A MAN charged in connection with an MI5 led operation aimed at the New IRA has been removed from a republican wing at Maghaberry after telling a court that "armed struggle" is "counter productive" and "unnecessary".
Joe Barr made the remarks during a High Court bail hearing in Belfast on Monday. However bail was refused.
It is understood Mr Barr was told he would not be remaining on Roe House, the unit in which republican inmates are held in the top-security Co Antrim facility, when he returned from the hearing.
Ciarán Shiels, of Madden and Finucane Solicitors, last night said his client was approached by another prisoner who told him to leave.
It is understood he has since moved to another area of the prison.
No threats are believed to have been made against the former Saoradh national executive member and Mr Shiels said his client described the exchange with the other prisoner as "cordial".
When asked about the "armed struggle" during the bail hearing he replied:“My position on it now is that it would be counter-productive and unnecessary for people who want a united Ireland.”
Mr Shiels said a fresh bail application will be made today.
"The gravamen of the application will be that there is a material change of circumstances in that any notional allegation of residual risk of committing further offences on bail must now be so nebulous in light of the fact that all links with Mr Barr have now been severed by Saoradh," he said.
Two of his co-accused, Paddy McDaid and Issam Bassalat, were granted bail in recent weeks.
Barr and nine others were arrested in August 2020 as part of Operation Arbacia.
McDaid was freed on bail last month when he told a court that he did not "advocate violence".
Dr Bassalat was granted bail last week due after suffering a second heart attack behind bars during his15 months in custody.
