23 May 2013
Video – Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin call for John Downey’s release
‘This development represents bad faith and a departure from what was previously agreed by both governments at Weston Park’
THE arrest and charging of Donegal republican John Downey in connection with an IRA bomb attack on the British Army at Hyde Park in London in 1982 has been described by Sinn Féin as “vindictive, unnecessary and unhelpful” to the Peace Process.
Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly said the Sinn Féin member and “long-time supporter of the Peace Process” should be released. Gerry Kelly added:
“The decision to arrest and charge him in relation to IRA activities in the early 1980s is vindictive, unnecessary and unhelpful. It will cause anger within the republican community.
“Clearly, if John Downey had been arrested and convicted previously he would have been released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
“As part of the Weston Park negotiation, the British Government committed to resolving the position of OTRs [‘On the Runs’]. John Downey received a letter from the NIO in 2007 stating that he was not wanted by the PSNI or any British police force. Despite travelling to England on many occasions, now – six years on – he finds himself before the courts on these historic charges.
“This development represents bad faith and a departure from what was previously agreed by both governments.
“John Downey needs to be released and allowed to return home to his family.”
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