Call for treatment of Iraq prison victims in Ireland

The founder of the Irish Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Survivors has called on the Government to help treat the Iraqi prison…

The founder of the Irish Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Survivors has called on the Government to help treat the Iraqi prison abuse victims in Ireland.

"I call on the Government to organise treatment for Iraqi torture survivors here in Ireland, we have the facilities and support networks already set up," , Dr Chris Neilson said.

Dr Nielson, a former South African political prisoner, said the abuse of the Iraqi prisoners was an "appalling violation of human rights" and added that it was strictly condemned by international law.

"The act of torture is one of the most atrocious violations against human dignity," he said.

"Has any member of the Irish Government ever closed their eyes for five minutes hearing the sounds of bombing, children crying, a fearful Mother breast feeding her baby not knowing if the next attack could destroy her whole family?" Dr Neilson asked.

Dr Neilson was joined at the press conference today by Dr Juliet Bressan from the Doctors Against war movement and by members of the Irish Anti-war movement.

Together they also called on the Government to cancel the visit of US President, George Bush to Ireland next month.

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times