Doctor: Bring Iraq torture victims to Ireland

A leading doctor and former political prisoner called on the Government today to fly Iraqi torture victims to Ireland for treatment.

Dr Chris Neilson accused the Taoiseach of holding responsibility for the brutal treatment of Iraqis because of the Government’s agreement to let US troops fly through Shannon Airport en route to Iraq.

“The Government is the third party, their hands are blood-stained,” he said.

“George Bush’s planes and troops going through Shannon are causing huge suffering in Iraq.”

Dr Neilson, founder of the Irish Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Survivors, joined the Doctors Against War Movement in calling on the Government to cancel George Bush’s forthcoming visit to Ireland and indict him as a war criminal.

He was a political prisoner in South Africa for 15 years before being released and fleeing to Ireland.

He set up the rehabilitation centre, which treats torture victims from countries across the world, in Dublin in 1999.

“I call on the Government to organise treatment for Iraqi torture survivors here in Ireland,” he said. “We have the facilities and support networks already set up in the country.

“The act of torture is one of the most atrocious violations against human dignity. It destroys lives.”

The doctors joined forces with the Irish Anti-War Movement to rally support for a petition they will be taking to the streets of Dublin tomorrow.

Activists are hoping to get thousands of signatures as part of their campaign against Mr Bush’s visit to Co Clare next month.