RUC Abduct Three Republicans in Fermanagh

fermanagh | miscellaneous | press release Thursday July 17, 2008 14:34 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin

Republican Sinn Féin have condemned raids and arrests in Co. Fermanagh this morning.

Three men were arrested during early morning raids in the Donagh, Newtownbutler and Aghadrumsee areas of County Fermanagh. These include an Ard-Chomhairle member of Republican Sinn Féin. They were taken to the Interrogation Centre at Antrim RUC Barracks.

Two of those arrested had previously been subjected to malicious prosecution, and the other has a case pending against the RUC for wrongful arrest and detention.

Mobile telephones and computers were taken from the properties, as well as compact discs and cassette tapes.

A daughter of one of the arrested men entered a house asking “Daddy, Daddy, where are you?” and was told he had been taken to Antrim. As she left the house, another RUC man mimicked her asking the question and said that had her father been an upstanding member of the community, they would not have been raiding the premises. The Brit then went on to claim that her father had been involved in the attempted execution of two RUC men near Roslea.

RSF Director of Publicity, Richard Walsh said “Three Fermanagh Republicans were abducted from their homes this morning by the RUC. Evidently Provo cop Lynch as yet has failed to put manners on them. Again it is Hugh Orde's men who are 'lashing out like cornered animals' despite his protestations.

“The men were members of the Fermanagh/Cavan Commemoration Committee responsible for organising the 50th Anniversary Commemoration for Volunteers James Crossan and Pat McManus in Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan this Saturday at 3p.m. We would encourage uncompromised Republicans in these counties and from further afield to attend this commemoration and show that they will not be intimidated from the path of true Republicanism. The actions of the RUC will not hinder the growth of the Republican Movement.

“We also condemn the outrageous comments made by RUC personnel to the daughter of one of those seized which were clearly designed to cause distress. Furthermore, they are prejudicial to any inquiries they claim to be conducting at this time.

“Republican Sinn Féin calls on the people of Ireland to join the Republican Movement and work to secure the expulsion of the British invader from our shores.”