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IRA man's family mount DPP protest
THE sister of a Strabane dissident republican found dead in a Londonderry police cell in October, has told a local District Policing Partnership (DPP) meeting that his death should have been on its agenda.
Members of John Brady's family where joined by approximately 30 protestors at the DPP meeting at the Waterfoot Hotel in the Waterside.
Protestors wielded black flags and banners reading "Justice for John Brady" and "Death in custody, Strand Road, Guantanamo, Pretoria."
Mr Brady's sister Lorna told the meeting she felt her brother's death should have been on its agenda.
The Police Ombudsman is currently investigating the death in Strand Road police station in October.
Before the meeting got underway, Ms Brady told members of the DPP that the family was "still waiting for answers".
"We received a letter two nights ago from the Derry DPP, signed by Elisha McLaughlin, which was in our minds an arrogant attempt to prevent this protest.
"This letter attempted inadequately to identify with the concerns we have surrounding John's death.
"We as a family feel this letter was deeply offensive and contemptible, given that Elisha McLaughlin cold not even get the date of John's death correct," said Ms Brady.
Sinn Fin chair, Elisha McLaughlin, said she apologised to the family for the mistake.
"The intention of the Derry DPP was not to be offensive.
"We would like to offer our support to the family and we will await the outcome of the police report on this tragic death.
"We will be keeping a watch to ensure this report is both independent and impartial.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the Derry DPP for getting the date of John's death wrong," she said.
John Brady, 40, was arrested and taken to Strand Road on Friday October 2 in connection with an alleged assault.
He was found hanging the next day shortly after a visit from his solicitor.
A member of the IRA, Mr Brady was jailed for killing an RUC man during the Troubles, and released under the Good Friday Agreement.
Brady was released on licence under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 but his licence was revoked after his arrest for firearms offences in 2003
He was on weekend leave when he was arrested. He was due for release five weeks later.
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Weather for Londonderry
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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