We
wish to draw your attention to several issues of concern:-
The
request for extradition was signed by Condoleezza Rice on 21st
November 2008. There is no doubt in our minds
that this represents a vindictive act by the outgoing discredited Bush/Cheney administration.
At a time of much hope and optimism that the election of Barack Obama heralds a new and more open approach to international relations and human rights standards in particular, one can only conclude that this was
only one of probably many attempts by the outgoing administration to frustrate a new beginning by Obama and his team.
Sean’s
medical wellbeing is a matter of grave concern to us. In October 2005 the Belfast court, in recognition of his ill health, allowed him to
return to Dublin to receive urgent
medical treatment. His situation has worsened since then. As well as suffering from diabetes and angina, he has developed bowel and prostate cancer since 2005, for
which he is receiving continuing treatment. This continuing persecution
of a 75 year-old man, in very poor health, is an affront to any sense of humanity.
On
a political, humanitarian, moral, legal and human rights basis the request for Sean’s extradition is an affront to common standards of decency. A continuation
of these unjust proceedings represents a serious threat to Sean Garland’s health and wellbeing. One further point we
would make concerns the very bitter and indeed vindictive manner in which the state solicitors’ office are pursuing
this case. In particular we would mention their callous attitude to the question of bail. At the behest of the state solicitor
and the Gardaí the judge imposed very restrictive and punitive conditions viz:
Not
to commit any offence and to be of good behaviour while on bail.
(1) That you undertake to surrender your passport to An Gardai Siochana and undertake not to apply for
a new passport in any version of your name.
(2) Deed of your house at in Co. Meath to be retained by your solicitor MacGeehin Toale.
(3) That you reside at your home in Co. Meath and notify Gardai if any change on seven days’ notice.
(4) That you sign on daily at Navan Garda Station between 9am-9pm, if any change notify Gardai on 48 hours’
notice.
(5) Mr. Garland to provide his mobile phone number to An Gardaí Siochana, to carry said mobile at all
time and keep it charged.
www.seangarland.org
defendseangarland@gmail.com
