Northern Ireland

Tony Taylor issues prison statement calling for support

DERRY republican Tony Taylor has issued a statement from Maghaberry prison appealing for public support on the second anniversary of his return to jail.

In 2011, Mr Taylor was jailed for three years for possession of a rifle.

Following his release, in March 2016, then Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers revoked his licence.

He was previously sentenced to 18 years in jail in 1994 for IRA activity.

No formal charges have been laid against him since his re-arrest.

A campaign for his release has won support among nationalist politicians and has been formally supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Mr Taylor appealed to people to support a march and rally marking the anniversary of his return to prison this Saturday from Derry's courthouse to the city's Guildhall Square, starting at 2pm.

He said it was vital that as many people as possible attended it and similar events organised across Ireland.

"I have not been afforded a trial and remain imprisoned upon the word and secret evidence of the British state and intelligence agency MI5," he said.

Thanking all who backed calls for his release, Mr Taylor said that without that support he and his family would be alone in their campaign.