Alleged mistreatment of County Derry republican prisoner described as 'inhumane'

A local councillor has described the alleged mistreatment of a republican prisoner in Maghaberry jail as 'inhumane'.

Dermot Burke, from Drum Road in Dungiven, was remanded in custody after he appeared in court in January accused of belonging or professing to belong to a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.

Burke is also accused of possessing a handgun with intent to cause a person to fear unlawful violence would be used against them and of possessing a weapon, namely an iron bar, on Main Street in Dungiven.

He is one of two men accused of charges arising from an incident which is alleged to have taken place in a number of bars in the north Derry town on January 19.

Last month, the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association said that Burke was on dirty protest in an attempt to be moved to Republican Roe House.

A spokesperson for the Association said: “The regime at Maghaberry have used the tactics of ambiguity and lies, not only with Dermot, but with others who have challenged the delay in moving Dermot to Roe House.”

The spokesperson also revealed that IRPWA representatives had attempted to contact the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown asking him to intervene.

Last night, Sinn Féin Councillor Sean McGlinchey said that Burke, who is in isolation, has not been allowed any visits from family members since he was remanded.

He also claims that the accused has been scanned up to 18 times by a x-ray body scanner and has been refused independent medical treatment.

Councillor McGlinchey also claims that prison staff last week refused to accept clean clothes brought to the prison for Burke by his solicitor.

“It's a disgrace that this is happening in this day and age – it's scandalous and it's inhumane,” he said.

“Dermot has been scanned 18 times and on each occasion he has been told that something is showing up on the scanner yet they won't say what it is. Mediators have asked what it is that's showing up but there is silence from the prison.

“Dermot's family have been suffering as a result of this as they are being denied their visits. Dermot should not be treated this way and his family should not be treated this way. He has his rights – you're innocent until you are proven guilty.

“This treatment is uncalled for and is causing conflict within the community and I am now calling on the Justice Minister to review the situation.”

When contacted, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said: “NI Prison Service does not comment on individual prisoners.”