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10 July 2012

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Martin Corey’s continued detention on secretive evidence ‘outrageous’

'It is totally unacceptable that this fly-by-night British minister – who is not elected by anyone in the North – can imprison someone without placing any evidence or proof before the court'

THE ongoing detention of Lurgan man Martin Corey as British Secretary of State Owen Paterson appeals the Belfast High Court decision that he be released on unconditional bail is an “outrageous’ interference in the judicial process, Sinn Féin has said.

The High Court had ruled Corey's detention is a breach of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Corey, a former republican prisoner, was sentenced to life in prison in 1973 but released on licence in 1992. Two years ago, his licence was revoked by the authorities but British former Secretary of State Shaun Woodward refused to disclose why, saying it was down to “closed material”.

Fermanagh/South Tyrone Seán Lynch MLA said today:

“Owen Paterson’s interference in the judicial system was outrageous and this should never have happened. It is totally unacceptable that this fly-by-night British minister – who is not elected by anyone in the North – can imprison someone without placing any evidence or proof before the court.

“The revoking of licences on the basis of secretive evidence not available to the accused or his solicitor is damaging confidence in the justice system.

“Owen Paterson should now do the right thing, end this pointless legal appeal and allow Martin Corey to return home to his family.”

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