Former PoW summarily jailed

A republican ex-PoW has been re-imprisoned after the British government claimed that he was “a danger to the public”.

Sixty-year-old Martin Corey from Lurgan, County Armagh was arrested in the town on Friday and taken directly to Maghaberry jail. Corey, who was originally jailed in 1973 and served 19 years behind bars, was informed that his release licence had been revoked by the Direct Ruler Shaun Woodward.

A British official confirmed the move. “Mr Corey has been informed of his right to make representation to the independent Parole Commissioners in respect of this decision,” he said.

“lt will be for the Parole Commissioners to consider his case and determine whether or not the revocation of his licence should be upheld.”

Republican Sinn Fein vice-president Fergal Moore said Corey’s return to jail was “internment without trial”.

“Martin is a life-long and stalwart Republican who had served 20 years in Long Kesh.

“He was arrested this morning and was informed that British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward had revoked his release licence.

“This is despite the fact that Martin was not released on licence and had served an extra two years having refused to sign any such licence agreement.”

Mr Moore said it was clear that British notions of justice remained unchanged despite the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Belfast Assembly at Stormont.

“It should be noted that the new minister David Ford will meet with Dermot Ahern, Matt Baggot and Fachtna Murphy at Stormont today to discuss how best to deal with Republicans.

“On the evidence presented so far Republicans must be prepared for a new wave of repression issuing from Stormont and Leinster House but we will not be found wanting.

“The oppression of the Irish people by Britain and her servants only strengthens our resolve to finally break the conection with England and re-establish the All Ireland Republic.”

Urgent Appeal