25 June 1998 Edition
Back issue: More charges for poster
A leading member of the Release Don O'Leary Campaign in Cork has been charged with the same offence as O'Leary was - possession of an incriminating document - and will appear in court next month. Freddie O'Doherty's `crime' is having a copy of the popular Bás nó an bua poster. The poster, which depicts armed IRA Volunteers and is in full colour, has sold thousands of copies all over Ireland.
The garda decision to charge O'Doherty is seen by many as part of a well-organised campaign to smash Sinn Fein in the city. Last October Don O'Leary was charged with possession of a similar poster, found guilty, and convicted of IRA membership on the basis of having the `incriminating document'. He was sentenced to a total of five years as a result.
Although O'Doherty has not been charged with IRA membership, the Special Branch will be aware that, if he is found guilty on the poster charge, he would then be forced to try to prove his innocence on a membership charge. Under Section 24 of the Offences Against the State Act, if a person is found in possession of an `incriminating document' no further proof if needed for an IRA membership charge, ``unless the contrary is proved''.
The garda decision to charge O'Doherty is seen by many as part of a well-organised campaign to smash Sinn Fein in the city. Last October Don O'Leary was charged with possession of a similar poster, found guilty, and convicted of IRA membership on the basis of having the `incriminating document'. He was sentenced to a total of five years as a result.
Although O'Doherty has not been charged with IRA membership, the Special Branch will be aware that, if he is found guilty on the poster charge, he would then be forced to try to prove his innocence on a membership charge. Under Section 24 of the Offences Against the State Act, if a person is found in possession of an `incriminating document' no further proof if needed for an IRA membership charge, ``unless the contrary is proved''.