Hopes for student’s release

HOPES have been raised for the imminent release of Irish student Patrick Devine, arrested for allegedly “mooning” in Senegal nearly three weeks ago.

Senator Brian O’Domhnaill (FF), from Donegal, has expressed the hope the student — jailed over an alleged dare that went wrong — would be released following a court appeal today.

The 19-year-old from Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal — where his father runs a pub — was taken into custody in the west African country after allegedly dropping his trousers for a dare at the home of a Senegalese governor.

The republic of Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. It was reported the student could face the risk of torture and HIV infection by inmates, up to 40 of whom he is said to be sharing a cell.

Mr O’Domhnaill said he had been in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs which was liaising with the Irish embassy in neighbouring Nigeria.

Mr Devine, an engineering student at Queen’s University, Belfast, had travelled to the west African state earlier this summer in a group from the Teaching and Projects Abroad scheme to work with street children. He was arrested on July 27 after a local man allegedly witnessed the prank and held him and other members of the group until police arrived.