THE eldest daughter of the civil rights campaigner and former Mid Ulster MP, Ms Bernadette McAliskey, was remanded in custody yesterday by a London magistrate after appearing in court on an extradition warrant in connection with the IRA bombing of a British army base in Germany.
Ms Roisin McAliskey (25), who is 4 1/2 months pregnant, protested her innocence through her solicitor during the 10 minute formal hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court. She was remanded to Holloway prison, north London, for a week.
Det Constable Jean Pierre Le Tessier of Scotland Yard told the court he was representing the German authorities who wanted to question Ms McAliskey over the IRA mortar attack on the Osnabruck barracks in June. He asked the magistrate, Mr Ronald Bartle, to remand Ms McAliskey in custody for a week to allow the German authorities to complete all the necessary paperwork and be fully legally represented at the next hearing.
If extradition is granted, Ms McAliskey will face charges of attempted murder and explosives offences.
Although Ms Gareth Peirce, representing Ms McAliskey, did not request bail, she indicated that a full application would be made at the hearing next Wednesday when "sureties of real value" will have been raised.
Ms Peirce said Ms McAliskey was innocent and needed proper medical attention because there were "serious complications" with her pregnancy. "She is a 25 year old woman of excellent character from a fine family and a university graduate. Through me she would like to say she is innocent of all the offences she is charged with," Ms Peirce said.
Ms McAliskey, who was arrested in Co Tyrone last Wednesday, flew to London on Monday night after the extradition warrant was issued.
Ms Peirce told the court that upon her arrival at Charing Cross police station a doctor was called to examine Ms McAliskey, who stated it was "imperative" she had access to "proper obstetric facilities" while in prison because she needed "urgent" blood tests. "There is considerable concern about her health ... and I want this placed on record," she added.
Wearing a blue denim dress, Ms McAliskey only spoke to confirm [her name, date of birth and that she understood all the charges. Throughout the short hearing, she fiddled with a silver cross around her neck.
After being remanded in custody for a week, Ms McAliskey thanked the magistrate before waving to her sister, Deirdre, who was sitting in the public gallery. Although her mother is believed to be in London to address a political meeting, she did not attend the hearing.
Outside the court, Ms Peirce said her client was "not in good health" but she was confident the extradition warrant would not be granted. "Germany has had 40 days to provide papers to the court and they did not have any before it this morning," she added.
The German authorities allege Ms McAliskey was part of a five member IRA gang.