Roisin: The latest (same old) thinking of the Germans id EAA06054; Thu, 9 Oct 1997 04:35:46 -0400 "Boyle, Francis" Tue, 7 Oct 1997 08:40:19 -0500 Dear Friends: As you can see from the letter below, the German government has admitted and conceded that they were the ones who " asked that Roisin McAliskey be held in custody in order to ensure extradition." Hence, the continued detention of Roisin and Loinnir is the direct and immediate responsibility of the German government. And Britain is both jointly and severally liable with Germany for this gross violation of Roisin's basic human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. We must hold both Britain and Germany fully accountable for the terrible harm that they have both inflicted upon Roisin, Loinnir and the McAliskey Family. Francis A. Boyle Professor of International Law Board of Directors, Amnesty International USA (1988-92) Law Building 504 E. Pennsylvania Ave. Champaign, Ill. 61820 Phone: 217-333-7954 Fax: 217-244-1478 fboyle@law.uiuc.edu sent Tues Oct 7 1997 by Dr Alan Cheney[SMTP:chihowa@ix.netcom.com] A Chairde, I got the following letter by post from the German embassy in Washington. Notice how the Germans continue to maintain that they have a case and (at the same time) that Roisin's freedom depends entirely on the British. Alan P.S. The free faxes definitely seem to get answered more than email. Today I also got a letter from the NIO in Belfast in reply to my fax to Jack Straw regarding Colin Duffy. ________________________________________ Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Washington, September 17, 1997 Dear Mr Cheney: Thank you very much for the fax dated September 13, 1997. The German government very much understands the concerns of many people regarding the well-being of Roisin McAliskey and her child. On the basis of the investigations carried out in Germany, however, according to the independent judge at the Federal Supreme Court in Karlsruhe, there is still a well founded suspicion that Roisin McAliskey was actively involved in a serious terrorist crime in Germany. On appeal by the German attorney, a chamber of the Supreme Court reviewed and upheld the decision. Germany is interested in resolving as soon as possible the serious allegations raised against Roisin McAliskey in a court proceeding. For this reason, the German government requested her extradition from the British government in December 1996 and asked that Roisin McAliskey be held in custody in order to ensure extradition. A rapid clarification of the matter should also be in the interest of Roisin McAliskey, who maintains her innocence. It is solely the responsibility of the British side to decide on the extradition and further duration of Ms. McAliskey's detention, including the circumstances of detention and any release on bail. However, the German embassy is in touch with the British authorities about taking into account as much as possible Roisin McAliskey's special condition with regard to her imprisonment and the conditions of her imprisonment. The competent British authorities granted her attorney's request for temporary release so that the baby could be born in a normal hospital and Roisin McAliskey can keep the child with her. They furthermore assured us that the Prison Service has tried to ensure that she receives the same medical treatment as would be available to her if she were not in prison. In the meantime, the Higher Court of Justice has granted Roisin McAliskey release on bail under condition that she meet security requirements. As far as the German government is aware, the next committal hearing is scheduled for September 30, 1997. The German authorities are not involved in these decisions and cannot instruct the British prosecuting authorities in any way. However, the German authorities regret the prolonged court hearings and have pointed out that the German Government would appreciate a prompt and just court decision. I hope this clarification is of assistance to you. Sincerely [signed] Thomas Terstegen (Consul General) ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytire-10.09.97-04:35:47-5248