'Real IRA' suspect is peace activist

by An Mhi Tue Jul 15, 2003 01:05

Due to Gerry Adam's statement today and SF meeting with Israeli embassy officals, combined with the connection between La and SF through the editor of Anderstown news. Add in a combination of 'informed' sources, off the record briefings and the like of Donaldson and Trimble fighting one another to be more "disturbed" by the "news from Israel" and we face a huge amount of spinning and bullshit about to be published over the next couple of weeks in the Irish and British press.

I imagine the IPSC groups will be dragged through the mud on this one.

by Palmiro Togliatti Mon Jul 14, 2003 23:55

since you appear so well-informed, would you like to tell us what exactly the IPSC's 'links' with the republican movement are and whether they are any way different from its 'links' with other political parties whose members may also be involved in the IPSC? As far as I know, it's an entirely independent organisation.

by Dermot Mon Jul 14, 2003 19:52

Never mind, Shin Bet will get the truth out of him. Only thing is, he may be there for a while.

by Irish reporter held in Israel Mon Jul 14, 2003 17:36

Seán O Muireagáin is being detained by Israeli security forces
The editor of a daily Irish language newspaper has said the Northern Ireland man held by Israeli police was working as their correspondent.

The man - who is in his 40s - was arrested at the weekend by Israeli security forces reportedly acting on information from UK security services.

The west Belfast man was arrested near the town of Ramallah.

Ciaran O Pronntaigh of the Belfast paper, Lá, said the allegations made against Seán O Muireagáin were "rubbish".

"He is a well-known Irish language and Palestine Solidarity Committee activist in Belfast and was reporting from Jenin for Lá and Raidió na Gaeltachta. He was arrested on his way into Ramallah," he said.

Mr O Pronntaigh said the paper had contacted the Israeli Embassy in Dublin to demand his immediate release.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3064967.stm

He added: "On July 8, we published a full-page account from Jenin in the West Bank by Seán O Muireagáin in our paper, a piece which was accompanied by his photograph, proof that he was in the occupied territories openly.

"We have contacted the Israeli Embassy in Dublin to demand Mr O Muireagáín's immediate release."

'Worried for safety'

Earlier, a Palestinian support group based in Belfast said the Northern Ireland man was in the West Bank on a cultural exchange project.

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign said it last heard from him on Saturday and was worried for his safety.

The BBC's Middle East correspondent Orla Guerin said it could be a case of mistaken identity.

"So far, all we have had is the word of the Israeli side and they have not produced him.

"They have not produced any evidence of wrong doing. They have simply said that these are their suspicions.

"We have had no hard evidence from them of any kind."

The Associated Press news agency said the man was arrested on Saturday afternoon and was being questioned by the Shin Bet security agency.

by Àine Fox - IPSC Belfast. Mon Jul 14, 2003 17:19

The IPSC and many similair groups as pointed out by Sean have a diversity of membership and participation.

I am personally no defender for republicanism but lets not forget that for all the bad points of Sinn Fein and the IRA - and believe me i could go on for days. The essential thing is to acknowledge that some hard working activists come from these backgrounds.

What is wrong with cooperation King Mob - Or would you perfer that no one communicated or came together on issues of concern. Cos then you'd still have reason to sit at you computer and complain.

by Àine Fox - IPSC Belfast Mon Jul 14, 2003 17:14

In the cause of Israel - the mainstream corporate media believe every statement issued by those responsible for press releases.

Like the Killing and death of Rachel Corrie was an accident and now arresting an Irish activist under the auspice that he is a terrorist ...... and surprise surprise this is backed up so far by the British Establishment.

Anyone with eyes can see that the reasons for such arrrests and also deportation of a few Irish activists from the occupied territories is an attempt to take away the much needed international presence. The fact the Sèan reported from Palestine on behalf of Là also reinforces the idea that those in power dont want news of daily tradegies in Palestine continuing while Israel trys to talk peace out of the other side of its mouth to its allies and those they have under their wing.

My point would be - lets not all believe what we read in the papers cos some of it is just plain excrement.

I hope Sean is keeping his head up while being detained by his most gracious hosts.

by Seán Mon Jul 14, 2003 16:35

The Anti-war movement, Irish Social Forums, not to mention many community groups, residents' associations, NGOs and solidarity organisations, have connections with the Republican family through the campaign work of many Republicans involved.

So what's your point?

by King Mob Mon Jul 14, 2003 15:20

Oh yeah...

And the IPSC has no connections with the republican movement as well.

Pull the other one.