Video: Pádraic Wilson protest at PSNI HQ – Release on bail welcomed

'These are politically motivated charges and should be withdrawn by the PSNI'

LEADING REPUBLICAN Pádraic Wilson has been released on bail.

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said that the simple fact is that he should never have been charged in the first instance.

The Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson said:

“These are politically motivated charges and should be withdrawn by the PSNI.

“Sinn Féin will continue to campaign to have these charges withdrawn.”

A PSNI detective told Belfast Magistrates’ Court last Friday that Pádraic Wilson took part in a meeting with the sisters of Robert McCartney, who was stabbed to death outside a Belfast pub in 2005.

The court was told police were not connecting Pádraic Wilson to the murder of Robert McCartney. He was, nevertheless, remanded in custody accused of IRA membership and addressing a meeting encouraging support for the IRA.

Gerry Kelly had said after that court appearance:

“His arrest represents a very serious challenge to the political process. It has nothing at all to do with delivering justice for the McCartney family.”