Letter: Jailed IRA suspect and her baby

Sir: We wish to express our dismay at the refusal, yet again, to grant bail to Roisin McAliskey

It is impossible to imagine a justification for keeping an asthmatic, pregnant young woman in conditions which include being strip-searched twice daily, as well as before and after visits, in which in any case physical contact is precluded.

We concur in Amnesty's judgement that any arrangement resulting in a separation of mother and baby following the birth would amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment for both.

We urge the Home Secretary to act immediately to ensure a humane outcome in this tragic case.

The Rev Professor PATRICK HANNON

Chairman

Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

Dublin