30/05/2013

Marian Price Released

Convicted IRA bomber Marian Price has been released after two years in prison.

The prominent republican was jailed in May 2011, when then Secretary of State Owen Paterson revoked her licence due to what he saw as an increased threat from Ms Price.

But the 58-year-old has been in Belfast City Hospital suffering from severe depression and respiratory problems, leading to calls for her release on human rights grounds.

She was convicted for her part in the bombing of the Old Bailey in 1973, in which one man was killed and 200 people were injured.

After her prison spell, she disappeared from the public eye, reemerging as an opponent of the Good Friday Agreement.

Parole Commissioners confirmed they would release her from custody today.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams welcomed today's decision.

"This is a much belated but welcome development. Marian was held without due process and has been very ill for most of this time," he said.

"She posed no threat and her continued detention undermined the justice system and the political process.

SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey added: "The independent decision of the Parole Commissioners is to be welcomed given her serious ill health. Ms Price can now return to her family and recuperate.

"This was never a case about politics, it had human rights at its centre and this and other cases, regardless of political viewpoint should be seen as a human rights issue.

"This will ensure that our society progresses to having a true human rights culture."

(IT/CD)

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