NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE The United Nations Committee against Torture has expressed its regret that the United Kingdom continues to use non-jury Courts in Northern Ireland. The statement was contained in the latest comprehensive report by the CAT on the United Kingdom. Previously UN bodies have also condemned non-jury Court procedures and the Offences against the State Act operated by the Dublin government. This latest criticism means that in International terms the legitimacy north and south of non-jury courts in Ireland is questionable (the relevant section of the report is set out below): Non-Jury trials in Northern Ireland 13. The Committee notes with appreciation measures taken in Northern Ireland in the context of the security normalisation programme but regrets that the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 retains the possibility for the conduct of non-jury trials, despite the apparent consensus among a broad range of actors that the problem of juror intimidation in Northern Ireland still needs to be demonstrated (art. 2). The Committee recommends that the State party take due consideration of the principles of necessity and proportionality when deciding the renewal of emergency powers in Northern Ireland, and particularly non-jury trial provisions. It encourages the State party to continue moving towards security normalisation in Northern Ireland and envisage alternative juror protection measures. The full CAT report can be found here: (voir le site) J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information 01/06/13 For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact: General Secretary, Celtic League: gensec [at] celticleague.net The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query. ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues Internet site at: (voir le site)
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