CONDOLENCES HAVE BEEN paid to Gerry Conlon who died today, aged 60.
One of the Guildford Four, Conlon spent 14 years in prison for an IRA bombing that he played no part in.
He died this morning in Belfast after a prolonged illness.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore expressed his condolences on Conlon’s death.
He said he was saddened to hear of his death and wanted to send his condolences to his family and friends.
Mr Conlon suffered a grave miscarriage of justice along with his father Giuseppe, Paul Hill, Carol Richardson and Paddy Armstrong.In later years Gerry drew from his experiences to campaign on behalf of others with the group Miscarriages of Justice Organisation.His loss will be felt both within the community in West Belfast and across the world with all those who work in pursuit of justice.
Miscarriage of Justice
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams also expressed his “shock and deep sadness” at news.
Gerry Adams said:
Gerry Conlon and his father Giuseppe were two of the most infamous examples of miscarriages of justice by the British political and judicial system.Their story was told graphically in the film ‘In the name of the father’.To his family and friends I want to extend my sincere condolences.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Brendan Smith said he wanted to offer his condolences on behalf of himself and the Fianna Fáil party.
“Gerry was the subject of a deeply unjust miscarriage of justice but his dignity and grace during his detention and upon his release resonated with families all over Ireland and around the world,” he said.
Gerry campaigned tirelessly on behalf of people who had suffered similar injustices and he was also known throughout the world for his work with Miscarriages of Justice Organisation.
Read: Gerry Conlon, one of the Guilford Four, dies aged 60>
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