RSF Condemns Arrests in Cos. Down & Armagh

national | miscellaneous | press release Tuesday February 05, 2008 21:06 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin

Republicans were arrested in Counties Armagh and Down on the morning of Tuesday, 5th February.

RSF COMDEMNS ARRESTS IN Cos. DOWN & ARMAGH

Republican Sinn Féin condemns the arrests of Irish Republicans in Newry and Jonesboro this morning (5th February). One of the arrested men is An Cathaoirleach (Chair) of Comhairle Uladh (Ulster RSF Executive). The others include two former Republican Prisoners of War. They are currently being interrogated at the so-called “Serious Crime Suite” of Antrim RUC Barracks.

Seven armoured Land Rovers arrived at one of the houses at about 7a.m., along with two vans and two Mitsubishi Shogun cars. Another two Land Rovers sealed off the road. A dog warden van also arrived from Tandragee, and seized a pet dog. A brother of the arrested man was searched before being granted entry to the property. The raiding party threatened to break into a Jeep until a solicitor offered to transport the key from Antrim Barracks. A floppy disk was subsequently taken from the vehicle. They did, however, break into a shed.

The raid continued until Noon. Other items seized included mobile telephones, a laptop and desktop computer. The garden of another of the arrested men was excavated by the British Forces of Occupation.

Responding to the raids and arrests, RSF National Publicity Officer Richard Walsh said:

“Republican Sinn Féin congratulates the youth of Newry who demonstrated their resistance to the onslaught of the British Crown Forces during ongoing raids in the Derrybeg/Carnagat and Barcroft Park areas. Approximately twenty armoured Land Rovers came under attack.

“Conor Murphy must now clarify whether this operation in Jonesboro and Newry is a result of the 'critical engagement' threatened by himself ahead of a meeting with the RUC in Crossmaglen. Whilst he pledges collaboration with the enemy, True Republicans pledge only their eternal hostility to the British Forces in Ireland.

“We in Republican Sinn Féin will continue to promote our programme for a true peace with justice in Ireland in spite of ongoing harassment of our members and supporters by those opposed to Irish Freedom. We will not allow ourselves to be diverted from seeking a permanent end to the cancerous British presence in our country.”