Detention by PSNI beyond normal periods not acceptable
Commenting after the PSNI sought permission from the courts to extend the detention of a number of people arrested after the murder of Ronan Kerr beyond the normal period, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Alex Maskey said that the PSNI it was not acceptable that people were being held for periods beyond human rights best practice.
Mr Maskey said:
“There are currently a number of people being detained by the PSNI for periods extending beyond human rights best practice. This is not acceptable.
“Everyone has the right to basic human rights protections. If there is evidence which exists against somebody, then that person should be charged and the evidence put before the courts. If no such evidence exists then that person should be released. That is the democratic standard which must be adhered to.
“If confidence is to continue to be built in policing and the good work of recent years consolidated, then it is crucial that the PSNI demonstrate a willingness to uphold the highest standards of human rights protections.
“Anyone with any information about the murder of Ronan Kerr should bring it forward to the PSNI.”
