22 December 2000

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Sinn Fein calls for the repeal of Offences Against the State Act after European Court of Human Rights ruling

Sinn Fein has called for the repeal of the Offences Against the State Act after yesterday's (Thursday's) European Court of Human Rights judgment that three men jailed under the Act did not have fair trials or enjoy the presumption of innocence.

The Sinn Fein TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, said:

``The Irish Government must not only fulfil its human rights obligations but, in the context of the peace process, it must also gives a lead on human rights issues.

``I call for the repeal of the Offences Against the State Acts which have infringed civil rights in the 26 Counties since they were first enacted in 1939.

``The current review of these Acts, established under the Good Friday Agreement, should be expanded to include public hearings around the country.  There needs to be a real debate on this issue and we need to hear the voices of the many people in this State who have suffered injustice as a result of the use and misuse of this legislation.''

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