DERRY and Strabane council has denied involvement in posters featuring its corporate logo demanding the release from prison of republican Tony Taylor.
It is understood the posters, using the council's logo and colour scheme, were put up in prominent sites in Derry and Strabane yesterday.
Taylor was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 1994 for IRA activity and again for three years in 2011 for possession of a rifle.
He was returned to prison in March 2016 after his early release licence was revoked by then secretary of state Theresa Villiers.
It is understood the posters were put up by supporters of the Derry man.
Last year the council passed a motion calling for his release and the poster boards carry wording similar to the motion, saying "This council calls for Tony's immediate release".
But in a statement issued last night, the council said “it did not commission or erect the posters”.
Derry and Strabane mayor Maolíosa McHugh visited Taylor in prison last year.
He reaffirmed his support for the campaign to have him freed last night.
“Tony Taylor has effectively been interned and I think he should be released,” he said.
“As for the use of the council logo that is a matter for the council and they will decide when and where it should be used.”
DUP councillor David Ramsey expressed concern about the use of the council logo, saying “there would be anger and disappointment because there is so much good work going on".
