Jamie Bryson slams republican Tony Taylor's incarceration and speaking ban

Self-proclaimed unionist activist, Jamie Bryson has said Londonderry republican Tony Taylor's 994 day incarceration, which he's banned from talking about under his release terms, should be of concern to the whole of society.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Nov 2018, 10:18 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2019, 03:33 BST
Londonderry republican, Tony Taylor (left) and self-proclaimed unionist activist, Jamie Bryson.Londonderry republican, Tony Taylor (left) and self-proclaimed unionist activist, Jamie Bryson.
Londonderry republican, Tony Taylor (left) and self-proclaimed unionist activist, Jamie Bryson.

Mr. Bryson was speaking after Mr. Taylor was released from Maghaberry and returned to Londonderry on Wednesday after having spent almost 1,000 days in the Co. Antrim jail.

Mr. Taylor spent more than two and a half years in the prison after having had his licence revoked by the former Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, in March 2016, based on intelligence assessments by the security services. He was never charged with any new offence, however.

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Following his release Mr. Bryson remarked: "Regardless of his political background, Tony Taylor was returned to prison with no evidence or charge, held for 2 1/2 years and then told he wasn’t allowed to speak out about it.

"What kind of society is this? It is a republican this time, could be a loyalist - or anyone- next time."

Mr. Taylor was jailed for 18 years after being blown-up in a botched IRA mortar attack in 1994, but was subsequently released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA).

The former Republican Network for Unity (RNU) spokesman received a further three-years jail term for possession of a rifle in 2011, but was released with time served in 2014.

Related topics:Jamie BrysonMaghaberryAntrimIRA