ANTI-TERRORISM LAWS REJECTED BY SINN FEIN
Anti-terrorism laws rejected by Sinn Fein
By Elaine Fitzsimons Newry Reporter
SINN Fein's Newry and Armagh assembly member has .lammed new anti-terrorism legislation due to be introduced this week by the Irish and British governments as a "knee jerk" reaction to the Omagh bombing.
Pat McNamee said the new laws, which include convicting members of proscribed organisations on the evidence of a senior RUC officer, could have a detrimental effect on the peace process.
Describing the Omagh atrocity as a "shocking, sad and tragic event," the assembly member said it should not be used to force through legislation which will infringe on the civil liberties of citizens.
"The two governments may have felt that they have to be seen to take some steps to deal with those responsible for the Omagh bombing. However, there is more than sufficient Draconian legislation and repressive measures available to the RUC.
"The vast majority of people on this island voted in favour of the Good Friday document and wish to see its implementation in all its parts. The implementation of the agreement is the surest way to ensure that no paramilitary group can justify or obtain support for actions such as the Omagh bombing," he said.
Mr McNamee also criticised the legislation for giving greater powers to the RUC, which he said was an unacceptable police force to the majority of nationalists. He also claimed the new laws would be a recipe for miscarriages of justice, with individuals having to prove their innocence.
By Elaine Fitzsimons Newry Reporter
SINN Fein's Newry and Armagh assembly member has .lammed new anti-terrorism legislation due to be introduced this week by the Irish and British governments as a "knee jerk" reaction to the Omagh bombing.
Pat McNamee said the new laws, which include convicting members of proscribed organisations on the evidence of a senior RUC officer, could have a detrimental effect on the peace process.
Describing the Omagh atrocity as a "shocking, sad and tragic event," the assembly member said it should not be used to force through legislation which will infringe on the civil liberties of citizens.
"The two governments may have felt that they have to be seen to take some steps to deal with those responsible for the Omagh bombing. However, there is more than sufficient Draconian legislation and repressive measures available to the RUC.
"The vast majority of people on this island voted in favour of the Good Friday document and wish to see its implementation in all its parts. The implementation of the agreement is the surest way to ensure that no paramilitary group can justify or obtain support for actions such as the Omagh bombing," he said.
Mr McNamee also criticised the legislation for giving greater powers to the RUC, which he said was an unacceptable police force to the majority of nationalists. He also claimed the new laws would be a recipe for miscarriages of justice, with individuals having to prove their innocence.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0345
Published Date: 01-Sep-98
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