Local Republicans then came up with the idea to paint a proper mural
Newry Republican Youth
"NEVER WILL THEY LABEL OUR LIBERATION STRUGGLE AS CRIMINAL"
Free Colin Duffy mural erected in Newry
Supporters of the Free Colin Duffy campaign today erected a 24ft long mural in the Derrybeg estate to show their support for Colin and his family. The National flag was also erected alonside the mural.
The mural which also highlights the continuation of Internment took 2 weeks to complete was erected by local Republicans.
There was initially a " FREE COLIN DUFFY" slogan on the fence, this was painted the night Colin was charged, sadly this was removed 2 weeks ago by unknown individuals.
Colin Duffy's family thank local Republicans
Colin's family would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this project. Newry Republicans have a long and distinguished history in their opposition to British rule in the Six Counties. Not only have those who erected this mural highlighted Colin's case but it is also a clear message that the present day form of internment by remand needs to be opposed.
As a result of this initiative by Republicans in Newry Colin's family call on Republicans in other areas to visibly highlight the plight of Republican prisoners throughout the Six Counties.
Colin's family intend to launch a high visibility campaign across the Six Counties over the coming weeks. Anyone wishing to assist in this campaign please contact the family directly or by clicking on the following link: Contact Us
http://friendsofcolinduffy.com/newrymural.aspx
COLIN DUFFY - A CASE OF TRIAL BY MEDIA
OPPOSE THE NEW FORM OF
INTERNMENT
In the immediate aftermath of the fatal shootings in Antrim and Craigavon, the media and some local politicians hysterically engaged in what can only be described as a frenzy of finger pointing and 'felon setting'.
As each politician and reporter attempted to outdo the comments of the other regarding who may have been responsible, a deliberate picture was painted that resulted in the media and politicians identifying those whom they alleged ought to be arrested. Our family member Colin was one of those and, in due course, the PSNI obliged.
Against such a background, Colin's arrest did not come as a major shock to us, his family. Due to the unsubstantiated comments made by sections of the media and by Stormont politicians, it was our great fear and worry that he would be 'set up' as a scapegoat. Our family's concerns and worries have been reinforced by two very important facts that both the media and politicians have failed to report or comment upon.
Firstly, Colin was visited at his home four days before his arrest by the PSNI to inform him that a threat had been made on his life. The PSNI photographed Colin at his front door. Why did the PSNI not arrest him then?
Secondly, following his arrest, Colin's legal representative was astounded to be informed that the arrest was "not based on evidence".
In the absence of any evidential basis for his arrest, it is clear that the PSNI had other sinister motivations for detaining him.
It is the view of his family that the PSNI's motivations are based upon sheer vindictiveness and also as a reaction to the media frenzy.
It was similar vindictiveness, spurred on by a hostile media, which led to the wrongful arrest and lengthy imprisonment of innocent people in the past such the Birmingham Six, the Maguire Family and the Guildford Four. More recently, we have witnessed, in the cases of Sean Hoey and Chris Ward exactly what the PSNI are capable of. How many more people will be wrongfully detained for prolonged periods of time under the new form of internment before someone says "Stop, not in my name'?
While the Duffy family are calling for Colin's release, we are fully aware that there are also others detained under the current British legislation which permits their detention for up to 28 days. We would like to take this opportunity to call for their immediate release also.
Colin has now been detained since Saturday 14th March. In an attempt to bring this 'farce' to an end, he is now refusing to take food in order to highlight the injustice he is suffering.
We have all been down this road before and know where it can end unless true leadership is shown.
Justice is a right. It is not a gift to be given or removed from citizens by a police force acting at the behest of local politicians and the media.
Please do whatever you can to ensure that Colin receives justice NOW!
STAND UP FOR JUSTICE
RELEASE COLIN DUFFY
NOW!