Plea for Ireland to treat Iraqi victims of torture

A DOCTOR and former political prisoner yesterday appealed to the Government to allow Iraqi torture victims to travel to Ireland for treatment.

Dr Chris Neilson, the victim of torture when imprisoned for three years under South Africa's apartheid regime, issued the challenge as he pledged his support for demonstrations against US President George Bush's visit to Ireland.

"I was helped when I came to Ireland 10 years ago. If I can be helped, they (the Iraqis) have the right to be helped as well," said Dr Neilson, founder of the Irish Foundation for Torture Survivors.