The Celtic League is continuing to press the Irish government over the situation of Michael Campbell being held in Lithuania. The Lithuanian prison system has an appalling record and has been criticised by the Council of Europe prison 'watchdog' the CPT.

"Micheál Martin TD Minister for Foreign Affairs

18/11/08

Dear Micheál Martin TD

Concern for Michael Campbell,

I am writing to express concern about the wellbeing of Irishman, Michael Campbell, who is currently being held in prison in Lithuania.

Mr Campbell was arrested, as part of an entrapment operation, involving British Intelligence operatives and the Lithuanian police, in Vilnius on January 2008, for possibly buying cigarettes with the intention of selling them abroad. He has also been accused of being involved in arms purchases for the Real IRA. Mr Campbell has not yet been formally charged for any offence and we are aware that under Lithuanian law he can be detained as such for up to 18 months.

Our primary concern with Mr Campbell's detention is the poor conditions that he is purportedly being kept under. He has to share a small cell with three other prisoners, with which he has to share one 'hole in the ground' toilet and is locked up for the biggest part of the day. Moreover Mr Campbell has been prevented from seeing or speaking with members of his family (in contrast to his other fellow prisoners), who have even been prevented from attending one of his court remands.

Mr Campbell's case is receiving high profile media attention in Lithuania and it seems clear that there are domestic and international political considerations affecting the judicial process and his fair and equal treatment. As you know the Lithuanian criminal justice system has been heavily criticised in the past by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) and we would like your department to intervene on Mr Campbell's behalf to ensure that he is given a fair trial according to EU law and that none of his rights as an Irish citizen are infringed upon.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary

CC

Mr Eugenijus GEFENAS, CPT Member in respect of Lithuania"

See related articles on Celtic News at:

(voir le site) (voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 19/11/08

• Emmanuel Grégoire et l’abbé Macron  par David Grosclaude le 23/11/2024
• Pays de Redon. La Bogue d’or, rendez-vous du « génie populaire » par Le blog de paul Molac le 05/11/2024
• Catherine Vautrin en Corse : Régions et Peuples Solidaires appelle l’Etat à enfin aboutir sur l'autonomie par RPS le 25/10/2024
• Gouvernement Barnier : des nominations inquiétantes par RPS le 24/09/2024
• Quelle future gouvernance en France ? par Marcel Berrou le 08/07/2024
• Après deux cycles de trois ans du Parlement de Bretagne réveillé, voici venir le troisième cycle ! par KAD le 01/07/2024
• Résolution pour la Réunification de la Bretagne à la XIXème Assemblée Générale de l'UNPO à Munich, les 11 et 12 mai 2024 : par KAD le 07/05/2024
• TER Nouvelle Aquitaine : quelle honte !   par David Grosclaude le 18/04/2024
• Les Braises de la Rencontre, le 5 mai 2024, sur le parc de sculptures mémorial de MAB Koad Sav Pell ! par MAB, Musée Archipel Breton le 16/04/2024
• Koun Breizh s’indigne : Non ! les festoù-noz ne sont pas des lieux réservés aux « attardés » ! par Koun Breizh - Bertaign Tenant - Mémoire-de-Bretagne le 07/01/2024