What’s the Sallins Conspiracy Case all about?
Mr. Osgur Breatnach, a human rights activist, journalist and author, was kidnapped by Gardaí in 1976. He was wrongly accused of participation in the 1976 Cork to Dublin mail train robbery, at Sallins, Co. Kildare. He was one of 40 men detained following the robbery, in the biggest round up ordered by any Irish government since WW2. Eleven of the men (including Breatnach) were tortured by members of the Garda Heavy Gang. Such behaviour was common practise. Breatnach was detained eight consecutive times, over eight consecutive days, before being hospitalised.
After the longest consecutive criminal trials (5) in Irish history, which included controversial issues of perjury and a sleeping judge, three were convicted and sentenced to a total of 33 years. International campaigns have resulted in their being found innocent and released from jail. But all Governments refuse an inquiry. The State refuse to investigate the crimes against these men, instead they have conspired to cover-up the case. The international campaign for an impartial sworn public inquiry, as dictated by international law, is gaining support from across society, in Ireland and abroad.
