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Raymond McCartney, photo An Phoblacht |
“Hundreds of young nationalists were rounded up, beaten in interrogation centres and convicted in non-jury courts on the sole basis of so-called confession evidence. I hope this ruling encourages others to seek justice by having these unsafe convictions quashed. The decision made by the Court of Appeal totally vindicates that which I stated from my first appearance in court in February 1977, that I was brutalised and tortured in Castlereagh RUC Interrogation Centre. The Diplock court system was exposed as the sentencing tribunals that they were set up to be. All of those, be they former political prisoners who suffered similar treatment, campaigners and those within the legal profession, can take some comfort in this decision. All of us have lifted the lid on the conveyer belt system,”said McCartney. On a personal note, McCartney pointed out that both his parents are still alive - unlike Eamonn MacDermott’s - and able to share the moment. “My thoughts are with them and also with the MacDermott family and my gratitude with all those who help us along the way,” said McCartney.
“I believe this decision will allow other former political prisoners to have their arrest, interrogation and Diplock trial examined. I urge them to contact a solicitor and explore the possibilities that I believe are now open to them.”