15/07/2003

Israeli radio says Belfast man's arrest was a 'mistake'

An Israeli radio station has reported that the arrest of a Northern Ireland man by security forces was a "mistake".

The radio station, the Voice of Israel external service in Jerusalem, reported that the arrest of west Belfast man Seán O Muireagáin could be a "case of mistaken identity".

Mr O Muireagáin, 40, was arrested near Ramallah at the weekend. There have been calls for his release after it was claimed that he is in Israel on cultural exchange project mission.

However, a daily Irish language newspaper has also claimed Mr O Muireagáin was working for them as its correspondent.

Israel refused a request by the Foreign Office for the British consul to visit a Northern Ireland man. However, a fresh request has been made.

Mr O Muireagáin's family have already expressed their concern after they were unable to get confirmation from the British or Irish Embassy to say that their son had been arrested.

Mr O Muireagáin was arrested on Saturday by Israeli security forces reportedly acting on information from UK security services.

(MB)

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