Marian Price ‘refuses to meet Sinn Fein’ during prison visit

Sinn Fein have said Old Bailey bomber Marian Price has refused to meet them during a visit to Hydebank women’s prison.

The party’s MLAs Sean Lynch and Jennifer McCann visited the jail on Wednesday with a view to meeting Price.

They said Price had refused to meet them, but that they had met with prison officials and inspected “her living conditions”.

Last month, Price was moved to Hydebank from Maghaberry jail.

“We visited Hydebank today and repeat our call for the immediate release of Marian Price,” the Sinn Fein MLAs said.

“Given the fact that she has been bailed on the charges she was originally arrested for, there is no justification whatsoever for her continued detention.

“Sinn Fein is against the revoking of licenses and if there is any evidence against someone it should be brought before a court of law.

“Marian Price’s continued detention is a serious concern given her medical condition and she should be released immediately so that her medical needs can be addressed adequately.”

The prison service has told the BBC previously that the decision to move Price to Hydebank was taken on clinical advice from healthcare staff at the South Eastern Trust.

It said that since being returned to prison last year, the prison service and the trust have, on a number of occasions, discussed and reviewed her needs while in custody.

Price was returned to prison last May after appearing at a dissident republican rally in Derry and has since been charged in connection with the murders of two soldiers at Masserene in March 2009, a charge she denies.

WITH MANY THANKS TO : BBC NI.

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Marian Price moved from Maghaberry to Hydebank

Old Bailey bomber Marian Price has been moved from Maghaberry to the women’s prison at Hydebank outside Belfast.

   

On Thursday night a priest described her continuing detention as a form of internment.

The claim has been “entirely refuted” by NI Secretary Owen Paterson, who revoked her release licence last May.

The prison service has told the BBC the decision to move Price was taken on clinical advice from healthcare staff at the South Eastern Trust.

It said that since being returned to prison nine months ago the prison service and the trust have, on a number of occasions, discussed and reviewed her needs while in custody.

She was returned to prison last May after appearing at a dissident republican rally in Derry and has since been charged in connection with the murders of two soldiers at Masserene a charge she denies.

‘Form of internment’A meeting of supporters campaigning for her release was held in Londonderry on Thursday night.

Former prison chaplain Monsignor Raymond Murray said Mr Paterson’s decision had echoes of the past for nationalists.

“This is a form of internment,” said Monsignor Murray, who was prison chaplain in Armagh for almost 20 years.

“I am just shocked that the secretary of state wouldn’t be aware of how seriously nationalist people look on internment.

“We thought it had all ended and here it is coming under a form of revocation, revoking a license.

“He would have to explain to us and explain the process of law as regards Marian Price.

“In any way has she broken the law? That would have to be provided but it is not provided by shoving her into prison on a pretence in an unjust way.”

‘Protection of the public’However, the Northern Ireland Office said: “Following a recommendation from the independent parole commissioners, the secretary of state revoked Marian McGlinchey’s licence on 15 May 2011.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2011, the secretary of state may revoke a licence where it is necessary for the protection of the public from serious harm and to prevent the commission of further offences.

“Those released on licence have an obligation to act within the terms of their release.

“Mrs McGlinchey has been charged with two offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, one of which is in connection with the Masserene murders.

“In these circumstances, and considering the need to protect the public, Mrs. McGlinchey’s licence was revoked. An independent panel of parole commissioners is now considering her case.

“The secretary of state entirely refutes the allegation that this is internment without trial.

“Due process has been followed at all times: Mrs McGlinchey is aware of the case against her and has an opportunity to challenge it, and submit evidence on her behalf, during the course of the parole hearing.”

Marian Price ‘internment’ claim refuted by NIO

 

The Northern Ireland Office has said the secretary of state “entirely refutes” the allegation that republican Marian Price is being effectively interned without trial.

Earlier, a priest described the continuing detention of the Old Bailey bomber as a form of internment.

She has been in custody in Maghaberry Prison since May last year.

Secretary of State Owen Paterson revoked her licence after she appeared at a dissident republican rally.

A meeting of supporters campaigning for her release was held in Londonderry on Thursday night.

Former prison chaplain Monsignor Raymond Murray said Mr Paterson’s decision had echoes of the past for nationalists.

“This is a form of internment,” said Monsignor Murray, who was prison chaplain in Armagh for almost 20 years.

“I am just shocked that the secretary of state wouldn’t be aware of how seriously nationalist people look on internment.

“We thought it had all ended and here it is coming under a form of revocation, revoking a license.

“He would have to explain to us and explain the process of law as regards Marian Price.

“In any way has she broken the law? That would have to be provided but it is not provided by shoving her into prison on a pretence in an unjust way.”

‘Protection of the public’

However, the Northern Ireland Office said: “Following a recommendation from the independent parole commissioners, the secretary of state revoked Marian McGlinchey’s licence on 15 May 2011.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2011, the secretary of state may revoke a licence where it is necessary for the protection of the public from serious harm and to prevent the commission of further offences.

“Those released on licence have an obligation to act within the terms of their release.

“Mrs McGlinchey has been charged with two offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, one of which is in connection with the Masserene murders.

“In these circumstances, and considering the need to protect the public, Mrs. McGlinchey’s licence was revoked. An independent panel of parole commissioners is now considering her case.

“The secretary of state entirely refutes the allegation that this is internment without trial.

“Due process has been followed at all times: Mrs McGlinchey is aware of the case against her and has an opportunity to challenge it, and submit evidence on her behalf, during the course of the parole hearing.”

 
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