Republican News · Thursday 9 January 1996

Molloy arrested

Sinn Féin Mid-Ulster representive Francie Molloy was arrested by the RUC on St Stephens Day.

Molloy said that as he left his home at about 11.15pm to collect his son in Dungannon, he noticed an RUC car following him. ``After picking up my son, I proceeded to return home. On the way, the RUC signalled for me to pull over. The RUC member who approached the car said I was suspected of drink driving and was being stopped under the Road Traffic Act. I told him I was a life-long pioneer and showed him my pin. The RUC then told me I was being held under the Emergency Provisions Act,'' said Molloy.

Francie and his son were both handcuffed, taken to the RUC station where they were held for over two hours before being released without charge. He described the mood of the RUC as very aggressive.

``I believe this was a case of sanctioned harassment of elected representatives and shows the hypocrisy of this government and its cohorts in Stormont when they call on others to adhere to democratic principles,'' Molloy said.

Other prominent Sinn Féin members were stopped and held in various parts of the Six Counties over the Christmas period. They included Mitchel McLaughlin, Martin McGuinness and Pat Doherty, Gerry Adams and Gerry Kelly.

Last week West Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Alex Maskey was informed by the RUC that they had information that his life was in imminent danger. The RUC refused to give any details of the nature or source of the threat other than he should step up his personal security.

Maskey has escaped a number of murder attempts on his life. Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness were also recently informed by RUC of threats to there lives.

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