Post by Wasp on Sept 7, 2009 10:38:06 GMT
NEWS of the arrest of former IRA hunger striker Brendan McLaughlin, pictured left, in connection with alleged indecent assault on young girls has sent shock*waves throughout the Republican community.
The 58-year-old Derry man is being investigated for the sexual assault of up to five
girls from the age of 12 to 15. The PSNI has con*firmed to the Sunday World that a man has been arrested, interviewed and released pending further investigation.
The Sunday World can also exclusively reveal that some of the victims are so traumatised by their ordeal they are reluctant to make a statement.
Officers are investigating claims that McLaughlin who defected to Republican Sinn Fein, bribed his victims with money, alcohol and cigarettes.
McLaughlin is one of the most respected living Republicans and his arrest is a devastating blow to his many friends and fellow political activists.
Bare
A police source has also exclusively revealed to the Sunday World that McLaughlin has also received a death threat believed to be from the INLA. In recent years he has been an outspoken critic of Sinn Fein and has joined the ranks of Republican Sinn Fein.
His hard line beliefs were laid bare in an exclusive interview with a reporter from this paper a number of months ago. He described Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness as "traitors" and called for a return to war.
"They're all sitting around laughing in Stormont, when there's still a war to fight," he said.
"Bring the war over there I say, hit the Brits on their own soil".
McLauglin is a close associate of controversial publicity officer for Republican Sinn Fein Richard Walsh.' The twenty-six year old is a frequent visitor to McLauglin's home and recently caused huge controversy by refusing to condemn the murders of two soldiers shot dead at the Massereene barracks describing the deaths a regrettable but inevitable "acts of war".
"In May of 1976 the British Crown Forces finally caught up with Brendan outside Greysteel. He was arrested along with his brother Michael. After nine months on remand in Crumlin Road he was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment for possession of a .22 rifle.
Brendan was initially housed in H2 upon his transfer to Long Kesh - where he immediately went on the Blanket protest. He was subsequently assaulted by the screws.
"Within a couple of months Brendan was transferred to H5, where he was III an adjoining cell to that of Joe McDonnell (who died taking part in the
hunger strike).
In May of 1981 Brendan replaced Francis Hughes on hunger strike.
"Roughly a week later he suffered a stomach ulcer and was removed to the prison hospital where Patsy O'Hara and Ray McCreesh lay dying.
Brendan was subsequently removed to the military wing of Musgrave Park hospital in Belfast. He was forced to come off hunger strike after fourteen days, having been given just 24-hours to live.
After a number of months under armed guard, Brendan was returned to the H-Blocks after the conclusion of the hunger strike.
"Brendan never took a visit whilst in Long Kesh. He was released on the 5th November, 1984, having served eight-and-a-half years owing to lost remission.
"In April of 1999 Brendan suffered a stroke, and has been confined to a wheel*chair ever since".
McLaughlin is divorced for over ten years and has two sons. His family are said to be devastated by the allegations.
Despite many efforts by*the Sunday World to contact Republican Sinn Fein they have refused to make a statement.
An email sent in error from an office worker to Richard Walsh is the only acknowledgement of our repeated attempts
"Richard, This came in this morning. Naturally I did not answer him!! I wouldn't make a comment to them to save my life!"
The 58-year-old Derry man is being investigated for the sexual assault of up to five
girls from the age of 12 to 15. The PSNI has con*firmed to the Sunday World that a man has been arrested, interviewed and released pending further investigation.
The Sunday World can also exclusively reveal that some of the victims are so traumatised by their ordeal they are reluctant to make a statement.
Officers are investigating claims that McLaughlin who defected to Republican Sinn Fein, bribed his victims with money, alcohol and cigarettes.
McLaughlin is one of the most respected living Republicans and his arrest is a devastating blow to his many friends and fellow political activists.
Bare
A police source has also exclusively revealed to the Sunday World that McLaughlin has also received a death threat believed to be from the INLA. In recent years he has been an outspoken critic of Sinn Fein and has joined the ranks of Republican Sinn Fein.
His hard line beliefs were laid bare in an exclusive interview with a reporter from this paper a number of months ago. He described Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness as "traitors" and called for a return to war.
"They're all sitting around laughing in Stormont, when there's still a war to fight," he said.
"Bring the war over there I say, hit the Brits on their own soil".
McLauglin is a close associate of controversial publicity officer for Republican Sinn Fein Richard Walsh.' The twenty-six year old is a frequent visitor to McLauglin's home and recently caused huge controversy by refusing to condemn the murders of two soldiers shot dead at the Massereene barracks describing the deaths a regrettable but inevitable "acts of war".
"In May of 1976 the British Crown Forces finally caught up with Brendan outside Greysteel. He was arrested along with his brother Michael. After nine months on remand in Crumlin Road he was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment for possession of a .22 rifle.
Brendan was initially housed in H2 upon his transfer to Long Kesh - where he immediately went on the Blanket protest. He was subsequently assaulted by the screws.
"Within a couple of months Brendan was transferred to H5, where he was III an adjoining cell to that of Joe McDonnell (who died taking part in the
hunger strike).
In May of 1981 Brendan replaced Francis Hughes on hunger strike.
"Roughly a week later he suffered a stomach ulcer and was removed to the prison hospital where Patsy O'Hara and Ray McCreesh lay dying.
Brendan was subsequently removed to the military wing of Musgrave Park hospital in Belfast. He was forced to come off hunger strike after fourteen days, having been given just 24-hours to live.
After a number of months under armed guard, Brendan was returned to the H-Blocks after the conclusion of the hunger strike.
"Brendan never took a visit whilst in Long Kesh. He was released on the 5th November, 1984, having served eight-and-a-half years owing to lost remission.
"In April of 1999 Brendan suffered a stroke, and has been confined to a wheel*chair ever since".
McLaughlin is divorced for over ten years and has two sons. His family are said to be devastated by the allegations.
Despite many efforts by*the Sunday World to contact Republican Sinn Fein they have refused to make a statement.
An email sent in error from an office worker to Richard Walsh is the only acknowledgement of our repeated attempts
"Richard, This came in this morning. Naturally I did not answer him!! I wouldn't make a comment to them to save my life!"
