Detained man victim of 'mistaken identity' - reports
Supporters of a west Belfast man arrested by Israeli security forces demanded his release today amid reports that he was mistaken for another man.
Sean O Muireagáin, 40, was arrested near Ramallah on Saturday on suspicion of being a bomb expert helping to train Palestinian terror groups in the West Bank.
But according to Israeli radio, security officials are now admitting that Mr O Muireagáin is an Irish language activist and was a victim of mistaken identity.
It was being reported that the Israelis were blaming British intelligence for the error.
Mr O Muireagáin, who is known in his native west Belfast as “John Boy Morgan”, was apparently mistaken for a south Armagh man called John Morgan, who is known to the British and Irish security services.
Ciarán O Pronntaigh, editor of west Belfast-based Irish Language newspaper Lá, for whom Mr O Muireagáin was working as a correspondent, said it was encouraging that the Israeli authorities were now admitting his story was standing up.
“We have had no official word but we are being told that the Israelis are saying they have been sold a pup.
“What we do know is that a colleague is still in prison. It is still a very trying time. It is good news coming out of Israel if they are admitting publicly they have someone in custody they should not have.
“We will be pushing to have him released as soon as possible.”
The arrested man’s mother, Theresa Morgan, 61, said she had also heard reports that her son was a victim of mistaken identity.
Calling for his release, Mrs Morgan said she was worried and frustrated that the Israeli authorities were still not allowing British consul officials to see her son.
“The Israeli papers and television are saying it’s a case of mistaken identity. Why aren’t they allowing him out unless they are trying to save face?” she added.
Sean Farren of the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party, called for the immediate release of the detained man.
“Sean O Muireagáin is a well-known Irish language activist who had devoted a considerable amount of his time to promoting Irish language activities across the north.
“The Government must use its influence to ensure his immediate release and relieve the concern of his family at his arrest,” he added.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams also called on the Government to intervene to secure his release.
“Sinn Fein has been in contact with the Government and the Israeli Embassy in Dublin voicing our concern about his arrest and calling for Sean O Muireagáin to be immediately released,” he said.
