Monday, October 13, 2008

McGibbon Calls for Support for Pól Brennan

Sinn Féin Councillor, and Ógra Shinn Féin, organiser in Ulster, Johnny McGibbon has called for the release of Long Kesh Escapee Pól Brenann. Mr Brennan has been detained by Homeland Security in the USA since January this year. A campaign has been launched in Ireland and the United States to stop his deportation.

Cllr. McGibbon said,

“The detention of Pól Brennan in 2008 is hard to believe. A victim of conflict in Ireland, has sought political asylum in the United States, made his life there and met all the conditions the US Government have asked of him.”

Pól was initially detained over an expired work permit, but what started as a small misunderstanding has escalated into a long running detention, and threat of deportation, with the US Homeland Security deeming Pól a ‘flight risk.’

McGibbon concluded,

“Pól Brennan is no threat to the United States. The Good Friday Agreement has seen the release of political prisoners in Ireland. Many US officials, including President Bill Clinton, played a significant role in this. In the spirit of this, the US Government should stop deportation proceedings now.”

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