Sponsored walk for imprisoned Derry republican

The Free Tony Taylor Campaign is organising the walk from Sainsbury’s car park to the Daisyfield in the Brandywell.

All of the money raised will go towards assisting Mr. Taylor’s family while he is in Maghaberry.

Mr. Taylor, a well known republican, was returned to jail on the order of Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers, in March after she revoked his prison licence.

“Theresa Villiers has not provided any evidence to back up her decision to revoke Tony’s licence,” said Mickey Gallagher from the Free Tony Taylor Campaign.

“It’s a disgrace that this has been allowed to happen.

“One of the reasons Tony has been kept in prison is because the security forces say he is a threat to the public however, Derry City and Strabane District Council (D.C.S.D.C.) passed a motion recently calling for his release - it doesn’t make sense.

“I would call on anyone, no matter their politics, who is pro-human rights and believes in standing up for civil liberties to attend the sponsored walk on Sunday,” added Mr. Gallagher.

Mr. Gallagher said the continued imprisonment of Mr. Taylor was having a “severe” impact on his family.

“Tony has a disabled son and it can be difficult looking after him at the best of times never mind what it is like when is father is in prison without charge, evidence or trial.

“Many people from within Tony’s community, including people who do not share his political beliefs, are behind the campaign to have him released. Sinn Fein, the SDLP, all of the Independent councillors and Eamon McCann from People Before Profit all agree that Tony Taylor should be released immediately.”

The Free Tony Taylor sponsored walk will start close to Sainsbury’s car park on Strand Road on Sunday July 17 at 7.00p.m.