SINN Féin Foyle Assembly Candidate Raymond McCartney has accused those pushing for a change in bail policy of attempting to push back on the human rights provisions which bail law is based on.
Mr McCartney said: “The logic of the UUP Assembly’s motion would undermine the core principles of bail law.
“The effect of that approach would be to hollow out the human rights framework of our justice system.
“Sinn Féin does not disagree with a review of bail policy.
“However, some prisoners have experienced inordinate and lengthy periods of remand in custody while awaiting trial, hence creating the perception of ‘legalised internment by remand’.
“Conversely, inconsistent use of bail policy and flawed monitoring of bail conditions by the PSNI has created a different perception of a revolving door system which facilitates alleged repeat offenders.
“Any review of bail policy must be premised upon the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, and be fully compliant with human rights provisions.”