10 June 1999 Edition
Sinn Féin press officer harassed
Speaking to An Phoblacht after he was harassed by British detectives on his way to visit relatives in Scotland, Eric McGinley, a Derry Sinn Féin press officer, has condemned the openly racist attitude of the British crown forces.
He also urged An Phoblacht to remind its readership that when stopped entering Scotland or England, they are only legally obliged to fill in the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) form. This demands: name, address, date of birth, place of birth, destination, reason for visit and asks if the person is employed. No other information has to be given.
During his interrogation, the Sinn Féin worker was asked questions such as ``Are you gay?'' and ``Are you an attention seeker?''. He said such blatant racism, while it might seem pointless, aims to intimidate people and build up a picture of the type of social networks people have in Ireland and abroad.
He also urged An Phoblacht to remind its readership that when stopped entering Scotland or England, they are only legally obliged to fill in the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) form. This demands: name, address, date of birth, place of birth, destination, reason for visit and asks if the person is employed. No other information has to be given.
During his interrogation, the Sinn Féin worker was asked questions such as ``Are you gay?'' and ``Are you an attention seeker?''. He said such blatant racism, while it might seem pointless, aims to intimidate people and build up a picture of the type of social networks people have in Ireland and abroad.