to
gain attention elsewhere across Ireland and beyond.
November 1st sees the resumption of a trial that is raising issues of major
concern to international Human Rights groups as well as bringing to light
matters that the British government, in particular, would prefer left untouched.
At the centre of the controversy is 52-year-old Gerry McGeough, a teacher and
published author from the Brantry area of South Tyrone, who is now the focus of
a political and legal storm that has dragged in the Swedish government, the U.S.
and German authorities and a host of interested parties from several other
nations. Added to this is a growing litany of revelations that has opened a
Pandora's Box of secret deals and leaked intelligence memos that are beginning
to cause major angst within some political circles.
The saga began on March 8th, 2007, the day after the Stormont Assembly elections
when Gerry McGeough, who had stood as an Independent Republican candidate in the
Fermanagh/South Tyrone constituency, was dramatically arrested outside the Count
Centre in Omagh. The large media contingent gathered for the Tally just yards
away ensured that the arrest became news headlines within the hour.
A convoy of PSNI vehicles took McGeough to Antrim, where he was eventually
charged with membership of the IRA in 1975, when he was 16-years-old, and with
wounding a part-time member of the UDR in 1981.
Shortly after McGeough's arrest, Vincent McAnespie, an Aughnacloy Building
Contractor in his late forties, was also arrested following a raid on his home.
The charges against Mr. McAnespie were eventually reduced to possession of
weapons in 1981.
Explaining the unusual manner of Mr. McGeough's arrest, the PSNI claimed that
they had been looking for him for years but had not been able to locate him
until his appearance at the Omagh Count Centre.
Gerry McGeough has dismissed this as "ridiculous", pointing out that apart from
the fact that he had been living openly in the North before the election, he was
also one of the most high-profile candidates during the hustings, speaking
regularly in public and making appearances on T.V. and live radio programmes.
"My arrest was politically motivated", he says, "and sanctioned by the British
government. If a political candidate was arrested during an election in
Zimbabwe, or anywhere else, the British would be squealing about human rights
abuses".
After three weeks in Maghaberry prison, McGeough's lawyers finally secured bail
for him following a considerable legal struggle during which the Prosecution
tried to prevent his release by claiming that he was wanted in Germany and the
United States for Irish republican related activities in the 1980s. When these
accusations were found to be groundless, he was released on strict bail
conditions, most of which remain in place over three-and-a-half-years later.
McGeough, who lives with his Spanish-born wife and their four young children,
spent the next couple of years making monthly court appearances during which the
case was constantly put back, sometimes for the flimsiest of reasons, such as
someone at the DPP had forgotten to post a letter crucial to the investigation.
During this time, the family had to put up with many hardships including having
a British Army helicopter hover and clatter over their remote rural home at
eleven o'clock one night as small children struggled to sleep. They have also
had to endure phone-tapping, e-mail and regular mail interception and
disruption. In addition, because of the serious Troubles-related charges against
him, Gerry McGeough has been unable to find work as a teacher since his arrest.
In July, 2009, McGeough suffered a massive heart-attack and would have died but
for the fact that he managed to get himself to hospital in time for emergency
treatment.
That same month, the British government extended the use of the non-jury Diplock
Court system for another two years. A notorious legacy of the Troubles, the
Diplock Courts were supposed to have been finally phased out by 2009.
On March 8th, exactly three years after his arrest, Gerry McGeough was put on
trial before a Diplock Court in Belfast. The previous day, the Sunday Tribune
newspaper revealed that a secret deal had been done between the British
government and Sinn Féin allowing up to fifty "on-the-run" republicans to
receive Royal Pardons since the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
Shaun Woodward, Britain's then Secretary of State for the North, publicly
denounced the revelation as "nonsense". Shortly afterwards, McGeough's lawyers
produced one of the Pardons and the Northern Ireland Office has since confirmed
that a deal had, in fact, been done.
Arguing that their client, who is one of the listed "on-the-runs", was being
discriminated against for political reasons, McGeough's legal team secured an
adjournment of the trial after three days while they sought the disclosure of
documents from the NIO for an "Abuse of Process" application.
Despite ample evidence of the existence of such material, a judge ruled that the
NIO need not disclose some forty-one relevant files in the interests of
"national security". He also dismissed the "Abuse of Process" application and
the trial resumed on September 13th. That day consisted of having a PSNI
detective read a full chapter of one of Gerry's books to the court. He had
"secured" the book from a library in Dublin. The novel itself, "Defenders", is a
work of fiction published in 1998. Incredibly, this has been accepted as
"evidence" by the non-jury court.
The trial against Gerry McGeough, which is estimated to have cost £1 million to
date, was halted again the following day after McGeough was rushed to hospital
where he underwent a further heart procedure on September 17th. He has since
been released from hospital and the trial is set to resume on November 1st.
If convicted, he will spend two years in prison under the terms of the Good
Friday Agreement before being eligible for release on license. McGeough argues
that his children, all of whom were born since the year 2000, are the real
victims of the Troubles. He describes how one morning last March, as he prepared
to leave for court in Belfast, his seven-year-old son got up out of bed at
6.30am in order to share an idea he had.
"He told me that he was going to dig a hole in one of the fields, put planks
over it and build a den so that he could hide Daddy. That way I wouldn't have to
go to jail", Gerry recalled. "Imagine a child lying awake at night worrying
about such things in the year 2010. This whole experience is a real trauma for
them. Why should they have to be put through this?
A staunch supporter of the Peace Process, McGeough believes that he is being
singled out simply because he stood in the elections and expressed a viewpoint
that upset the powers that be.
"Why are no British soldiers being put on trial for Bloody Sunday"?, he asks.
"And what about those behind the Dublin/Monaghan bombings? Either the Troubles
are over or they're not. If not, then let's put everybody on trial before Diplock
Courts.
What's happening to us is just plain old anti-Irish Catholic discrimination.
People can see this and they resent it", Gerry McGeough said.
Meanwhile, it has now emerged that the Prosecution intends to use alleged
Political Asylum application papers from Sweden as the mainstay of its evidence
against Mr. McGeough. The move has raised considerable alarm among international
Human Rights groups, who argue that this violates the whole concept of political
asylum and is an attack upon the rights of refugees everywhere.
We, the recently formed "Justice for the McGeough Family" pressure group, are
asking people from all walks of life to become involved in the campaign to
highlight the discrimination currently being perpetrated against Gerry McGeough.
Write in protest to your local media and politicians. Keep Gerry and his family
in your prayers and, if possible, turn up at the trial in Belfast, now scheduled
for November 1st, and show your solidarity.
This is a just cause that needs your support. Now is the time to speak out
against this injustice and we thank-you for your help.
October 10, 2010
The trial of Gerry McGeough has been changed to November 1st.
Please go to the DONATE page and take the necessary actions required.
October 8, 2010
Three more sites have been set up to help support Gerry McGeough:
"Justice for Gerry McGeough"
"Free Gerry McGeough"
"Gerry McGeough"
The links provided below will take you to these sites where you can leave Gerry a personal message and to find out what you can do to help Gerry and his family in their time of need.
Good Friday Agreement put on Trial through the Diplock Courts in the case of McGeough
By Brian Halpin
Gerry McGeough from Tyrone is a former political prisoner. He served time in Germany and the US in the 1990’s. He is an ex Ard Comhairle member of Sinn Féin. In 2007 he stood as an independent republican candidate in the assembly elections and was dramatically arrested outside the count centre in Omagh in March of that year.
Vincent McAnespie is married to Brenda McAnespie, a Sinn Féin councillor for Monaghan. He was arrested a short time after Gerry McGeough at his family home in Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone. Vincent’s brother Aiden was murdered by a British soldier in 1988 while he was on his way to a football game in Monaghan.
After a 3 ½ year delay the trial resumed on 13th September 2010. Gerry McGeough is charged with membership of the IRA in 1975 and the attempted murder of ex-UDR soldier and current DUP councillor Sammy Brush. Vincent McAnespie is facing charges relating to the possession of weapons for that shooting.
Bringing this case at all is against the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. In addition the British have used an application by Gerry McGeough to Sweden for political asylum as evidence against him – in violation of his right that such information be kept secret from third parties for 50 years
The case can only be described as an attempt by British securocrats to put the Good Friday Agreement on trial through the Diplock Courts. Former Loyalist combatants have given evidence to this effect exposing the case as anti-peace process. They stated that the British government through Mo Mowlam gave a verbal guarantee on a number of occasions that no republican or loyalist would face legal proceedings for offences pre 1998.
This type of political policing is totally unacceptable to republicans, who are determined to bring an end to British injustice in Ireland. Non political policing is an integral part of the peace process.
Brian Halpin is a law student and a member of Walkinstown Sinn Féin.
October 1, 2010
McGeough trial date changed. Again. Trial now set to resume November 1, 2010.
Monday September 27, 2010
QUICK UPDATE
Gerry's trial is set to resume on October 11th. No apparent consideration has been given to his current health and well-being.
Originally his trial was set to resume approximately six weeks after his second heart attack, but it is obvious now they want the trial done and over with before any demonstrations and growing unrest among concerned republicans and other supporters of Gerry can get underway.
It is time to move NOW on behalf of Gerry.
Sunday Tribune: September 26, 2010
Gerry McGeough trial put on hold after emergency heart surgery
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED IN THE GERRY MCGEOUGH
VINCENT MCANESPIE TRIAL
I am being appreciatively inundated with calls and emails from various people around the world, especially since Gerry McGeough’s second heart attack, asking “what can we do to help support Gerry and Vincent at this time”?
In the wake of these calls and emails, I ask you to take the following action:
1) Write letters to your local newspaper (Letters To The Editor)…
objecting to the fact that McGeough and McAnespie have been politically singled out to stand trial on” alleged charges dating back 30 years”, etc., etc., etc. You can go to the “freegerry.com web site for updated information on the case/trail.
2) FILL THE COURT ROOM WITH SUPPORTERS
Gerry McGeough is due back in court in approximately six weeks providing he is medically sound to do so.
3) DEMONSTRATE OUTSIDE THE COURT AS LONG AS THE TRIAL LASTS…
Carry posters that say “FREE GERRY MCGEOUGH AND VINCENT MCANESPIE”. “BRITISH GOVERNMENT RENEGES ON GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT”. “STOP THE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED PERSECUTION OF THESE TWO MEN”.
4) CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SWEDISH EMBASSY-RE: GERRY MCGEOUGH…
Insist that the Swedish government do two things: 1) make a statement denouncing the use of their asylum papers as evidence in any court against anybody and 2) to swiftly take the required action to have those papers immediately returned to their rightful owner, the Swedish government and don’t allow any Swedish government employee to testify in a Diplock court.
5) CALL, EMAIL, FAX YOUR LOCAL SINN FEIN …
Ask them…” what have they been doing to help McGeough and McAnespie since their arrest March 2007”? The one and only comment on their arrest was reported in An Phoblacht.com on March 8, 2007 where MP Michele Gildernew and TD Caoimhghin O Caolain “branded the arrest of Assembly election candidate Gerry McGeough as outrageous”. However, since then, there has been absolutely no further condemnation of their arrest and 3 ½ year persecution by the Crown. The big question here is WHY hasn’t Sinn Fein stepped up to the plate on behalf of McGeough and McAnespie?
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH
Helen McClafferty
September 22, 2010
A brief Interview with Martin Galvin, Esq.
What It Means For Gerry McGeough If Pronounced Guilty
There is a great deal of speculation and assumptions floating around out there in cyber space regarding what type of sentence Gerry McGeough is facing. I asked Martin Galvin, a prominent New York attorney helping out on Gerry's case, to explain what the possibility is if pronounced guilty.
Martin explained that "Under the terms of the deal, if pronounced guilty, Gerry McGeough would first be sentenced to a lengthy jail term. While he would be eligible for early release, after 2 years, (even for someone like Gerry who endured a notorious German prison and 3 years in a federal penitentiary) this is not a minor thing for a man in his 50s with a bad heart serving time in the conditions at Maghaberry with young children.
Martin went on to to say that "The problem with this type of sentence is the fact it is "a release on license or parole", which can be revoked at any time for little or no reason other than the constabulary claims to have intelligence information that you are associating with people they dislike. (eg Terry McCafferty). McCafferty was jailed a few weeks after his release. It was claimed there was intelligence information that he was associating with dissident Republicans. After 15 months it was admitted that there had been no intelligence information against him. This could mean a quick return to Maghaberry prison under the original sentence".
For those of you not familiar with the Terry McCafferty case, the following was taken from the Irish News, Monday, March 29, 2010:
The Irish News reported "Alleged Real IRA leader” Terry McCafferty was released from Maghaberry Prison after the Sentence Review Commissions ruled his detention illegal on the basis that the case against him was unreliable. McCafferty had been released on licence in November 2008, half-way through a 12-year sentence for possession of explosives, but, as noted at the time, in December 2008 the Secretary of State revoked his parole licence and he was re-arrested at Belfast International Airport. Since then there has been a legal battle over the case, which included a December 2009 Court of Appeal ruling rejecting a legal challenge to the decision to revoke McCafferty’s licence.
As part of that legal battle the attorney general appointed a special advocate to represent McCafferty at hearings which he was not allowed to attend because of sensitive intelligence material presented to the commission by security agencies. The case took a dramatic turn earlier this month when the special advocate announced he was withdrawing from the case, claiming he was not being allowed to properly represent the alleged dissident. However, McCafferty’s lawyer Paul Pierce was last night informed that the sentence review commission had recommended the prisoner’s immediate release. Welcoming the move, Mr. Pierce said: “My client has been held in prison without any valid evidence for the last 15 months. “He will be considering a civil action against the secretary of state for this illegal detention.”
I hope the above information helps people to have a better understanding of exactly how serious are the consequences facing Gerry at this time. I cannot impress enough upon republicans that if Gerry is convicted, not only will it serve to prove the British government did not hold up their end of the Good Friday Agreement, but it will now set a precedent, going forward, that all republicans will now be in jeopardy if the RUC/PSNI decide you are next.
GERRY MCGEOUGH SUFFERS ANOTHER HEART ATTACK
SEPTEMBER 14, 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.
Helen McClafferty
September 13th 2010
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.
Helen McClafferty
From the Sunday Tribune, September 13 2010
Swedish asylum allegations to be used in case against McGeough
Suzanne Breen
An application for political asylum in Sweden allegedly made almost 30 years ago by a former IRA gunrunner and Sinn Féin ard comhairle member is due to be used as ...more
Gerry's trial, due to have restarted on September 7th, has been rescheduled to
Monday, September 13th. Meantime, there will be an "Abuse of Process" hearing at the High Court in Belfast on Thursday, September 9th. A number of interesting developments are expected on this date, which will be made public as soon as possible.
Interview with Gerry McGeough - August 25, 2010
In an interview with Gerry McGeough regarding his case and the resumption of his trial scheduled for
September 7th, Gerry said that the recent article about his case in the Sunday World newspaper highlights the hypocrisy of the British authorities in this matter.
"People are amazed that the British are going to such lengths to have me imprisoned for charges relating to the Troubles, including membership of the IRA in 1975, while not one British soldier has been even questioned about the killing of Irish Catholic civilians in Derry on Bloody Sunday", McGeough said.
"The document exposed in the article in the Sunday World on August 22nd, which has been in the public domain for several years, shows also that despite the available evidence, the British have chosen not to prosecute certain individuals on the basis of political expediency. To pretend, therefore, that my arrest and on-going legal saga has anything to do with "justice" is a pathetic joke", he added.
"I am being discriminated against for purely political reasons, simply because I stood as an independent candidate in the 2007 Assembly Elections and rattled a lot of cages in the process".
Gerry McGeough went on to say that he believes that the era of the Troubles must be left in the past.
"People should not be prosecuted simply because their current political or religious viewpoints
upsets the present powers that be", he said.
"If we are going to have Troubles-related trials under the Troubles-related Diplock Court system,
then let's put everyone on trial including those British/Orange forces behind the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, in which I had relatives injured, Bloody Sunday, the killing of little Majella O'Hare and a
host of other atrocities".
Gerry McGeough went on to say that the silence from the Sinn Féin leadership on the injustice
that his and the McAnespie family were being put through year after year was nothing short of scandalous.
However, he made a point of thanking rank and file Sinn Féin people throughout Ireland who have expressed concern and outrage over the case and urged them to pressure their leadership into doing something for fellow Republicans.
It has become absolutely ridiculous now trying to have a phone conversation with Gerry. Every time I call Gerry there is loud clicking on the telephone during conversations indicating that members of British Intelligence are at that very moment tuned into the conversation as opposed to the regular electronic recording of discussions.
As it is no state secret that Gerry's phone is under constant surveillance, the only purpose behind live wire tapping is that of petty harassment. For the first time, since the signing of the Stormont Agreement, my mail or any packages addressed to me and originating from the UK, Ireland and even in the USA are now being received open, delayed weeks due to "gov't inspection" according to UPS, or returned to original sender "stating no such person at this address", regardless of the fact the letter/package did in fact have the correct name, address and zip code on it.
The well paid functionaries within the British Intelligence system clearly have a lot of time on their hands.
Helen McClafferty
August 15 2010
Keep the Catholics down!
A row within the rural Protestant/Unionist community in Gerry's area of Tyrone
has led to some interesting revelations, with exchanges now being made public.
In one instance, a man has told of an encounter he had with a local DUP
politician, who is known to be close to the UDR man at the center of Gerry's
case.
In the course of the altercation, which revolved around business dealings with
Catholics, the politician pronounced that "once a Catholic is down, you put your
foot on him (to keep him down)".
This less than charitable outlook goes a long way towards explaining the
mentality behind the persecution of Gerry McGeough.
This Protestant "ethos" still dominates the apparatus of State within the
Six-Counties, and central to it is the need to keep the native Irish Catholics
"down and in their place".
Compliant Catholics, like the "useful idiots" of the Sinn Féin leadership, who
smilingly take their money and underscore British/Orange rule, are just about
tolerated; but those who speak out against British rule and injustice in Ireland
can easily find themselves in Gerry's position.
Happily, no amount of this nonsense is going to cower the likes of Gerry, who
has consistently spoken out against the evils of British misrule in Ireland.
WEEK OF AUGUST 9th - EMAIL CAMPAIGN - VERY IMPORTANT!
THE FOLLOWING SIMPLE QUESTION NEEDS TO BE POSED TO THE SWEDISH PM's office
To: ambassaden.washington@foreign.ministry.se
The Honorable Fredrik Reinfeldt
Prime Minister of Sweden
"Is this Swedish Administration going to permit Helen Hedebris, one of your Civil
Servants, to act as a British crown witness in a politically motivated trial of Gerry McGeough
under the discredited Diplock Court system in Belfast?
No members of the British forces are being charged or tried for their part in
the 1969-98 North of Ireland conflict (e.g. the soldiers responsible for
"Bloody Sunday", 1972), yet you are prepared to help in the persecution of Irish
Nationalists, thus causing further bitterness for another generation. Is this
Sweden's only contribution to the Irish Peace process"?
Thank you very much for your support. We cannot allow Gerry McGeough to be railroaded and used as a "scapegoat" by the RUC/PSNI and the British Government.
Helen McClaffferty
freegerry.com
August 5 2010
Northern Ireland Still A "Protestant State for a Protestant People".
Speaking at the Féile an Phobail festival in West Belfast on August 4th, the
Unionist politician Ian Paisley Jr. has said that people need to "move on" from
the Troubles. He was speaking in the context of further inquiries into the
murderous brutality of the British State against Irish Catholic civilians.
Mr Paisley was arguing that such inquiries should now end and that we must put
the past behind us. The fact that the hounding of Gerry McGeough is being driven
in large part by DUP elements in Tyrone would seem to show that his own party is
not quite ready to "move on" from the Troubles.
Once again, the Six-Counties emerges as a "Protestant State for a Protestant
People".
July 28, 2010 - BREAKING NEWS
July 27, 2010
PLEASE CONTACT THE PRIME MINISTER OF SWEDEN, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND THE MINISTER OF IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM. RE: GERRY MCGEOUGH POLITICAL ASYLUM PAPERS! THIS IS AN URGENT AND IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUEST.
The admission by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is in stark contrast to the earlier position adopted by the British government in March of this year.
In that month, Gerry McGeough went public with the news that secret deals had been done between the British and Sinn Féin in relation to wanted republicans loyal to the SF leadership.
The British immediately denied that such deals had been done and the then Labour government Secretary of State for the North, Shaun Woodward, went on media outlets to rubbish the claims as "nonsense".
Woodward no longer holds his position following Labour's defeat in the recent British general election, and the only "nonsense" about the claims are his denials of them.
Sunday, 25 July, 2010
It has now emerged that the chief "evidence" to be used against Gerry McGeough in his trial under the discredited Diplock Court system is comprised of alleged Political Asylum application papers from Sweden.
The British claim that Gerry sought Political Asylum in Sweden in the 1980s and that they have now obtained his application files, which are normally subjected to a 50-year confidentiality protection clause under Swedish law.
In their obsessive need to prosecute and imprison this Irishman, the British are prepared to turn international political asylum refugee laws on their head. The move has widespread implications for the entire concept of political asylum and has now become a major Human Rights issue.
A central figure in this outrage is Swedish Civil Servant Helen Hedebris. Believed to be fanatically pro-British, this individual has been working in close collaboration with the RUC/PSNI over the years and is set to be the chief prosecution witness against Gerry when the Diplock trial resumes in Belfast on September 7th.
It is not clear that the Swedish Authorities were even aware of the fact that Helen Hedebris was working in such close collusion with British agents and supplying them with confidential Swedish government documents.
Please contact the Swedish Prime Minister's Office in the action item below, and demand that the Swedish government intervene in this matter. Express outrage at the fact that confidential political asylum application papers are to be used as "evidence" in
the discredited Diplock Court system in the North of Ireland. This action is a stain on Sweden's otherwise excellent record in the area of international Human Rights. Sweden must demand the immediate return of these documents.
Express disgust also that Swedish Civil Servant Helen Hedebris is to be the chief witness against Gerry McGeough when his politically motivated trial resumes in September.
July 24, 2010
Gerry's Dipolock Court trial is set to resume on September 7th. He is charged
with membership of the IRA in 1975 and wounding a part-time British soldier in
1981 during the height of the Hunger-Strikes.
First arrested on these charges in 2007 outside an election count center after
he had stood as a candidate in the Assembly elections of that year, Gerry was
put on trial exactly three years later, on March 8th this year. The trial was
suspended after two days while an "abuse of process" application was heard.
Despite ample proof that Gerry McGeough was being discriminated against while
other republicans from the era in similar situations had been given pardons, the
judge, hiding behind British secrecy laws, has ruled that the Emergency Court
trial can go ahead.
Gerry's Spanish wife and their four young children, whose ages range from 9 to
one-year-old, have been deeply traumatized by the persecution the family has
been subjected to and are dreading the prospects of their father, who suffered a
serious heart-attack last year, being imprisoned by Christmas.
The Sinn Féin party leadership, many of whom were IRA leaders during the 1970s
and 80s, and who now administer British rule in the North of Ireland, continue
to ignore the situation.
Since the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement no members of the British
forces have been charged, let alone put on trial or imprisoned, for the killing
of innocent Irish Catholic civilians during the "Troubles".
July 9, 2010
There are a lot of sinister goings-on taking place in regard to Gerry's case at
the moment. However, true to form, the British Diplock court system has imposed
a media ban on reporting and Human Rights lawyers have been physically excluded
from proceedings.
Gerry's supporters are watching developments. In the meantime, the British are
using the upcoming Summer break to push things further into the background.
At a time of staggering financial cuts by the British Exchequer, the Diplock
Court system is spending an absolute fortune in trying to insure that Gerry
McGeough is imprisoned for being an alleged member of the IRA in 1975 and other
Trouble's related issues. One has to question - why is this?
You can download or listen to Gerry's latest interview on WBAI's Radio Free Eireann, by using this link and scrolling down to Saturday July 3 2010 1:00pm: http://archive.wbai.org/
June 25, 2010
Gerry's lawyers have described as "worrying" the attitude of the judge who is to
rule on his Abuse of Process application.
After weeks of inactivity, Gerry was notified by phone on Thursday night, June
24th, that he had to be in court in Belfast the following morning. As a
consequence, he was unable to attend his childrens' school sports day along with
all the other parents.
In court, the judge appeared to agree with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO)
that disclosure of material relating to amnesty cases was irrelevant in this
instance. The Defense was not permitted to know what the NIO had allowed the
judge to read that resulted in this conclusion.
A written report is due next week.
It now appears that the Diplock trial, which was suspended on March 10th, will
resume in September, and the British are confident that they will have Gerry in
jail by Christmas.
The high-level political importance being attached to this case was underscored
by the fact that after the hearing one of the prosecution team, a "Castle
Catholic", was overheard updating a British Intelligence spook on
developments.
Sinn Féin still refuses to speak out on the issue.
June 21, 2010
As the Diplock court system approaches its Summer recess, there is still no indication of any movement in Gerry's case. Unless there is some development this week, it is unlikely that any consideration will be made before September, by which time three-and-a-half-years will have elapsed since Gerry's arrest on 35-year-old charges.
June 13, 2010
Today, Gerry received a slew of e-mails that were sent over the years and have
only NOW just reached him!
The e-mails from a variety of people around the world included one that was sent
in 2004! It was a very mixed bag, some were of a political nature, others
work-related and some simply messages to the family. The number runs into dozens
and a few required urgent responses at the time.
Gerry has always said that his correspondence was being tampered with, but
believed that this was largely confined to the period after his arrest in 2007.
Today's revelation, however, shows that this harrassment/monitoring has been
going on for much longer (a large proportion of the e-mails are from the years
2004-2006), and makes a mockery of the British government's claim that they
could only arrest him at the election count center because they did not know
where he was prior to that.
June 9, 2010
There has still been no movement in Gerry's case and he has received no
indication as to when he is next due back in court.
At the end of this month the Diplock court system effectively shuts down for the
summer, which means that it could be September before this case based on
35-year-old charges will be up for consideration again.
Meantime, Gerry remains restricted by bail conditions imposed following his
arrest in March, 2007.
Sinn Féin refuses to speak out against any of this injustice. This is in stark
contrast to the party's hysterical reaction a couple of weeks ago when it
threatened to pull out of Policing Board arrangements, thereby collapsing the
entire system, because a brother of one of its members was refused a British
government job. Ireland of the equals. Indee
Tuesday June 1, 2010
Now that the Saville Inquiry report on the 1972 Derry Bloody Sunday massacre is
due to be released in a couple of weeks, there is speculation that the British
intend to use the time factor to avoid court proceedings.
This comes as lawyers for the families of some of the thirteen civilians killed
on the day are demanding that soldiers involved in the killings face
prosecution.
In such a senario it's expected that the British government will argue that 1972
is a long time ago and that to bring charges would involve a serious abuse of
process.
There were no such considerations involved In Britain's pursuit of Gerry
McGeough who faces charges of IRA membership in 1975, also a long time ago, and was dragged before a Diplock court this very year on this and other Troubles
related charges.
Where exactly is the much vaunted new era equality in this case? British justice
once again.
Monday May 24, 2010
More than ten days after his last scheduled court appearance was canceled, Gerry has still received no indication as to when his case is next up.
It is now well over three years since he was arrested as a political candidate outside a count center on charges going back 35 years. The notorious Diplock-system trial that began on March 8th has been in suspension since March 10th and no-one seems to have a clue as to when proceedings will resume, if at all?
Meantime Gerry must live his life in a legal limbo. His passport remains confiscated, he cannot travel to the neighboring county of Monaghan, just a few miles from his home, without permission from the RUC/PSNI and he cannot resume his teaching career and livelihood while these "Troubles" related charges from decades ago continue to hang over him.
No other legal system in the Western world would tolerate this nonsense for a moment, and anywhere else this charade would have been thrown out of court years ago. This, however, is the North of Ireland where British "justice", or what passes for justice, prevails and under the Diplock system anything goes.
Meantime, Sinn Féin, the party that could bring an end to this nightmare in a matter of days still refuses to speak out in protest. Why is this party, with all its power, wealth and privilege, so reluctant to speak out against the gross injustices being perpetrated against a fellow republican?
Friday May 14, 2010
Gerry was due to appear in court in Belfast today. However, just moments before
he left home for the 50 mile drive, he received a phonecall to say that
the court officers had made a "mistake" and overbooked the day's schedule.
Although, Gerry's appearance was arranged a month ago, this "mistake" means that
there is yet another delay in the proceedings of this more than three year long
saga on charges going back 35 years.
Observers believe that one of the goals of the British-Unionist-Sinn Féin axis
in this case is to keep Gerry McGeough tied down in this "legal" quagmire for as
long as possible in order to keep him politically inactive.
Friday May 7, 2010
Now that the Westminster elections are over, Gerry McGeough has said that he is
relieved that none of the Six-County nationalist/republican candidates were
arrested at any of the count centers following the poll.
Friday April 30, 2010
Almost a week after the incident, Gerry is still being openly congratulated by
people who are delighted with the way in which he dealt with Sinn Féin president
Gerry Adams during an encounter in South Tyrone last Sunday.
The widely publicized clash occurred when Gerry and some of his children were
leaving St Patrick's church in Eglish following 10am Mass on April 25th.
As the congregation emerged from the rural chapel they found their way blocked
by a cordon of Sinn Féin election workers canvassing on behalf of the party's
out-going Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew.
People were forced to move sideways out the gate because of the SF barrier,
which included Gildernew and Adams.
Upon seeing Gerry McGeough, Adams was seen to almost flinch and held back from
handing out his flyer. Gerry McGeough availed of the unique opportunity to raise
a few issues with the SF president.
In a loud and clear voice he demanded to know why Adams was not speaking out
against the use of Diplock Courts in 2010 for decades-old Troubles related
charges.
A visibly shaken Adams told Gerry to go away, but the Tyrone man refused to
budge and persisted with the questioning. The encounter lasted several minutes
and was witnessed by scores of people.
Members of Adams' entourage hurled abuse and invective at Gerry throughout the
confrontation, but the latter refused to be distracted and continued to focus on
Adams, describing him as disgrace for calling on people to become informers
while refusing to speak out over the injustices being perpetrated against the
McGeough family.
At one point, an Adams bodyguard tried to intervene but quickly backed off when
Gerry McGeough warned him not to patronize him.
Eventually, Adams retreated and McGeough calmly walked away. The dispirited Sinn
Féin crew were then obliged to pack up and leave Eglish.
Within moments of returning home, Gerry was inundated with messages of support
from neighbors and fellow parishoners telephoning or calling by to congratulate
him on his handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, reports of the incident spread like wildfire across East Tyrone and
the neighboring counties of Armagh, Derry, Monaghan and Down. Shortly
afterwards, the media began phoning and the story was suddenly well and truly
"out there".
Saturday April 24, 2010
Once again Gerry's lawyers have been put in the position whereby they have to
lodge a protest with the British over the childish antics of their so-called
"intelligence" services.
The most recent stunt has involved the tiresome old trick of live wire tapping.
This entails loud clicking on the telephone during conversations indicating that
members of British Intelligence are at that very moment tuned into the
conversation as opposed to the regular electronic recording of discussions.
As it is no state secret (indeed) that Gerry's phone is under constant
surveillance, the only purpose behind live wire tapping is that of petty
harrassment.
The well paid functionaries within the British Intelligence system clearly have
a lot of time on their hands.
April 20, 2010
Following a number of hearings at the High Court in Belfast, Gerry's trial has
now been adjourned until after May 14th.
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has been given until that date to produce
material that it has prior denied existed.
The delay is significant in that it means that there will be no media coverage
of Gerry's case until after the May 6th British General Election.
Given the volcano of information pertaining to secret deals and backroom
arrangements that is now beginning to emerge because of the trial, both Sinn
Féin and the British government are eager to have the matter kept quiet during
the campaigns for election.
This de facto censorship has been the hallmark of the entire proceedings against
Gerry McGeough since his arrest at a polling station during the 2007 elections
in which he stood as a political candidate.
Were the material that is now becoming available be made public prior to the
election, Sinn Féin would find itself struggling for votes in several areas.
This collusion at the highest levels once again underscores the totally
political nature of the proceedings against Gerry.
April 13, 2010
After an adjournment period of almost a month, a fresh set of hearings relating
to Gerry's case is about to start in a few days.
Already, it is becoming apparent that the British are trying to stonewall and avoid disclosure of information.
It has also become apparent that a policy of not prosecuting people for pre-1998
Troubles related incidents had been agreed between the Northern Ireland Office
(NIO), the Prosecution Service and the PSNI/RUC. This policy was implemented for
about a decade up until Gerry's arrest.
Clearly, the British obsession for revenge against Gerry has turned that policy
on its head.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin is in full canvassing mode for the British General
Election. The party is campaigning on the basis that it has achieved equality
for nationalists in the North of Ireland and that the days of discrimination are
over.
Sinn Féin still refuses to utter a word of protest against the use of Diplock
Courts or make any mention of the nightmare that the British State in Ireland
has put Gerry and his family through over the past three years.
Sinn Féin boasts of retaining its five Westminster seats and even increasing on
that number in the May 6th poll.
April 2, 2010
On the twelfth anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the
Belfast Telegraph newspaper has confirmed Gerry McGeough's claim that Royal
Pardons were issued to select "On-the-run" republican activists.
In a front page report, today's Belfast Telegraph has provided incontovertible
evidence that the British government gave special amnesty status to wanted IRA
personnel in 2000. The paper has revealed a copy of one such parchment, bearing
the English queen's royal crest, granting a pardon to an on-the-run IRA man.
This comes just weeks after Shaun Woodward, the British government Secretary of
State for the North of Ireland, publicly denounced Gerry's claims as "nonsense".
The development proves that Gerry has been discriminated against for purely
political reasons and that there is a determined effort to railroad him into
prison at the highest political level.
Gerry McGeough was interviewed on Radio Free Eireann on Saturday 3/27.
You can download or listen to the show by going here and scrolling down to Saturday March 27, 2010 1:00pm: http://archive.wbai.org/
March 24, 2010
In a startling new development, a senior loyalist has confirmed that the British
government agreed to a de facto amnesty deal covering all military actions
carried out during the Troubles.
Speaking to the Belfast based Irish News, Progressive Unionist Party spokesman
William Smith stated that the then British Secretary of State for the North, Mo
Mowlam, "gave assurances in 1998 that no-one would be prosecuted for offences
committed before the signing of the Good Friday Agreement".
He went on to say that "no loyalist, republican or member of the security forces
would be pursued for previous offences".
In light of this latest revelation, Gerry's lawyers have confirmed that they
intend to call Mr. Smith as a witness in his trial. "Our case is that the
(British) government gave assurances to loyalists and republicans that it would
not seek prosecutions in relation to pre-1998 offences", one of them said.
"Mr. Smith was one of the people given these government assurances and we
believe that his testimony will prove that the case against (Gerry McGeough)
breaks that agreement and is politically motivated", he continued.
Initial responses from the British government indicated that they intend to
proceed with their vindictive vendetta against Gerry and continue with the
Diplock court political show-trial in order to railroad this uncompromising
Irish Patriot into prison as quickly as possible.
Sinn Féin still refuses to speak out on the issue.
March 21, 2010
PEOPLE NEED TO CALL:
Ms. Jeanette Lindtzer - Embassy of Sweden - Washington
Phone:+1-202-467 2600
Fax:+1-202-467 2699
She is the direct contact to the Swedish Ambassador's secretary in Washington, D.C.
One person's call to Mrs. Lindtzer:
"I... offered that the entire Swedish diplomatic community should be aware of the underhanded schemes of the British. I then reminded her that the world has always viewed Sweden as a champion of human rights and of the fallout that will occur in the event the British government and its prosecutors are successful using Gerry's asylum papers as evidence against him in Diplock. I impressed on her that this is not a matter of Irish Republicanism but rather a matter in which underhanded British operatives are subverting laws of the Swedish Government and, therefore, denigrating every Swedish citizen."
ALSO CONTACT SWEDISH EMBASSY IN LONDON AND IRELAND:
Swedish Embassy - London
11 Montagu Place
London W1H 2AL
W1H 2AL
Please use this as a sample email request to the Embassies:
I am extremely concerned about the use of political asylum application papers as "evidence" in the trial/case of Gerry McGeough in the already discredited Diplock Special Emergency Court system in northern Ireland. I am requesting that the Embassy of Sweden demand the removal of these papers from the prosecution's file and that they be returned to Sweden immediately. The human rights abuses implicit in this action are staggering in their proportion if your Embassy allows this asylum application to remain in the hands of the Diplock Court.
Sincerely,
March 19, 2010
There has been yet another incredible twist in the saga of Gerry's trial. Amid
deepening intrigue, the presiding judge in the Belfast Diplock Court today
halted the proceedings until April 19th.
The move comes in order to allow the NIO time to present documentation that has
been requested of it by a seperate court order. The NIO has until April 16th to
comply.
Some observers have wondered at why so much time is required to retrieve data
that must be relatively readily available. This has given rise to speculation
that the British government is trying to undermine the growing momentum of
support for Gerry. A break of this length is also being seen as an attempt to
diffuse the anger of people who are increasingly outraged that this trial has
been allowed to start in the first place.
Meanwhile, more and more voices are being raised in disgust at Sinn Féin's total
silence on the issue.
March 18, 2010
On St Patrick's Day Gerry marched in Kilrea, Co. Derry with his local Brantry
Division 207 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Thousands attended the traditional demonstration and all along the route people
shook his hand and called out messages of support. At one point, a section of
the massive crowd burst into spontaneous applause when the Brantry Division
paraded past.
Earlier, individual Hibernians from across Ireland expressed their solidarity
and support for Gerry and his family and spoke of their disgust at what was
being done to them.
March 16, 2010
At a special hearing in Belfast today, the NIO was given four weeks in which to
present documentation that has been requested of it.
March 17, 2010
Lá 'le Phadraig! Gerry and his family wish everyone a very Happy St. Patrick's
Day.
Please use this as a sample email request to the Embassy
I am extremely concerned about the use of political asylum application papers as "evidence" in the trial/case of Gerry McGeough in the already discredited Diplock Special Emergency Court system in northern Ireland. I am requesting that the Embassy of Sweden demand the removal of these papers from the prosecution's file and that they be returned to Sweden immediately. The human rights abuses implicit in this action are staggering in their proportion if your Embassy allows this asylum application to remain in the hands of the Diplock Court.
Sincerely,
READ BELOW AND ACT ON THIS IMMEDIATELY
March 15, 2010
Although a state of utter confusion now surrounds Gerry's trial and there is a
growing realization that it never should have been allowed to start under these
circumstances, certain facts have nevertheless emerged during the process.
It is now obvious to observers that, despite all the hype, the crown prosecution
has not produced a shred of meaningful evidence against Gerry McGeough.
That being the situation, the prosecution has now decided to switch the emphasis
of its case to Political Asylum application papers, which they contend belong to
Gerry---claiming that he sought Political Asylum in Sweden in 1983 and that
these papers were the basis of his application.
Incredibly, the British are prepared to turn international law, human rights
charters and UN refugee policies downsideup in order to railroad Gerry McGeough
into prison.
Aside from the fact that Swedish protocol dictates that political asylum papers
are guaranteed secrecy for 50 years under confidentiality clauses, it has
already been established that the chain of custody regarding this particular
file was broken long ago.
According to Swedish sources, it has emerged that the file being attributed to
Gerry was in the possession of the British in London for the best part of a
decade during the 1990s, during this time British Intelligence services were
free to tamper with it as they pleased. It was then returned to Sweden before
being moved again following Gerry's arrest in 2007.
There is now a strong suspicion in some quarters that pro-British operatives
within the Swedish system colaborated in the transfer of these papers to the
Diplock Court in Belfast where they have been allowed to become the central
evidence against Gerry.
The human rights abuses implicit in this action are staggering in their
proportion. From now on, if a refugee turned up in Sweden fleeing from
persecution in North Korea, for example, that person could eventually find
themselves back before a court in N. Korea with their political refugee
application being used as "evidence" against them by the very people they were
fleeing from in the first place. That's how serious a matter this is.
Gerry's supporters are calling on people to contact their local Swedish Embassy
and lodge a strong protest against the use of political asylum application
papers as "evidence" in the already discredited Diplock Special Emergency Court
system. They should also request that the Swedes demand the removal of these
papers from the prosecution's file and that they be returned to Sweden
immediately.
March 13, 2010
Gerry has shared a small family experience which people are describing as
"heartbreaking". Apparently, his 7-year-old son got up at 6.30 one morning
during the week just as his father was getting ready to leave for the court in
Belfast, some fifty miles away.
In a serious and studied manner the child explained that he had come up with an
idea. He said that he was going to dig a hole in one of the fields and put
planks over it so that it could be used as a den where "Daddy could hide". That
way they wouldn't be able to put him in jail.
The real victims in this sadistic saga are the young children whose lives have
been plunged into turmoil because of what the British forces in Ireland are
doing to their father.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin leaders are excitedly packing their bags this weekend as
they prepare to fly off to the United States for the St.Patrick's Day
celebrations. There they will be wined and dined while they tell audiences that
things have improved in the North of Ireland and that the "Nationalist nightmare
is over".
One of Sinn Féin's party slogans is "cherish the children of the Nation
equally". Clearly, this does not apply to Gerry McGeough's children, given that
not one single Sinn Féin leader has uttered a sound of protest about the outrage
that is being perpetrated upon Gerry and his family by the British state in
Ireland.
March 12 - 5th day of trial.
In what appears to be yet another "first" in the Diplock Court history, Gerry's
trial has now been adjourned until Monday, March 22nd. The interruption of a
trial of this nature is regarded as being highly unorthodox.
The move comes in the wake of a hectic day, during which a High Court Order was
issued demanding that the NIO release documentation crucial to the Defense case.
The NIO has until Tuesday next to hand over this material, which they have so
far refused to do. Journalists are watching events with a keen interest, amid
speculation that the NIO may attempt to invoke special legislation in order to
prevent the release of information that is being described as "highly
sensitive".
March 11, 4th day of trial
Gerry's trial has been halted. This latest move has come about as a consequence
of his legal team arguing that they cannot put up a proper defense until they
have full disclosure of all relevant material.
The Diplock Trial has been stopped while his lawyers attempt to get a court
order forcing the Northern Ireland Office to release vital material which is
crucial to the defense arguement. To date the NIO has refused to even
acknowledge the existence of this information. Now, it is hoped that they will
be forced to release it. This latest dramatic development begs the question as
to why the trial was allowed to begin and proceed in the first place given the
absence of documentation central to the defense case.
Human Rights lawyers have been made aware of the development and will be present
at the hearing seeking full and unrestricted disclosure.
March 10, 3rd day of trial
There has been a significant development in the on-going saga of Gerry's trial.
Two major Human Rights groups have given notice to the Diplock Court that they
are sending in their own lawyers as observers to monitor the proceedings.
Gerry has welcomed the move by the Commission for the Administration of Justice
(CAJ) and British Irish Rights Watch (BIRW). A lawyer from the CAJ was in court
today and this presence is set to continue.
March 9, 2nd Day of Trial
Gerry has completed a second grueling day in the Diplock Court. He compares the
experience to being held captive in an Orange Lodge, such is the general
anti-Catholic, anti-Irish atmosphere of the place.
To date, much of the "evidence" has consisted of reading the statements of dead
people into the record. Under the Diplock system's "Hearsay Laws", the
statements of witnesses who have in this case died of old age decades ago may be
accepted as evidence. Needless to say, cross-examining these people presents
something of a challenge. British Justice at it's finest.
March 8, 2010 - 1st Day of Trial
Opening statements and then the rest of the day was focused on Vincent McAnaspie.
Watch for the Gerry McGeough ad in the March 8th edition of the Irish Echo
March 7, 2010
In a sensational front page story the Dublin-based Sunday Tribune newspaper has
exposed a secret deal between the British government and Sinn Féin over the
granting of "Royal Pardons" to dozens of "on-the-run" IRA members, due solely to
their loyalty to the Sinn Féin leadership.
The news broke just a day ahead of Gerry's scheduled appearance before a Diplock
Court in Belfast on a series of Troubles related charges, some dating back 35
years.
According to the report there exists a list of 216 on-the-runs. Gerry's name is
among them, but only 47 have been granted this special treatment. Several of
these were wanted for killings and bombings carried out during the Troubles, but
have now been given assurances that no charges will be brought against them.
The news comes amid growing anger among nationalists in the East Tyrone area at
the discrimination involved in Gerry's case and the complete indifference of the
Sinn Féin leadership towards his family's plight.
The British government has operated a secret scheme granting royal pardons or immunity from prosecution to hand-picked ex-IRA members wanted for killings, bombings and other paramilitary activities, it has been claimed.
Of 216 'on the runs', 47 have been told they are free to return to the North with no ...
more
Ex-IRA gun-runner and former Sinn Féin ard comhairle member, Gerry McGeough, goes on trial in Belfast tomorrow charged with IRA membership in 1975 and the attempted murder of a UDR man in 1981.
In a bizarre case, McGeough will become the first republican on trial for historical ...
more
Woodward denies IRA 'on the runs' given pardons (BBC News)
Tyrone republican Gerry McGeough told the Sunday Tribune 47 of the 216 fugitives were told they could return. Mr McGeough, who is to stand trial for IRA ...
more
A judge has now been selected to preside at Gerry's trial. He is Ben Stevens, an
Englishman who is renowned as a pro-crown judge. Once again, the cards have been
heavily stacked against Gerry. Not only is he being denied a Jury Trial but has
also to contend with a single judge within the notorious Diplock system who is
known to be extremely partial towards the prosecution.
Gerry's lawyers, meanwhile, have conceded that the entire case is being driven
with a vindictiveness that is "beyond persecution".
February 19, 2010
The case against Gerry has degenerated into further farce with the announcement
by the Prosecution that one of Gerry's books is to be used as evidence against
him.
Defense lawyers have been told that the novel "Defenders", published in 1998, is
now to be factored in to the Prosecution's argument. The highly acclaimed novel
set in Tyrone during the Troubles centers around the life of a rural Irish
community struggling against the excesses of the British forces of
occupation-army, police and intelligence services.
As the proud author of the book, Gerry is entitled to be called as an expert
witness in his own trial in order to explain to the English crown prosecution
that a novel is actually a work of fiction.
Meanwhile the trial, which is now scheduled to begin on March 8th, will see dozens of witnesses called from several countries take the stand. This is
guaranteed to make it one of the most expensive trials in the entire history of
the Diplock Court system.
January 19, 2010
Urgent
In the latest desperate attempt to fabricate evidence against Gerry, the English crown prosecution has informed his legal team that they intend to use the BBC television programme Panorama as part of their case.
Specifically, the prosecution plans to focus on the 1997 series "Provos" by Peter Taylor (screened as "Behind the Mask" in the U.S.).
Although leading members of Sinn Féin also appeared on the programme, there is no indication that any of them are to face charges or prosecution for having
done so.
This new bizarre move is being seen in some quarters as yet another attempt to censor the views of Irishmen who speak out against the British presence in their country. To do so could involve Diplock court proceedings years into the future.
January 10, 2010
Gerry would like to wish all his supporters a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year and to thank all of you for your continued support.
As of this posting, Gerry's trial date has been moved to March 10, 2010. Unfortunately Gerry is not in good health and has been under the doctor's care for some time now. It will be three years this coming March since Gerry's arrest, and to date no concrete evidence to sustain the charges brought against him by the RUC/Crown has been forthcoming. Gerry has not been able to work in close to three years, and he cannot leave the north to visit friends or family, to seek work, or to just go about his daily life.
Everyone who believes in justice and the right to a speedy trial should be outraged that Gerry has been denied both over the past 3 years. The fact that the Crown and the northern Ireland judicial system has allowed this injustice to continue only goes to prove that the RUC and the diplock courts have not changed their corrupt policy when it comes to Irish Republicans.
Helen McClafferty
October 19, 2009
A trial date for Gerry McGeough has been set for March 8, 2010. This date is significant as it marks exactly three years from the day of the 2007 election poll count which led to his arrest.
A clear political message is being sent here. Dare to question British rule in
Ireland (even by peaceful political means) and Sinn Féin collaboration with that
rule and you can expect your life to be undermined for years before being
brought before a sham Diplock court and railroaded into jail.
Helen McClafferty
October 1, 2009
Gerry McGeough will be back in the hospital next week for another medical procedure related to his heart issue. Supposedly there will be a court ruling next Friday, October 9, 2009, aimed at paving the way for the trial to commence. We'll keep you all updated as things happen.
ACTION: Contact your local AOH and ask them to look into this miscarriage of justice. Contact your local Brehon Law Society and ask them to get involved with Gerry's case. Tell them to go to Free Gerry.com. Gerry and his family need our support more then ever now.
Thank you,
Helen McClafferty
July 30, 2009
Gerry McGeough had a heart-attack on Friday night July 24th. He was released
from the hospital yesterday after having undergone a medical procedure.
He is still quite weak, under a lot of medication and advised to do nothing but rest
for a week or so until further evaluation.
Your prayers that Gerry returns to his normal good health and for an end to the 2 1/2 year harassment
of him and his family by the RUC and Crown are greatly appreciated.
June 15, 2009
The British government have "unexpectedly" extended the legislation allowing for Diplock Courts for another two years. The Diplock system was supposed to have ended for good by July 2009. Some observers see this as a blatant move to ensure that Gerry McGeough is "tried" under this notorious emergency legislation. Gerry's trial date has now been indefinitely postponed until the RUC and the British Crown "get their so called evidence against Gerry together", which they have not been able to do for over 2 years since Gerry's initial arrest.
How would you feel if you were in Gerry's position? Arrested over two years ago on obviously trumped-up charges. held under house arrest for over two years while every month your trial date is postponed due to the RUC's lack of evidence to actually bring you to trial? However, instead of throwing this bogus case out of court and allowing Gerry to go free, so he and his family can live in peace, the Crown continues it's usual modus operandi, which is to incarcerate, harass and bring unsubstantiated charges against Irish Republicans who do not verbally support the status quo and tow the line.
June 12, 2009 -- hi from Gerry
This is the first time Gerry has had Internet access since April 9th...phone tapping and mail interception have been part of the on-going hassle he and his family have to deal with since his arrest/release two years ago. The RUC and Crown are so pathetic. One would only wish that while they are desperately trying to find or create evidence they can use against Gerry to support their flimsy allegations, the Dublin authorities, in the interim, would go after them for their files on the Dublin/Monaghan bombings?
The justice system in the north of Ireland is still one-sided and only reserved for a selective group
who are loyal to the Crown.
MAY 1, 2009 - IMPORTANT READ!
The Crown has postponed yet another trial date in the case of Gerry McGeough. It is two years on and the PSNI still has not been able to gather enough evidence to substantiate their trumped up 25-year-old charges against him. These two years of continuous postponement to bring Gerry to trial is nothing more then deliberate harassment to inflict mental and emotional torture on him and his family for as long as they can get away with it.
Not only is Gerry and his family being deprived of a normal life...vindictive articles are popping up all over the Internet vilifying Gerry as a Nazi supporter, using traditional Catholic and Pro-Life organizations to "recruit" new members to the IRA and any other malicious slander that can be spread about him. It seems that these anti-Gerry McGeough articles appear a few weeks prior to all his re-scheduled trial dates. Make no mistake about this...it is being done on purpose to discredit Gerry in anyway possible in order to chip-away at Gerry's support base and give the Crown further excuse not to just throw the case out of court. There is NO SMOKING GUN here! Gerry deserves to be free and exonerated. The problem is that Gerry is NOT FOR SALE in the north of Ireland and therefore his beliefs and his outspoken Irish Republican views are considered a threat to those who did sell out and to those still in control of the fate of a re-united Ireland!
Please reply to this article. Mr. Pryor seems to think the IRA is now recruiting members from traditional Catholic and pro-life organizations. Otherwise he's a mouthpiece for MI5.
Helen McClafferty
March 12 2009 - IMMEDIATE ATTENTION/ACTION REQUIRED
The new trial date for Gerry McGeough is now June 7, 2009. Every two weeks, since April 2007, the court has been postponing Gerry's hearings and trial date while they continue to keep him under house arrest. They have had close to 32 years to bring these charges against Gerry and not until he decided to run in the 2007 elections, as an Independent in Tyrone, did they decide to arrest and charge him. To date, they still haven't gathered enough credible evidence to prove their charges against him. What does that tell you?
If you really want to help Gerry, contact the Brehon Law Society and the Lawyer's Alliance Group and ask them to get involved, as they have done so often in the past for other Irish Republicans who faced similar injustice by the diplock courts in the north of Ireland. You can contact your local city Brehon Law Society by looking them up on the internet. In the meantime, here are a few contact numbers in the New York, Philadelphia, area to start with: Ask them to contact Gerry's attorney direct at Aidan@kevinwinters.com to see how they can help.
Thank you very much.
March 1 2009
Gerry McGeough's trial date has been set for May 5, 2009. Please pray for Gerry and his family that he will receive the justice and freedom he deserves.
February 2009
Gerry McGeough's wife Maria gave birth to a little girl, Nora Luz Bridget, 6 lbs 11 oz, born February 2nd.
Due to a Barrister's strike in the UK, Gerry's trial has been postponed indefinitely .
December 25, 2008
Happy Christmas to all of you and your families,
The message I sent last week was in relation to the trial. They have given us a date of February 2nd for the opening of the Diplock trial. We are due to have a baby on February 1st. Our struggle now is to have this date changed as my wife needs me around during this crucial period. After 28 years, British vindictiveness can surely wait a little longer.
In addition, new charges have been added to the list. I am now also charged with membership of the Provisional IRA in 1975 when I was the ripe old age of sixteen.
Thanks for all your help and God Bless.
Beannachtaí,
Gerry
November 26, 2008
Gerry McGeough appeared in court again today in Belfast. Things look good for
Vincent McAnespie, the Irish Republican who was arrested along with Gerry in March 2007, as the main charge against him is about to be dropped. We wish him the best.
However, in contrast, Gerry McGeough was arraigned and may face trial alone next year. The question here is, why is the Crown so harshly pursuing Gerry on the same charges they are about to drop against Vincent McAnespie?
September 22, 2008
Gerry McGeough's publication, The Hibernian Magazine, has been closed due to the continued harassment/house arrest and continued severe constraints imposed on Gerry by the British Crown. It will be two years come April 2009 that Gerry was arrested for trumped-up politically motivated charges dating back 25 years ago, and he has still not been brought to trial and his persecutors have not been able to prove their case against him to date. However, he continues to remain under house-arrest and is subject to almost daily appearances in court now while he sits and waits for the British crown to fly in retired RUC from all over the world to give testimony against him. The Diplock Court is most certainly still alive and thriving in the north of Ireland.
The Hibernian Magazine was a refreshing and rare publication in today's society when "anything goes" and loyalty and love of one's country and religion are something of the past - something to be mocked and ashamed to speak about. The Hibernian Magazine was not only dedicated to the reunification of Ireland and all that is Irish, but it was also dedicated to Catholicism and it was NOT "politically correct", which made it stand out both in Ireland and abroad.
Please pass this information on to everyone you know and tell them about the freegerry.com web site. We cannot allow Gerry to become, yet another victim, of the British crown and their Diplock courts.
July 31, 2008
Gerry McGeough was in court again today. The PE (Prelimenary Enquiry) is set to begin on September 1st. It involves the cross-examination of witnesses. The British are flying in
ex-RUC personel from Russia, Washington DC and other locations. They are clearly
prepared to go to considerable expense in trying to establish a case against Gerry, which
they have not been able to accomplish since March of 2007.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW: Write, phone or e-mail:
Shaun Woodward-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE)
Block B Castle Buildings,
Stormont Estate,
Belfast Northern Ireland BT4 3SG
General Enquiries: Tel: (028) 9052 0700 Fax: (028) 9052 3333)
Press Enquiries: Belfast Tel: (028) 9052 2077
... ask him how this type of activity can be justified when British agents are not being similarly prosecuted ?
ALSO - PLEASE CONTACT SINN FEIN - TELL THEM YOU WANT JUSTICE FOR MCGEOUGH AND YOU WANT THEM TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT GERRY'S MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE! 'IT'S TIME TO SET GERRY FREE!
Sinn Féin
53 Falls Road
Belfast, BT12 4PD
Ireland
Tel: 02890 223000
Fax: 02890 223001
Email: sfadmin@eircom.net
And this is what they call "justice" in the north of Ireland?
July 10, 2008
Gerry was in court again yesterday. He was given an adjournment for another three weeks while the prosecution attempts to assemble more papers for its case.
This case should have been thrown out of court by now as the prosecution has failed to prove it's case against Gerry McGeough for more than a year and a half now.
However, the prosecution continues to stall and postpone Gerry's right to at least an expedient trial in lieu of throwing the entire case out, which is what should have been done six months ago, when the judge realized that the Prosecution had failed to produce a shred of evidence to substantiate their arrest of Gerry McGeough in the first place.
URGENT UPDATE 5/29/08
Gerry McGeough appeared in court again on Tuesday 5/27 only to have his case postponed again until June 27th at which time the British crown said they are going to set a trial date for the Fall based on alleged evidence submitted to them by the Dublin government? Gerry's attorney's are outraged and sources close to them feel that the British crown is trying to use Gerry as a "scape-goat" to set a precedent for them to be able to now go after anyone once associated with the IRA who is still on the run both abroad and in America even re-opening the file on the murder of a British Captain Robert Niarac.
Please get this word out to your contacts and please continue to check the freegerry.com web site for updates. Gerry's case should be of VERY SERIOUS CONCERN TO ALL Republicans regardless of what political party they support in the north of Ireland.
May 23, 2008
Gerry McGeough appeared in court on 5/16 and no one from the prosecution side showed up. Gerry's case was then postponed until May 23. As of today, 5/23/08, Gerry has been given another postponement until May 28th.
The prosecution has failed to prove their case/charges against Gerry in over a year now and yet this arrogant and blatant continuation of postponement after postponement is nothing more than sheer harassment and arrogance by the PSNI/RUC.
It's time to set Gerry McGeough free and dismiss this case once and for all. It's turned into a circus performance by a bunch of clowns representing the British crown. Why hasn't Sinn Fein spoken out about this injustice?
It would be great if all of you emailed or wrote Gerry Adams and asked him EXACTLY what Sinn Fein is doing to HELP Gerry?
PLEASE CONTACT SINN FEIN - TELL THEM YOU WANT JUSTICE FOR MCGEOUGH AND YOU WANT THEM TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT GERRY'S MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE! 'IT'S TIME TO SET GERRY FREE!
Sinn Féin
53 Falls Road
Belfast, BT12 4PD
Ireland Tel: 02890 223000 Fax: 02890 223001 Email: sfadmin@eircom.net
And this is what they call "justice" in the north of Ireland?
May 12, 2008
PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION
Write, Call or Fax
William C. Thompson Jr.
Comptroller of the City of New York
1 Center Street,
New York, New York 10007
Phone: (212) 669-3500
Fax: (212-669-2707
“URGE HIM NOT TO SUBSIDIZE
INJUSTICE AND TO URGE THE
CROWN TO HALT THE 25 YEAR
OLD PROSECUTION AGAINST
GERRY McGEOUGH”.
Why should Americans fund British
persecution in Ireland?
Americans
are now being asked to invest tax-dollars in the British controlled North of
Ireland, but are we being told the full truth about what is going on there?
Some
months ago, the British government announced that none of its soldiers or police
operatives would ever face prosecution for their involvement in the killing of Catholic civilians,
either directly or through collusion with loyalist paramilitaries, during the
period of conflict known as the Troubles. Yet ten years after the signing of
the Good Friday Agreement, when everyone is being asked to “move-on”, the British government continues to
hound and attempt to prosecute Irish Republicans for incidents that allegedly
occurred decades ago during those same Troubles.
Last
year, Tyrone man Gerry McGeough stood as an Independent Republican during the
March 2007 Assembly Elections. As he left the count center in Omagh following
the poll, McGeough, who is the editor of The Hibernian magazine, was arrested
in a major RUC/PSNI operation with the mass-media only yards away. The very public arrest was an act of
blatant political intimidation. Gerry
was interrogated and charged with the wounding of a British soldier during the
Hunger Strikes in 1981. He was thrown in prison and only got
bail after an intense legal struggle.
More
than a year later, he
and his family face continued persecution from the British authorities. His movements are restricted by tough
bail conditions and the family is kept under regular surveillance. Although
they have not produced a shred of evidence against him, the British require
Gerry to make regular court appearances and they propose to set a trial date
for him this month in a case that is now 27-years-old and which they have shown
no interest in before prior to his running for election in 2007.
How does any of this
help the Peace Process? By
nurturing such vengeful injustice the British are sowing the seeds of future
Rebellion. Why should Americans invest-in and fund this kind of misrule?
Please write, phone or
e-mail:Shaun Woodward-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICEBlock B Castle Buildings, Stormont
Estate, Belfast Northern Ireland BT4 3SG General
EnquiriesTel: (028) 9052 0700 Fax: (028) 9052 3333) Press Enquiries BelfastTel: (028) 9052 2077... ask him how this type of activity can
be justified when British agents are not being similarly prosecuted and why
should US dollars finance any of this?”
Please also contact William C. Thompson Jr, Comptroller of the City of
New York, 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 Phone: (212) 669-3500 Fax: (212)
669-2707 and advise his office of this terrible injustice before taxpayer
dollars are invested in Northern Ireland. For more information go to
freegerry.com web site.
April 2, 2008
From the Fermanagh Herald:
A date for a Preliminary Enquiry into the case against a candidate in the Fermanagh/South Tyrone election has been fixed for 21 May this year.
Gerry McGeough, who stood as an Independent Republican for this constituency in last year's Assembly elections, faces trial on the charge of the attempted murder of a part-time UDR man in June 1981.
McGeough from Carrycastle Road, Gortmerron, Dungannon, was dramatically arrested after leaving the elections results count at Omagh Leisure Centre. Later that day, his co-accused, Vincent McAnespie (45) of Aghabo Close, Aughnacloy, was also arrested.
The case against the two men has experienced a number of difficulties and delays. These led to Resident Magistrate, John Meehan issuing a warning to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to deliver results or he would dismiss the charges without prejudice.
At the most recent hearing, a defence solicitor said he was satisfied progress was being made and the case was now back on target. A lawyer for the PPS said the Investigating Officer was due to travel to Sweden to retrieve a file from the Immigration Office. All other information, including details sought from Germany had now been received. A date for both McGeough and McAnespie to face Preliminary Enquiry has been fixed for 21 May, after which the case moves to trial at Crown Court.
March 17, 2008
News: John McDonagh will interview Gerry McGeough on-air Monday, March 17th between 12:30-3:00pm EST. You can listen to the stream here.
In this week's Irish Voice:
THE NATIONALIST NIGHTMARE HAS NOT ENDED FOR MANY REPUBLICANS
Since the Stormont Assembly elections in
March of last year several prominent Republicans, many from the East Tyrone
area, have been subjected to arrest and on-going intimidation by the British
crown.
An Independent Republican candidate opposed to the
RUC/PSNI, Gerry McGeough, was actually arrested at a count centre in Tyrone
while the votes were being counted in March 2007.
Despite having campaigned openly for weeks, appearing regularly on television
and live radio, the British crown claimed that it was the first opportunity
they had to arrest him. Gerry was interrogated for days and subsequently
charged with participation as an IRA volunteer in a gun battle with British
crown forces. He and other Republicans were flung in jail and it was only
after a number of weeks and a considerable legal struggle that Gerry managed to
secure release on bail.
Since his release Gerry has, on average, appeared in
court on a monthly basis for over a year now.
At each appearance the “crown” has failed to produce any evidence against him
and on every occasion his case is put back for another month or so. In the
meantime, he is obliged to live his life under heavy bail restrictions, which
affect all the family. In addition to this, he and his family have been
subjected to intense surveillance and harassment from the British authorities,
and his lawyers have catalogued a long list of incidences. One recent example
involved a massive British military helicopter landing beside the rural school
that two of Gerry's young children attend just as pupils were being collected
by their parents. Personnel on board took photographs before the helicopter
took off.
February 26, 2008
Gerry McGeough returned to court again today, February 26, 2008 only to have his case put back for three more months. The PSNI has failed to prove its case against Gerry after almost one year now, yet the court has not thrown the case out - which further attests to the fact the diplock court system still remains in place in the north of Ireland. It appears now it is becoming nothing more than a "payback" to Gerry for not falling in line with the new "policing policies" during his campaign as an Independent candidate in last March's 2007 elections in South Tyrone.
October/November 2007
Gerry appeared in court two times in the month of October, only to have his case hearing postponed once again for another two weeks. At the last hearing, the prosecution said they needed more time as they had a letter for the German authorities ready from some months ago, but only just discovered that they forgot to post it until a few days ago... so now we must wait for that outcome. These are all delaying tactics that would never be tolerated anywhere else. Unfortunately, in the North, the judges pander to the RUC/prosecution and allow them their delays.
Cases like this can drag on for years, and had Gerry not gotten bail, thank God, he would have had to sit in jail for the almost endless duration. If only the north of Ireland had a political party with some backbone...
Keep you posted. God Bless.
September 20, 2007
Gerry is up again for another court hearing next Wednesday, September 26th, having last appeared just a week ago on Sept 12th in court. The RUC and the British Government has failed to prove a case against him since he was arrested back in March. However they continue their harassment of him and his family by refusing to drop these bogus charges against him. Instead, they keep remanding him to court hearings from week to week and month to month only to dismiss the hearings over and over again because the RUC fail to show and produce evidence to support the charges he was initially arrested on when he ran as an Independent candidate in South Tyrone on an anti-PSNI platform. Every time Gerry has to go to court his legal expenses keep mounting.
August 15, 2007
Gerry McGeough was in court again today. His case has now been put back until mid-September. However, in the interim, the RUC have forwarded his file to the British crown prosecution, meaning that a decision will now be taken as regards going forward to "trial" in the Diplock court. We should begin to see things move at the September hearing for good or for bad.
At that time we will know if the British intend to take Gerry to trial on 25 year old trumped-up charges. Gerry is still not allowed to travel to his place of business and his attorney fees are mounting. Please keep Gerry and his family in your prayers and any financial support is still needed and very much appreciated.
August 7, 2007
Gerry's interview in Magill Page 1 Page 2
July 18, 2007
Gerry had another court appearance today. Again, the RUC did not turn up, and the hearing to either dismiss his case or go to trial has been put back to mid-August.
June 23, 2007
Audio: Radio interview with Gerry McGeough.
Gerry discusses the campaign of harassment and surveillance he's currently being subjected to, and how the Twenty-six County government is supplying information to help convict him in the Six Counties. He describes both himself and Roisin McAliskey as political targets in what he calls "a very serious situation going on here in Tyrone whereby the British forces are clearly targeting Tyrone and various people, myself included, as part of what appears to be some kind of vendetta and perhaps some means by which they think they can stifle Tyrone, being as we have a maverick reputation of being quite willing to speak our minds."
June 18, 2007
This urgent action must be brought to the attention of the Minister of Justice in Ireland:
Lawyers for Gerry
McGeough have lodged a complaint with the British authorities over what they describe as harassment and the totally unnecessary invasion of their client's privacy. This latest move stems from the on-going surveillance operation being carried out on McGeough by undercover British operatives, and was brought to light when a journalist made a phone call to McGeough's home. The journalist recognised the clicking sounds that interrupted the conversation as being indicative of a "live wire tap". In other words, British Intelligence agents were at that very moment monitoring the call.
The development is the latest in a British campaign against McGeough, which has included night-time monitoring of the family home in rural Tyrone by British military helicopters, and suspected interference with mail originating from abroad.
June 18, 2007 PLEASE CONTACT:
MINISTER FOR JUSTICE
Mr. Brian T. Lenihan
94 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2 Ireland
Tell Them: DO NOT ALLOW THE GARDA TO ASSIST THE RUC/PSNI IN THE CASE OF GERRY MCGEOUGH OR ANY OTHER IRISH REPUBLICAN IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT GERRY AND OTHERS WILL BE SUBJECT TO A DIPLOCK COURT AND JUSTICE FOR THEM WILL NOT BE SERVED.
Explain that the RUC has not been able to build a case against Gerry McGeough since his arrest back in March and are now looking to the Garda to help them. Ask the Minister for Justice in Ireland to say NO to the RUC.
June 13, 2007
Gerry McGeough appeared in court today and was told that the RUC/PSNI are still waiting for the Gardaí to provide them with requested "evidence" in his case. Another hearing has been scheduled for July 18th. To date, the RUC/PSNI have not been able to build a case based on the so called trumped-up charges they originally arrested him for back in March 2007. It just goes to prove how vindictive they are toward Gerry by continuing to pursue this matter in spite of no concrete evidence to substantiate their charges. It's apparent by now that they just wish to make his life miserable by keeping him under house arrest, running up his attorney fees by having him attend unnecessary court hearings several times a month without any resolution to his case.
Please don't forget to make a donation to Gerry's family fund as he is still not allowed to come and go to work freely and his attorney fees are mounting day by day.
June 9, 2007
Audio: Gerry McGeough discusses both his case
and the case of Roisin McAliskey. Gerry, who was himself imprisoned unjustly and illegally for years in an underground bunker in Germany before the case simply collapsed, discusses what could be in store for Roisin if she were to be returned to Germany. Roisin, a resident of County Tyrone, is the mother of two young children and the daughter of former British MP and outspoken activist in Northern Ireland, Bernadette Devlin McAliskey. In a repeat performance of what happened to her 10 years ago, Roisin is once again facing extradition to Germany, where she could spend 2 1/2 years in maxium security prison without even going to trial!
May 22 2007:
Gerry's court hearing on May 16th was postponed again until sometime in June, while the RUC looks into his past during his residency in Dublin, while a student at Trinity College 4 years ago. These antics by the RUC-PSNI are pure and simple harassment and are meant to keep Gerry on a short leash. What the RUC still don't get is that there is NO SMOKING GUN here, but they refuse to admit to their trumped-up blunder. In the meantime, Gerry still cannot leave the 6 counties and must report once a week to the Remand Center.
May 21 2007:
Gerry McGeough, a prominent Republican who was a candidate in the recent Stormont Assembly elections, and who was held in Germany on Irish Republican charges from 1988-92 and acquitted, reacted to the arrest of Roisin McAliskey as follows:
" I call for the immediate release of Roisin McAliskey on the German extradition warrant on decade old accusations. Having experienced first hand the conditions and court procedures which an Irish Republican would undergo in Germany, I call for her release as a matter of justice.
During the election I feared that Republicans should not back the RUC-PSNI and that the crown was attempting to lure Republicans into a position where we, and not the British, would be held to account. It saddens me that with this arrest, as well as those of Brian Arthurs and Vincent McAnespie, that these fears are so soon being realized in Tyrone".
May 11, 2007:
Gerry McGeough and his attorney appeared in court last week with regard to the RUC-PSNI's pending case against him. However Investigator Harkness of the RUC, who was supposed to appear in court to present any further finding by the RUC to justify this outrageous arrest, did not appear. Gerry's hearing has now been postponed until May 16.
In the interim, Gerry's home, which is in a very remote farm section of Tyrone, is being constantly buzzed by British Army helicopters in the middle of the night, and army personnel are being dropped on Gerry's farmland to keep surveillance on Gerry's house. Gerry said "it's like a scene out of a SWAT movie". These actions by the Crown Forces are totally uncalled for, and leave no doubt that Gerry McGeough and his family are being harassed for his Republican views.
April 18, 2007 Update:
The Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, Mrs Nuala O'Loan's, office contacted me by phone on 4/17/07 to discuss my email complaint about the politically motivated arrest of Gerry McGeough. She has assigned an officer to investigate his case, which Gerry McGeough confirmed with me today has been done, and her office will get back to me in a few days.
Although her department cannot comment on the "charges" against Gerry, they will certainly investigate any "misconduct" by the RUC, especially the blatant lies they told in court about Gerry being wanted in Germany and the USA and saying he was a member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement. Gerry is not affiliated with any organization.
Letters, calls, emails, faxes to Mrs. O'Loan's office to ensure follow up of this politically motivated arrest is important. Your correspondence from the USA CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Go to the ACTION link on this page for details.
Thank you,
Helen McClafferty
April 9, 2007 THANK YOU FROM GERRY
I want to personally thank all those who not only helped me obtain bail last week, but to those who have donated so generously to my family fund thus far. Your support and prayers mean a great deal to me and my family and I can't thank you enough. At present, I am on remand to the six counties and must report in three times a week. This restriction alone is causing me and my family financial hardship as my place of business is across the border and therefore I cannot go to my job to conduct business as usual. The charges against me have not been dropped to date and I can only hope for the best. If the crown-forces wish to pursue a case against me, then I will have to go to trial. In the mean time, Helen and Martin will keep everyone updated about my situation through this web site and, again, my family and I are more than appreciative of your continued support.
God bless.
Gerry McGeough
Gerry is out on bail now, but he is remanded to the 6 counties and cannot go to his place of business which is across the border. This remand is causing him financial hardships. Please continue to financially support Gerry's family through their time of need until these trumped-up charges are dropped and he is allowed to continue to work and live freely in the north of Ireland.
Go here to see how you can help.
Thank you,
Helen McClafferty & Martin Galvin, Esq.
Someone once
memorably remarked that in politics there are three categories of lies:
"Lies, damned lies and statistics. " Presumably, the author of this maxim
never had the opportunity to witness an RUC-PSNI member performing in a
British crown court which dispensed, or more accurately, dispensed with
justice in proceedings against an Irish Republican. Even the briefest
glimpse at the bail application of Gerry McGeough, as with tens of
thousands of other British crown court proceedings against suspected
Republicans over the past thirty years, would have revealed a whole new
category of untruth that must stand alone.
The key
RUC-PSNI performer against Gerry McGeough was Superintendent Harkness, who
now appears to have orchestrated both the stage-managed arrest of the
Independent Republican candidate outside the election count centre on
quarter-century old charges, as well as the moves to delay and deny a bail
release on those trumped-up charges. Harkness is thought to have served
with the infamous DMSU divisional mobile support unit, in making his way
up the ranks of the RUC-PSNI. During his election campaign Gerry McGeough
had argued that it was wrong in principle for any Republican pledged to
remove British forces to back the British crown constabulary and that in
practice the renamed RUC-PSNI would continue to act as the cutting edge of
British repression. Harkness is exactly the sort the British crown will
task with selecting, training, and commanding new recruits and ensuring
that such recruits fit the mold of the old RUC. Many had argued that the
arrest had made McGeough's point more eloquently than his own words. Now
Harkness was about to supply further eloquence.
The initial
bail hearing had been adjourned because of last minute claims by the crown
prosecutors that McGeough had jumped bail in the United States and was
wanted in Germany. McGeough's solicitors had been forced to request a
postponement rather than proceed without any advance notice that such a
claim would be raised and certainly without any time to obtain court
records refuting such claims. Harkness apparently provided this
information to the crown prosecutors, who appeared to pass on anything
Harkness said without question, no matter how improbable or inaccurate
Within a day
the defense solicitors had documentary proof that the claims about America
and Germany had been blatantly untrue. David Lewis, the solicitor who
handled McGeough's case in America had supplied a formal affidavit
attesting that the Tyrone Republican had been commended by Federal Judge
Sifton for honoring his bail conditions, even being kept at liberty and
allowed to report for a 3 year sentence that would exceed anything he
faced in the six counties under Stormont Deal limits of 2 years. German
authorities also supplied formal documents notifying him that there were
no charges in that jurisdiction.
It was
staggering. It would have taken little time or trouble in an age of
computerized watch lists for British crown constables or prosecutors to
check with their American and German counterparts and determine whether
Gerry McGeough had ever jumped bail or faced open charges in their
jurisdictions. Surely there had been sufficient time during the
investigation and planning of the arrest on these ancient charges to make
such an inquiry. Surely during the extended time when Gerry McGeough was
being interrogated at Antrim barracks, someone checked. Surely during the
days between formal charges and his High Court bail application, one of
the many constabulary members deployed to arrest and interrogate Gerry
McGeough was directed by Harkness to check with American and German
authorities. It must be presumed that Harkness and the RUC-PSNI members
under his command would have missed no chance to unearth grounds which
they hoped might have disqualified McGeough from any bail consideration.
It may well be concluded that Harkness was deliberately, blatantly and
brazenly misrepresenting facts which were quickly and categorically proven
obvious lies. The RUC may go by an alias but in a court proceeding against
an Irish Republican Harkness harkened back to the old RUC ingrained habits
setting a tone for those under his command.
CHILDREN
McGeough's solicitors supplied the RUCI-PSNI with advance copies of the documents to
be lodged in the crown court. Harkness was only beginning. McGeough's bail
sureties had attended the first court session. Now on the eve of the
rescheduled date, the crown lodged an objection to two of the men poised
to post bail, including McGeough's election agent. The objection was that
the two men, now respected and prosperous family men, thirty years ago
served sentences in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. This was surprising. Former
political prisoners were customarily accepted as bail sureties. Some who
were imprisoned with them are under consideration for British ministries
or places on the crown Police Board. Now according to Harkness and the
crown prosecutors, the two men were not fit to forfeit money in the
unlikely event Gerry McGeough jumped bail. Substitutes had to be and were
found.
A second
RUC-PSNI tactic was shocking. Solicitors had supplied documents from the
local school confirming the enrollment and attendance of McGeough's three
young children. The RUC-PSNI wanted permission to visit the school,
observe McGeough's children and perhaps talk to the oldest child. These
requests were angrily refused. First Harkness seemed to be impugning the
honesty of the school officials and implying that the documents submitted
to the Court were fabricated. More importantly the arrest of their father
and visiting him in crown custody had a frightening impact on these
children of tender years. Now the same RUC-PSNI constables wanted to
question and perhaps traumatize the children in order to use their words
against their father's bail request.
The RUC-PSNI
also wanted the names and interviews with the substitute batch of bail
sureties. Defense solicitors, who had originally cooperated on the
assumption that the constabulary was asking in good faith, now told the
crown to take up any further matters in court.
CONTINUITY
The defense
was now prepared for a contested bail application unlike that of
McGeough's co-accused Vincent McAnespie who had been granted bail without
objection. However nothing prepared them for what was to come in scenes in
which observers later described as Harkness appearing like a ventriloquist
while prosecutors seemed to mouth whatever words he whispered.
The crown
began by solemnly alleging that Gerry McGeough was a member of the
Continuity IRA. The crowd gasped. The claim was nonsense. Republican Sinn
Fein had in fact run a candidate against Gerry McGeough. The party may
well be separate and independent of the CIRA, but it is hard for anyone
except Harkness to believe that they back competing candidates in
elections. McGeough had campaigned on a platform that he would enter
Stormont if elected to fight for a united Ireland and oppose concessions
to Paisley. The CIRA presumably like RSF candidates would subscribe to
abstentionism.
The crown
next contended that McGeough had been responsible for killing British
troopers in Germany and might still be under investigation there or in
America. Again an audible gasp sounded in the courtroom. Documents had
been submitted to the crown and court from the United States and Germany .
Who was to be believed Harkness and the RUC-PSNI or legal authorities from
America and Germany? Had the crown no scruples about misleading the court
and should they not have done a more credible job of it?
LAST GASP
Next the
crown claimed McGeough did not live at the address on Carrick Castle Road
and denied that his children attended the local school despite all of the
evidence including mail, phone service, church attendance and children's
school attendance. A respected community worker would be called who
attested to knowledge of McGeough's good character and authenticated his
residence.
The last
involuntary gasp from those in court was the loudest . Harkness was asked
whether he had made any attempt to raid for evidence at McGeough's home.
With characteristic RUC-PSNI aplomb Harkness solemnly recounted that an
attempt had been made to search McGeough's home but that a crowd had
gathered and rioted to prevent the raid.
There were a few things horribly wrong with this claim beyond the fact that it was
fiction. Anyone who had ever been to McGeough's home would know that the
address is not in Dungannon town but located in an extremely remote rural
area. It was joked that it would take a week to collect a large enough
crowd to riot and prevent the RUC-PSNI from making a raid. Moreover how
could such heavy rioting blocking a raid led by Harkness have remained
secret to the press, public and all others except Harkness?
A bail hearing which was expected to take less than an hour would take the
morning session and much of the afternoon. McGeough's legal team was able
to demolish the RUC-PSNI objections point by point with documentary proof
trumping trumped-up crown claims. An exasperated crown judge wondered
aloud if the RUC-PSNI was inept in not documenting claims imagined to be
true or simply proffering claims it knew to be blatantly false.
Gerry McGeough was released but on restrictions that would prevent him from
going the few miles needed to buy petrol in Emyvale County Monaghan, much
less publishing his magazine Hibernia in Drogheda. He faces ancient
charges with evidence collected or manufactured by those under Harkness'
command. He may, if crown prosecutors decide, face a Diplock Court. The
message sent by his arrest was repeated at his bail application for those
Republicans who failed to hear it the first time.
You may aspire to a united Ireland, but those who do so outside the strait-jacket
of the British imposed structures, or who refuse to endorse the crown
constabulary, even if you do so by election campaigns and peaceful means
will be dealt with by the RUC-PSNI
Meanwhile,
next week Republicans will mark Easter, reading the Proclamation of 1916,
remembering those who sacrificed their lives to make its ideals a reality
and for some wondering when we will see an Ireland where patriots like
Gerry McGeough need never again face British repression.
Listen or Download: Radio Free Eireann (WBAI 99.5 FM) Saturday, March 24th
John McDonagh and Sandy Boyer speak with
election agent Joe McNulty in Ireland and attorney Martin Galvin for the latest updates on
Gerry's case.
You can also podcast the show from here (scroll down to Radio Free Eireann, Saturday, March 24).
March 16 2007
Listen or Download: John McDonagh on WBAI's Wakeup Call
John speaks with Gerry McGeough's election agent Joe McNulty, who describes what happened on the day Gerry was arrested by the RUC, and the outrageous treatment Gerry has been subjected to in prison. Joe says: "People are calling it a political kidnapping."
Gerry McGeough leaves Enniskillen court handcuffed in a police car
A retired garda detective known as 'The Badger', who had a close working relationship with British intelligence, is to be called as a witness in the trial of a former Sinn Féin ard comhairle member and IRA gun-runner.
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