WILL MASKEY DEMAND GUARANTEES ON CROWN REPRESSION?

“Will Alex Maskey demand clear commitments to end measures of repression against Republicans, as he questions prospective replacements for Hugh Orde, or will he mask a public relations charade designed to give a pretence of normalisation to those who impose British law and rule,” asked Danny Mc Brearty of the Republican Network for Unity (RNU).

“RNU with other Republicans successfully protested a recent meeting of the DPP at the Tower Hotel in Derry, reaffirming that such meetings are not about partnerships, or actual community input, but are purely cosmetic exercises set up to give the crown constabulary political cover while it serves British interests.”

“On Tuesday, Alex Maskey can surprise many Republicans by demanding pledges from each respective candidate that they will halt repressive measures now routinely used against Republicans and nationalists. For example, he himself has publicly called for an end to stop and search powers and been arrogantly dismissed with blather about protocols which are a British euphemism for we will not do it unless it suits us. Will he simply ask each candidate for a clear pledge to end this tactic?”

“Maskey can ask candidates for pledges to end 28 day detention, or to investigate attempted DNA frame-ups in the cases of Sean Hoey, Mark Carroll, Martin Brogan and perhaps pending cases?” He can ask why a supergrass wing is under construction at Maghaberry and call for a pledge not to revive this discredited tactic? He can demand guarantees against political arrests, harassment of families or revocation of licenses based solely upon holding Republican opinions opposed to Stormont and British rule?”

“The Republican Network for Unity challenges Maskey to secure these pledges and commitments that would surely be a welcome surprise to Republicans and nationalists. “If Maskey performs as a junior partner in a British Stormont administration, concerned about the disapproval of DUP head Robinson or the British ministers above them, and willing to mask a British propaganda charade by rubber-stamping meaningless blather, it will not be masked from those Republicans and nationalists who continue to suffer injustice and repression under draconian laws and continuing British rule.”

Statement ends.