Overruling prisoner release

A chara, – The decision by British Secretary of State Owen Paterson to overrule the domestic courts and continue the detention…

A chara, – The decision by British Secretary of State Owen Paterson to overrule the domestic courts and continue the detention of Martin Corey (Home News, July 10th) is deeply worrying for all those concerned with the primacy of human rights and the establishment of a human rights based post-conflict society.  The apparent growth in ascendancy of the British “intelligence services”, upon whose opinion this decision has been based, has implications that stretch far beyond the rights of this one man.

If the Belfast Agreement is to be the living document so many voted in favour of, these tactics must be vigorously challenged by all parties to the agreement. It has been agreed that universal human rights should be the basis for our transition – not old tactics or abuse of power with sovereignty as a shield.

For all those concerned with the continued commitment to peaceful and democratic redress and the upholding of human rights, the courts and their decisions must be protected from all those who attempt to subvert them – especially the State. – Is mise,

ANDRÉE MURPHY,

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Lagmore View Way

Belfast.