Brendan Lillis: Amnesty International and politics
July 27, 2011
In a human rights campaign of Amnesty International, Justice Minister Ford of Northern Ireland (Alliance Party) ‘voted for Justice’…
Is this a justice whereby he let die a very sick man as Brendan Lillis in prison because he don’t want that this man dies at home ?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amnestyni/5431047906/in/set-72157626011181898/
David Ford Alliance Party MLA for South Antrim
www.flickr.com
David Votes for Justice for Victims of Trafficking and Institutional Child Abuse in Northern Ireland and support for victims of injustice abroad. More details on the campaign: www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11993
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Brendan Lillis is a republican political prisoner currently being held captive in Maghaberry Gaol for taken …part… in PIRA activity back in the 70’s. The initial robbery charges against Brendan that led to his licence being revoked in 2009 have since been withdrawn. Brendan suffers from a condition known as “Ankylosing Spondylitis” and has been confined to bed for the past two years, and giving only a short time to live, he weighs just under 5 stone.
The commissioners said today that they still consider Brendan as a ‘danger to the public’. The statement comes after weeks of protests and hunger strikes, and after several activists were arrested as a ‘dissident’.
There is no reason what so ever as to why the British State should continue to hold this seriously ill man captive any longer. Please come along and show your support for Brendan and demand his immediate release.
More info:
– Friends of Brendan Lillis
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillis?ref=ts
– Roisin Lynch speaking for the release of her partner Brendan Lillishttp://youtu.be/lrVDu_fnKtE
Photos: Minister Ford – Brendan Lillis, dying
prisons of shame 
July 27, 2011 at 10:31 am
Our action continues.
Yesterday: There will be a vigil in support of Brendan Lillis in the garngad (royston) Glasgow on friday night at 7.00pm royston road shops.all are welcome and this is organised by republicans from all political agendas.please try and make it along and hope to see you there,please spread the word
Yesterday: Any one in dublin 2moro protest 4 brendans immediate release at 5:30pm at the department of foregin affairs,if around please come out and show your support,it now seems brendan thinks he is a burden,let us show them and him it is sumthing he could never ever be…..one love
July 27, 2011 at 10:36 am
Our action continues.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petitionspot.com%2Fpetitions%2FreleaseBrendylilli&h=TAQACdoFo
Release Brendan Lillis Now!
February 8, 2011
Brendan Lillis (59) is a former Political Prisoner who served a lengthy sentence behind bars for Republican activities. He was released from Long Kesh in 1994 and returned to his West Belfast home.
In October, 2009, Brendy was again arrested in connection with an attempted robbery in County Derry. Within hours of his arrest, the British Secretary of State revoked his Life Sentence licence and he was returned to gaol.
Last month, the High Court in Belfast decided that Brendy should not stand trial and all charges were dropped against him. Despite the ruling, he remains in the prison hospital at Maghaberry Gaol. He suffers from a chronic medial condition called, ankylosing spondylitis which cause the spine to fuse.
At present, he is confined to bed and his condition has taken a turn for the worst. His weight has also plummeted to six stone and his state is causing huge concern to his friends and family.
The Friends of Brendan Lillis is a support group. Our primary aim is to have Brendy immediately released to ensure he recieves the proper medical attention he deserves. His continued imprisonment is wrong and we call for his release on humanitarian grounds.
By Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillisgroups.facebook.com
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There are now 1,334 signatures.
July 27, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Our actions continue…
Off irishrepublican.net about a protest tonight:
Dublin protest for brendan lillis outside department foreign affairs stephens green
Stepping up campaign for Brendan Lillis release in Dublin
Hitting the department of foreign affairs at 80 St.Stephens Green at half 5
This is the office of taniste Eamon Gilmore
Neutral placards will be available, leaflets to be distributed and a petition for Brendans release to be handed in person by participants.
All welcome for this peaceful protest being held for humanitarian reasons.
Dont let Brendan die, do your part !
July 27, 2011 at 1:01 pm
The media…
Roisin Lynch, partner of Brendan Lillis who is dying in the Maghaberry prison of Northern Ireland, will come tomorrow at 9AM on the ‘Nolan Show’ of BBC Ulster.
Contact the Show (‘Nolan Show’, Shamus):
By Text
By Phone
By Email
81771
08459 55 56 78
nolan@bbc.co.uk
On BBC radio Ulster today, Sinn Féin was speaking about the Brendan Lillis case.
BBC Radio Ulster Programmes – The Nolan Show
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007cpsh
July 27, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Actions…
Glasgow Friends Of Brendan Lillis – There will be a Vigil held in Garngad (Royston), starting 7.0 pm on Friday night at the Square outside the Post Office, off Royston Rd. Thanks to Joe Chambers for filling me in with the details, please note this is for all Republican supporters , and it is asked not to bring political banners, but any other banners are strongly encouraged.
July 27, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Events and protests:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillis#!/groups/Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillis?view=doc&id=176813255718572
July 27, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Events and Protests:
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Italian protest for Brendan Friday at 10am Via XX Settembre.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186060028124988
Protesta per la libertà di Brendan Lillis
Location: Via Xx Settembre – ROMA
Time: Friday, 29 July 2011 10:00
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PUBLIC RALLY FOR MAGHABERRY POWs – SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2011, @ 2.OOPM, ASSEMBLE AT DUNVILLE PARK, BELFAST
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=260281337321518
PUBLIC RALLY FOR MAGHABERRY POW’s
Location: Belfast.
Time: Saturday, 30 July 2011 06:00
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FREE BRENDAN LILLIS PROTEST IN LONDON SATURDAY 30TH JULY. ALL MEET KINGS CROSS AT 11AM
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RELEASE BRENDAN LILLIS PROTEST DROGHEDA: Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:00
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151621344912885
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John O Connor
Any one in dublin 2moro [think that’s now today Wednesday] protest 4 brendans immediate release at 5:30pm at the department of foregin affairs,if around please come out and show your support,it now seems brendan thinks he is a burden,let us show them and him it is sumthing he could never ever be…..one love
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Joe Bhoy
Glasgow Friends Of Brendan Lillis – There will be a Vigil held in Garngad (Royston), starting 7.0 pm on Friday night at the Square outside the Post Office, off Royston Rd. Thanks to Joe Chambers for filling me in with the details, please note this is for all Republican supporters , and it is asked not to bring political banners, but any other banners are strongly encouraged.
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Darren Madden
Stepping up campaign for Brendan Lillis release in Dublin
Hitting the department of foreign affairs at 80 St.Stephens Green at half 5
This is the office of taniste Eamon Gilmore
Neutral placards will be available, leaflets to be distributed and a petition for Brendans release to be handed in person by participants.
All welcome for this peaceful protest being held for humanitarian reasons
Dont let Brendan die, do your part
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Caroline Kelly
MONDAY PROTEST IN DUBLIN:
There will be a small protest for brendan lillis outside the british embassy in dublin tonight at 6pm,
anyone who can turn up please do so, also anybody who has free brendan lillis posters if they could bring them along would be helpful,
the protest is to be non-political so no organisational banners or posters as has been requested by the family.
this protest in know way effect tommorows protest outside the NI tourist office which will go ahead as planned
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Jan Boeykens
TUESDAY: PROTEST IN DUBLIN…
The notice for the protest for Brendan Lillis in Dublin is for this coming Tuesday. All in or near Dublin, please attend:
Independent Protest – Release Brendan Lillis
Tuesday 12:00pm at Suffolk St, Dublin, “Northern Ireland” …Tourist Office
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Caroline Kelly
Protests scheduled are: Monday in Dublin, Tuesday in Dublin, Wednesday in Drogheda and Saturday in London. If anybody knows about other protests scheduled for the Release of Brendan Lillis, please add the information in the comments here.
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Caroline Kelly
WEDNESDAY PROTEST IN DORGHEDA:
RELEASE BRENDAN LILLIS PROTEST
Location: DROGHEDA
Time: 7:00PM Wednesday, July 27th
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Caroline Kelly
SATURDAY PROTEST IN LONDON:
Stevie Miler
FREE BRENDAN LILLIS PROTEST IN LONDON SATURDAY 30TH JULY. ALL MEET KINGS CROSS AT 11AM. INBOX FOR MORE DETAIL
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You, Peter Van Ooijen and Thomas Diver like this.
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Caroline Kelly
TUESDAY PROTEST IN DUBLIN:
The notice for the protest for BL in Dublin is for this coming Tuesday. All in or near Dublin, please attend:
Independent Protest – Release Brendan Lillis
Tuesday 12:00pm at Suffolk St, Dublin, “Northern Ireland” …Tourist Office
Brendan Lillis is a republican political prisoner currently being held captive i…
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Caroline Kelly
Here is a notice of a protest on July 27th, at 7:00 pm.
RELEASE BRENDAN LILLIS PROTEST
Location: DROGHEDA
Time: 7:00PM Wednesday, July 27th
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillis#!/groups/Friends.Of.Brendan.Lillis?view=doc&id=176813255718572
July 27, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Politicians:
Email of Paul Murphy
Following approaches from friends and family of Mr Brendan Lillis, a prisoner in Maghaberry prison, who is close to death, Socialist Party MEP for Dublin, Paul Murphy, is appealing to Northern Ireland Justice Minister, Mr David Ford, to intervene with a view to allowing Mr Lillis to spend his last weeks at home on humanitarian grounds.
“Mr Lillis was a former republican prisoner who was released in 1993 but who’s licence was revoked in 2009. However, the judge who was to hear the charges relating to the incident which led to the revoking of Mr Lillis’ licence, determined that he was too ill to stand trial for those charges.
“Mr Lillis is currently being held in Maghaberry Prison and has been confined to his bed for nearly two years as a result of a severely debilitating medical condition called ankylosing spondylitis. The worsening of Mr Lillis’ condition has made it very difficult for him to eat, causing his weight to drop to five stone and he has now been diagnosed with anorexia. Reportedly, Mr Lillis’ doctors now believe he has only weeks to live.
“The decision by the Parole Commissioners to refuse to release Mr Lillis appears to be based on their belief that Mr Lillis still poses “a danger to the public.” This is manifestly not the case given Mr Lillis’ severe medical condition. I again appeal that, on humanitarian grounds, Mr Lillis should be released so as to spend his remaining time with his close family.”
ENDS
For further comment – Paul Murphy MEP: 086 1688050
(Source: Tomas Crowley)
July 27, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Politics – Personal viewpoint – Search for a political solution…
I am convinced that the political parties which supported Ford to become Justice Minister and have signed a political agreement, decided that Brendan has to die in prison to keep the political unity within the government. But the leaders of Sinn Féin have to understand that it is unacceptable for the republican people which have voted for them. They have to find a human solution for Brendan before he dies in prison.
The leaders of government have to see that the Brendan case is not a fight between them and the so called ‘dissidents’. It is on the first place a human issue. And the question is: ‘Can we, leaders of the political parties who are part of the government coalition (and who are elected by the people), let die someone in prison to keep our political unity ?’ Is that political correct ?
But I also think that the politicians have as soon as possible to discuss the conditions in the Northern Irish prisons (many complaints, 5 deaths during the past months in the Maghaberry prison). There must, on the longer term, also find a solution for the political prisoners (and their families).
That is my political vison on the situation. And I will send my proposals to the representants of the political parties. They can not neglect my proposals if they will not undermine themselves.
We have to continue our actions. But at the same time, I want to give the politicians also a possibility to find a human solution for Brendan. That’s why I will offer them my personal proposals.
July 27, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Open Letter to Justice Minister Ford:
Dear Mr David Ford,
My name is Nadine Meenan, I know this means nothing to you, but i am a 21 year old woman from Derry. I have lately become aware of the issue with Brendan Lillis. I am completely horrified by the images I have seen of this man and the words i have heard from his partner and the many other people involved with this campaign. I wish to ask that you may reconsider the decision to keep Brendan in Maghaberry Prison. Im sure you love your family very much Mr Ford and i believe truly that you would never wish to watch any of your family suffer, so i need to as why you feel it is morally standing to allow a member of someone else’s family suffer as Brendan is suffering?
Brendan can no longer walk, talk, eat nor drink. He poses no threat to any member of community, this man deserves to be treated with some form of respect as does his family, we do not ask for much with our request to have him brought home to spend his finally days with the people who love him, it is a hard enough time to watch a loved one die, we have all experienced that pain. But under no circumstances should anyone have to watch as a loved one suffered, this I would not wish on my worst enemy.
This year although I am sure does not mean much to you, is the 30th anniversary of the hunger strike of 1981, this has never been forgotten and these men are remembered till this day and these men’s deaths caused an uproar world wide, if Brendan is not released his death will have a similar impact, as already in Ireland and countries all over the world people are protesting for the human rights of Brendan Lillis, these people, myself included do not want any harm or any wrong to be inflicted on to any person all we want is for the Brendan and his family to have the time together every person deserves at a time like this.
Human rights is for everyone, no matter the person no matter the deeds they may have done, we are equals in this world and we all have our day to day lives and we have people we care about, we are all very similar people, no better no worse than the person next to us and we all deserve the up most best in life, Brendan on the other hand doesn’t seem to be given that right, he is being left to suffer, an animal would have been put down along time ago so why is a human being left to suffer an agonising death? I have to ask one thing and I hope you think about it everyday of your life, its a simple thing WHAT HAPPENED TO PROTECTING THE HUMAN?
If Brendan dies within the walls of Maghaberry Prision, in pain, afraid and alone, I hope you re fully prepared to accept the responsibility of that and live the rest of you life carrying the weight of not just Brendan.. but his family, his friends and the people of Ireland and the many people world wide protesting for his release. This man is no threat to you nor to any other person, he isnt a dangerous man, he is a dying crippled man, a shadow of the man he once was. Put aside all opinions you have and just look at Brendan and grant him the humanity he derserves.
Thank you,
Nadine Meenan
July 27, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Support:
”On behalf of Michael McKevitt and the Michael McKevitt Justice Campaign we wish to pledge our support for the immediate release of Brendan Lillis on humanitarian grounds.”
Signed: Bernadette Sands McKevitt and Marcella Sands
‘We have added many new members from Croatia today. Thanks to the people of Croatia for supporting the release of Brendan Lillis.’
July 27, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Open Letter
Subject: Letter
From: Alison Mason
To: private.office@dojni.x.gsi.gov.uk; david@davidford.org; david.ford@MLA.niassembly.gov.?uk;
Cc:
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:02:36
Dear Mr. David Ford,
I am writing to ask if you would reconsider your decision on Brendan Lillis to be released on compassionate and humanitarian grounds or ask the Parole Commissioners to reconsider. Brendan Lillis is a very ill man that cannot stand or even get up from out of his bed, cannot walk and never will, he is very underweight, he cannot eat or drink, he is bedridden, he is going blind, and is in a lot of pain. If he was to be released from Maghaberry Prison then he would be confined to his bed in his home with his partner Roisin to look after him for his last remaining days he has left. I know you have concerns about him being a danger to the public, but the majority of the public do want him to be released for humane reasons. He couldn’t harm anyone even if he wanted to because of his current illness and the condition that he is in at present. Emotions are running high over this and if you have a heart and soul you will do the right thing by the people here in the north including all across Ireland and all over the world, who are just asking you to do the right thing and that is release Brendan Lillis before it is too late to do so. If it was a member of your family, who was in a dying position in a prison, who could not harm anyone if released, I am sure you would want he/she to be released on compassionate grounds regardless of what the person has done currently or in the past to be in prison in the first place. This is not a dissident or political thing; it is purely a humanitarian situation for a dying man to spend his last remaining days at home with his immediate family around him. I wouldn’t have thought that this was too much to ask.
Kind Regards,
July 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Contact Justice Minister Ford:
http://www.davidford.org/contact/
This is direct contact site emails etc direct to David ford private office
July 27, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Interview with Roisin Lynch, partner of Brendan Lillis:
The interview I did with Roisin is now on line. Hope you find it of interest? http://www.myspace.com/streetvoiceuk/blog/543743186
Roisin Lynch (Free Brendan Lillis Campaign) Interviewed – August 2011 by Street Voice UK on Myspace
http://www.myspace.com
Read Roisin Lynch (Free Brendan Lillis Campaign) Interviewed – August 2011 by Street Voice UK on Myspace. Social entertainment powered by the passions of fans.
July 27, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Hungerstrike:
What happened at milltown camp (Camp Lillis)?
As Roisin said she and many others, including a lot of our young people went on hunger strike from 12 midday thurs to 10am Mon and succsessfully highlighted the issue of Brendans condition to the world media. The camp brought people of all persuasions (and none) to stand shoulder to shoulder to demand Brendans immediate release. thousands of signatures were collected, local bars/shops and members of the public gave there support in kind and in donations and to thoes who did – we are very grateful. The campaign is growing day by day. Keep up the good fight!
Catherine McHugh
July 27, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Political reactions:
Speaking today Mr Maskey said:
“The decision taken by the Life Sentence Review Commission not to release Brendan Lillis was the wrong decision and we made this clear to the Justice Minister pressing on him the need to overturn this decision andrelease Brendan Lillis immediately.
“David Ford listened to our concerns and stated that he was awaiting legal advice on this case. This advice needs to come as a matter of urgency.
“Brendan Lillis is currently critically ill, to ill to stand trial. He is currently 5stone 5lbs in weight and while this legal advice is awaited his health could deteriorate further.
“The continued imprisonment of Brendan Lillis does not serve the public interest and he should be released now on humanitarian grounds.”
July 31, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Jan Boeykens created a Page.
Free Brendan Lillis
We start this group for the release of Brendan Lillis, who is dying in the Maghaberry prison of Northern Ireland. The decision to let him die in prison is a political decision.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Brendan-Lillis/144821105600808#!/pages/Free-Brendan-Lillis/144821105600808?sk=wall
August 7, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Media
‘A spokesman from the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland said they could not comment on individual case’….
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Gravely ill prisoner Brendan Lillis is denied jail release
By Connla Young
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
The partner of a seriously ill man convicted of possessing explosives over 30 years ago has told of her disappointment after parole officers failed to overturn a decision to revoke his early release licence.
Belfast woman Roisin Lynch held a four-day hunger strike along with supporters last week to highlight the plight of her partner Brendan Lillis.
The west Belfast man is currently being treated in the hospital wing of Maghaberry prison for Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine.
The 59-year-old’s partner Roisin Lynch says the former IRA man has been confined to bed for almost two years and has been given just days to live by doctors.
Mr Lillis was sentenced to life in 1977 on explosives charges and served almost 16 years of that sentence before being released on licence in 1992.
After his arrest on unrelated charges in 2009 he was told he would have to serve the rest of his original life sentence.
All new charges against Mr Lillis, who weighs just five stone, were shelved last year because he was deemed too unwell to stand trial.
Ms Lynch says she was told yesterday that parole commissioners, who met with Mr Lillis last week, have decided he should remain behind bars.
She said: “They have turned him down for release because they believe he still poses a danger to the public. They’ll now look at the wider picture, the medical aspect of his case. I met him yesterday and broke the news to him. He’s devastated, he just can’t take it.”
A spokesman from the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland said they could not comment on individual case.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/gravely-ill-prisoner-brendan-lillis-is-denied-jail-release-16028492.html