McGeough reported to have been arrested

UTV reported that the Press Association were saying independent republican candidate Gerry McGeough, interviewed by Mick here, has been arrested in connection to an investigation, presumably by the Historical Enquiries Team, of a 1981 murder attempted murder of a UDR member in 1981. I’ll add reports as they appear. Updated susan pointed to this BBC report which states – “Police said they were questioning a 46-year-old man over serious terrorist crime dating back several years.” Adds BBC now noting a second, linked, arrest in Aughnacloy. And BBC now has some comments from SF

Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew called for Mr McGeough’s release, describing the arrest as “political policing”. Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams also said Mr McGeough should be set free. “He was campaigning openly and attended one of our meetings. He should be released,” he said.

More From what I can gather, and Gerry Adams just referred to the arrests on RTÉ’s Prime Time, the man arrested in Aughnacloy appears to be, unlike Gerry McGeough, a member of SF. Last Update That would be the husband of a Sinn Féin councillor in Aughnacloy – Belfast Telegraph reportAccording to the BBC report

“Police became aware that this individual had re-entered the jurisdiction some time ago but it was not possible to effect an arrest immediately because of the complexity of the investigation and the need to recover and re-examine evidence dating back many years.

“Police acted as soon as the required operational processes had been completed and the appropriate resources were in place.

“The rationale for the arrest and its timing was based on the police obligation to investigate serious crime,” a PSNI statement said.

As he left the count centre..

And the second arrest?

From the Belfast Telegraph report

Sinn Fein MP for Fermanagh, South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew and Monaghan Sinn Fein councillor Brenda McAnespie described the arrests as “a disgraceful stunt”.

“Two of my constituents were arrested this evening,” said Ms Gildernew: “Gerry (McGeough) has been living openly in this constituency for some time, he’s a neighbour of mine, we live in the same townland and he could have been arrested at any time.

“I believe this is a stunt and it is an example of political policing and Gerry should be released immediately.

“Another constituent of mine was arrested in Aughnacloy. His house was raided, his sister was assaulted and on the warrant it said he was a dissident republican, which is absolutely not true. He is an active member of this party.

“This is one of the worst examples of political policing and the reason why we have to get rid of the people that are involved in creating this kind of mayhem on the day of an election.”

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