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Irish peace activist arrested by Israelis and held for days on trumped up charges
...
MAN HELD AS 'IRA BOMBER' TELLS OF ORDEAL
Jul 17 2003
By Naveed Raja
An Northern Irishman wrongly arrested by Israel on false charges of training Palestinian militants today told of his humiliating ordeal at the hands of security services.
Sean O Muireagain was stripped naked and blindfolded in the middle of a road before being imprisoned for five days on trumped up charges.
Israeli security authorities questioned him with allegations that he was a Real IRA bombmaker who had travelled to the West Bank to train Palestinian militants.
But Mr O Muireagain told how, after taking a lie detector test, Israeli authorities started to believe that he was a journalist in the Middle East on a humanitarian mission.
And describing his interrogation Mr O Muireagain, 42, said information the Israelis had about his family could only have been supplied by British security services.
Attacking his arrest, Mr O Muireagain said he had no links to the republican movement and went through his ordeal after a case of mistaken identity.
"Everybody seems to have taken their word and all of a sudden I was the bomber and now I'm an IRA man," he said.
"They just kept asking me about bombs and making bombs and training people to make bombs. I was flabbergasted.
"They still wouldn't let me talk to a solicitor and they still wouldn't let me see the British Consulate. I couldn't understand what was going on because I was totally in the dark."
Despite telling them he was in Israel with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which brings children from the Middle East to Belfast on exchange trips, he was held for three further days after Israeli security officials accepted that he was not a bomb-making mastermind.
They accepted his story after he agreed to undertake a lie detector test to prove his innocence.
He added: "It was about 20 to 30 questions and at the end they went 'Okay, so you're not the bomber, you must be something else'."
Mr O Muireagain put the blame for his ordeal at the door of the Israelis, He said they were trying to intimidate foreign nationals out of the West Bank in order to hide what their military were doing in Palestinian areas.
Jul 17 2003
By Naveed Raja
An Northern Irishman wrongly arrested by Israel on false charges of training Palestinian militants today told of his humiliating ordeal at the hands of security services.
Sean O Muireagain was stripped naked and blindfolded in the middle of a road before being imprisoned for five days on trumped up charges.
Israeli security authorities questioned him with allegations that he was a Real IRA bombmaker who had travelled to the West Bank to train Palestinian militants.
But Mr O Muireagain told how, after taking a lie detector test, Israeli authorities started to believe that he was a journalist in the Middle East on a humanitarian mission.
And describing his interrogation Mr O Muireagain, 42, said information the Israelis had about his family could only have been supplied by British security services.
Attacking his arrest, Mr O Muireagain said he had no links to the republican movement and went through his ordeal after a case of mistaken identity.
"Everybody seems to have taken their word and all of a sudden I was the bomber and now I'm an IRA man," he said.
"They just kept asking me about bombs and making bombs and training people to make bombs. I was flabbergasted.
"They still wouldn't let me talk to a solicitor and they still wouldn't let me see the British Consulate. I couldn't understand what was going on because I was totally in the dark."
Despite telling them he was in Israel with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which brings children from the Middle East to Belfast on exchange trips, he was held for three further days after Israeli security officials accepted that he was not a bomb-making mastermind.
They accepted his story after he agreed to undertake a lie detector test to prove his innocence.
He added: "It was about 20 to 30 questions and at the end they went 'Okay, so you're not the bomber, you must be something else'."
Mr O Muireagain put the blame for his ordeal at the door of the Israelis, He said they were trying to intimidate foreign nationals out of the West Bank in order to hide what their military were doing in Palestinian areas.
For more information:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/conte...
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Calling this event an arrest on "trumped up charges" is a rather bizarre description. If you look at all the other descriptions of what happened.
a) This was a misidentification based upon infromation supplied to Israel. In other words, the wrong "John Morgan" was arrested.
b) There does not appear to be much disagreement that the right "John Morgan" is sought by authorities all over the place.
c) Israel is not Cymru. Instead it's a part of the world where people going by the name John Morgan and roughly fitting some description are not particularly common. I haven't seen anything to indicate it was a "silly" mistake (OBVIOUSLY the wrong person, say grossly mismatching the description).
a) This was a misidentification based upon infromation supplied to Israel. In other words, the wrong "John Morgan" was arrested.
b) There does not appear to be much disagreement that the right "John Morgan" is sought by authorities all over the place.
c) Israel is not Cymru. Instead it's a part of the world where people going by the name John Morgan and roughly fitting some description are not particularly common. I haven't seen anything to indicate it was a "silly" mistake (OBVIOUSLY the wrong person, say grossly mismatching the description).
I don't see you volunteering to sit in an Israeli jail for a week!
What we also don't 'know'; are the statements made by the arresting officer to Morgan at the time of arrest, how he was arrested, the 'reasons' given at the time of arrest...
What was given however was 'brief' information (something, I'm sure John would have loved to have been wearing during questioning) on his interogation, the refusal by the police to believe an innocent man, and little more.
I'm sure more went on than was reported.
As an un-named (at his request!) confinement sargent recently stated: '...acts of torture are routinely performed... not because information is required, but while they can"
What we also don't 'know'; are the statements made by the arresting officer to Morgan at the time of arrest, how he was arrested, the 'reasons' given at the time of arrest...
What was given however was 'brief' information (something, I'm sure John would have loved to have been wearing during questioning) on his interogation, the refusal by the police to believe an innocent man, and little more.
I'm sure more went on than was reported.
As an un-named (at his request!) confinement sargent recently stated: '...acts of torture are routinely performed... not because information is required, but while they can"
See, MIke, it's really simple. Israel never ever ever can make a mistake, even if it's between two guys from the same place with the same name. No, it was all obviously a premeditated effort to solve the worlds's problems by holding an Irish journalist against his will for two days and then releasing him. This clearly struck a decisive blow at international terror.
If you don't see why this must clearly be an intentional act by Israel, and could not possibly have been a mixup between John Morgan and John Morgan, well then, you just don't hate Israel enough. Remember, this is Indybay, and by default empty allegations are taken as truth here, as long as they're sufficiently anti-Israel.
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If you don't see why this must clearly be an intentional act by Israel, and could not possibly have been a mixup between John Morgan and John Morgan, well then, you just don't hate Israel enough. Remember, this is Indybay, and by default empty allegations are taken as truth here, as long as they're sufficiently anti-Israel.
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I'm not critizing the making of a simple mistake, what I am critizing is lack of exbedition exhibited the police in this case and similar cases, as this is not the first time this happened.
I am also critizing use of de-humanizing methods of interrogation used by a 'perported' democratic country.
If these and similar cases were (and do!) to occur in Iran, Syria, or any other country - while expected are not aceptable either.
I am also critizing use of de-humanizing methods of interrogation used by a 'perported' democratic country.
If these and similar cases were (and do!) to occur in Iran, Syria, or any other country - while expected are not aceptable either.
It's funny that Israel, a country on the other side of the world, arrests someone, perhaps mistakenly, and holds him for a few days, and yet that's somehow considered "important" news and makes the Commentary section on this website, yet every day people in the United States get arrested for much more shady reasons and are treated a lot worse, yet such incidents receive almost no focus here.
In other words, the "peace activists" on the left care more about demonizing israel EVERY SINGLE WAY POSSIBLE than they do about what's happening in their own backyard.
Like 200,000 people have been mass-murdered in a certain country in Africa in the last few years. Why do the "peace activists" say NOTHING, EVER about that, but rant every day about the 2,000 dead palestinains these last two years, about half of whom were armed militants?
Very strange, this obsession with demonizing israel in ABSURDLY exaggerated fashion, placing israel under a microscope and NOT applying that same microscop to ANYPLACE else on earth, even places that are 500 times worse. Makes you wonder what the motives behind this are.......
In other words, the "peace activists" on the left care more about demonizing israel EVERY SINGLE WAY POSSIBLE than they do about what's happening in their own backyard.
Like 200,000 people have been mass-murdered in a certain country in Africa in the last few years. Why do the "peace activists" say NOTHING, EVER about that, but rant every day about the 2,000 dead palestinains these last two years, about half of whom were armed militants?
Very strange, this obsession with demonizing israel in ABSURDLY exaggerated fashion, placing israel under a microscope and NOT applying that same microscop to ANYPLACE else on earth, even places that are 500 times worse. Makes you wonder what the motives behind this are.......
an alliance of convenience.
The left look for causes where they can encourage the underdog to "fight the good fight" and "die for the cause".
The arab israeli conflict is a good one for this because the situation doesnt change much Usually the side that htey back keeps getting defeated or it gains power and embarrases them by turning out to be far worse.
From their perspective They can say "here is an example - like you - the underdog who is kept down by the rich capitalists" and use it to whip up support.
Not only that but it forges an alliance with very large constituances which would otherwise be beyond their reach the islamic comunity and the anti semetic comunity.
from the hamas etc side it is a 5th column within the people who they might consider an enemy which can be used to weaken their resolve and allow them to get more compromises. It also aids them in fundraising from their foreign donors by keeping the issue in the news in all the countries that donors might exist.
The left look for causes where they can encourage the underdog to "fight the good fight" and "die for the cause".
The arab israeli conflict is a good one for this because the situation doesnt change much Usually the side that htey back keeps getting defeated or it gains power and embarrases them by turning out to be far worse.
From their perspective They can say "here is an example - like you - the underdog who is kept down by the rich capitalists" and use it to whip up support.
Not only that but it forges an alliance with very large constituances which would otherwise be beyond their reach the islamic comunity and the anti semetic comunity.
from the hamas etc side it is a 5th column within the people who they might consider an enemy which can be used to weaken their resolve and allow them to get more compromises. It also aids them in fundraising from their foreign donors by keeping the issue in the news in all the countries that donors might exist.
I love u
I hope you will get better soon
my dear
I hope you will get better soon
my dear
Israel does not tolerate a free press, and you damn activists pose a threat to the carful illusion it has maintained through obedient media channels.
By reporting the truth, you will do immense harm to the illusion that Israel has imposed on all, and will render a threat to that illusion.
Truth has no place in todays Israel,
By reporting the truth, you will do immense harm to the illusion that Israel has imposed on all, and will render a threat to that illusion.
Truth has no place in todays Israel,
Here is what now 'appears' to be most of the story - while there are differences between the Israeli Governments Press Release, and the fact that Morgan was 'allowed' to depart Israel. There are also some major 'differences' between the many 'story' versions available on the internet.
One fact is certain: if John Morgan was in fact the John Morgan sought by British Authorities, he would not have been released. As having in the past spoken out against Israel, this John Morgan is himself 'un-desireable', and I'm sure, had this been known to Israeli Customs officials at the time of John's arrival he would have been denied entry.
The citations provided show Israel's Press Release, Background info on the John Morgans in question, and two follow-ups (pre-departure and post-arrival in Ireland).
More on the story:
Israel's Official Press Release
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0nkx0
July 16, 2003
Former IRA activist John Morgan leaves Israel
(Communicated by the GPO)
Former IRA activist John Morgan, today (Wednesday), July 16, 2003, returned to Ireland following his detention on July 12, 2003 by the Israel Security Agency (ISAO.
Morgan was detained on the basis of precise information which had been passed on to the ISA, to the effect that Morgan was a former IRA activist and still maintains links to the organization. Morgan's presence in Judea and Samaria and Israel had been monitored by the ISA.
Morgan stayed – inter alia – at the hostel where the terrorists who perpetrated the deadly April 30, 2003 bombing at Mike's Place in Tel Aviv had stayed, and in Jenin, Ramallah and Jerusalem.
Morgan admitted the foregoing to his ISA investigators and confessed that he had been involved in an armed robbery perpetrated by the IRA in the late 1980's and had served time in prison for his role in the robbery.
During his investigation, it became clear that he had not linked up with terrorist organizations in Judea and Samaria and had not perpetrated any terrorist acts. He underwent – inter alia – a polygraph examination and was found to be speaking the truth; therefore, he was released and has left Israel. For reasons that are self-evident, his investigation did not go into detail regarding his activities outside Israel.
It should be pointed out that the various media reports on this affair have not been at the behest of the ISA and contained numerous inaccuracies.
~~~~~~~~~~End of Press Release~~~~~~~~~
UK-Israel: Tip off from UK intelligence services leads to arrest and release of wrong man
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2003/jul/19israel.htm
Israel deports arrested Irishman
16/07/2003 - 1:56:52 pm
http://breaking.tcm.ie/2003/07/16/story106252.html
'I'm no terrorist' - Israel detainee
A Northern Ireland man who was held for questioning by authorities in Israel has arrived home to Belfast.
Thursday, 17 July, 2003
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3071631.stm
One fact is certain: if John Morgan was in fact the John Morgan sought by British Authorities, he would not have been released. As having in the past spoken out against Israel, this John Morgan is himself 'un-desireable', and I'm sure, had this been known to Israeli Customs officials at the time of John's arrival he would have been denied entry.
The citations provided show Israel's Press Release, Background info on the John Morgans in question, and two follow-ups (pre-departure and post-arrival in Ireland).
More on the story:
Israel's Official Press Release
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0nkx0
July 16, 2003
Former IRA activist John Morgan leaves Israel
(Communicated by the GPO)
Former IRA activist John Morgan, today (Wednesday), July 16, 2003, returned to Ireland following his detention on July 12, 2003 by the Israel Security Agency (ISAO.
Morgan was detained on the basis of precise information which had been passed on to the ISA, to the effect that Morgan was a former IRA activist and still maintains links to the organization. Morgan's presence in Judea and Samaria and Israel had been monitored by the ISA.
Morgan stayed – inter alia – at the hostel where the terrorists who perpetrated the deadly April 30, 2003 bombing at Mike's Place in Tel Aviv had stayed, and in Jenin, Ramallah and Jerusalem.
Morgan admitted the foregoing to his ISA investigators and confessed that he had been involved in an armed robbery perpetrated by the IRA in the late 1980's and had served time in prison for his role in the robbery.
During his investigation, it became clear that he had not linked up with terrorist organizations in Judea and Samaria and had not perpetrated any terrorist acts. He underwent – inter alia – a polygraph examination and was found to be speaking the truth; therefore, he was released and has left Israel. For reasons that are self-evident, his investigation did not go into detail regarding his activities outside Israel.
It should be pointed out that the various media reports on this affair have not been at the behest of the ISA and contained numerous inaccuracies.
~~~~~~~~~~End of Press Release~~~~~~~~~
UK-Israel: Tip off from UK intelligence services leads to arrest and release of wrong man
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2003/jul/19israel.htm
Israel deports arrested Irishman
16/07/2003 - 1:56:52 pm
http://breaking.tcm.ie/2003/07/16/story106252.html
'I'm no terrorist' - Israel detainee
A Northern Ireland man who was held for questioning by authorities in Israel has arrived home to Belfast.
Thursday, 17 July, 2003
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3071631.stm
Looks like the "story" is pretty simple -- you're trying to turn a mistake in to an ee-e-evil Zionist conspiracy for propaganda purposes, and the facts aren't letting you.
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Actually, I was only attempt to provide an update.
If you are attempting to seek an 'ulterior motive', I think that's your problem! Perhaps you should seek professional help...
If you are attempting to seek an 'ulterior motive', I think that's your problem! Perhaps you should seek professional help...
Nah, I think you made it clear enough what your motive is by what you did to the Oren story in that other thread and then tried to defend it.
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