The SDLP have joined calls for the release of republican prisoner Tony Taylor ahead of a rally organised by the Free Tony Taylor committee in Derry tomorrow.

SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said that Mr Taylor's continued detention was a civil rights issue and urged the public to attend the rally.

Mr Tierney said: “This weekend I will join with people across this City in protest against the continued imprisonment of Tony Taylor.

“Over the past number of months, I have worked closely with Tony’s family and others who all consistently assert his innocence. His family have already suffered greatly as a result of the uncertainty surrounding his incarceration.

“Let me be clear, this is an issue regarding an unfair process of detention. At present I understand that no charges have been brought against Tony and neither he nor his family understand the reasoning for his incarceration.

“My party colleagues and I have made our concerns clear to the Secretary of State and the British Government. There needs to be full transparency and explanation offered to Tony and his family.

“As a party who has consistently fought to keep the shadow and threat of violence from this island, we know that it's only when people here have confidence in the judicial process can we build a lasting peace.

“The right to a fair trial is a civil rights issue. As the party of civil rights, the SDLP will not shy away from challenging the ill treatment of any of our citizens here in Derry. I urge others to support the fight for transparency, for fairness and for justice.”

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