Sir, - The fact that Roisin McAliskey has once again been remanded in custody in Holloway Jail, following numerous court hearings, is a matter of real concern and raises real concern about Miss McAliskey's civil liberties.
Miss McAliskey, who is supposed to be extradited to Germany for questioning in relation to the Osnabruck incident at some indeterminate date in the future is now five months pregnant.
Miss McAliskey was arrested at her Coalisland home on Wednesday November 20th, and was held at Castlereagh Interrogation Centre for six days before being flown to London where she is currently on remand.
The British authorities should answer the following questions in relation to this matter:
1. Why is Miss McAliskey being held in London in the first place in light of the fact that she was arrested in Coalisland Co Tyrone?
2. Is it not possible for the British authorities to have kept Miss McAliskey in a Northern Ireland prison during this period, particularly in light of the fact that Miss McAliskey is pregnant?
For the stipendiary magistrate Peter Badge to suggest that Miss McAliskey might abscond if granted bail is an unfair assertion, and is insufficient reason for continued detention in this case.
The British authorities should have the decency and humanity to stop pressing for Miss McAliskey's continued detention during her pregnancy.
Gareth Pearce, who is a highly respected lawyer, is very worried for Roisin's health and is also very concerned that any extradition papers relating to Miss McAliskey have not been forwarded to her.
This is a civil liberties issue. The treatment of Ms McAliskey has been inhumane and degrading, and flies in the face of the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights. It also echoes recent revelations about the shackling of pregnant women in British jails.
I would call on the British government and other interested parties to join in my efforts on the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament, to ensure the British authorities to have a change of heart in relation to their mean minded and pointless treatment of Miss McAliskey to date. - Yours, etc.,
European Parliament, 43 Molesworth Street,
Dublin 2.