Pat Hickey's family have released a statement through their solicitors expressing their 'grave concern' at the manner of his arrest and humiliation.
The Hickey camp are finding their voice after a week in which he has detained in a high security prison and had evidence against him released to the international media.
His Brazilian lawyer described the nature of his arrest and detention as 'Kafkaesque'. According to his lawyer Simone Kamanetz, he keeps saying "I have done nothing wrong, what is happening here?"
This afternoon his family back home have released a statement.
They list the concerns they have.
- The manner in which Pat Hickey was arrested.
- His detention in a high-security prison without charge
- The effects of such detention on Pat Hickey's health
- The pre-trial disclosure of what is purported to be evidence to the media without any right of reply
- Pat Hickey's right to a fair hearing, given the prejudicial way in which he has been treated to date
The family say they are worried about the effect the treatment has had on his 'physical and mental health' and criticised the 'unacceptable' manner of his arrest.
The Hickey family is gravely concerned about the effect this degrading and humiliating ordeal has had on their father and grandfather and how it continues to affect his physical and mental health. He has a serious heart condition and they are extremely anxious that he would be immediately released on bail and given the opportunity to respond to the accusations.
It was entirely inappropriate and unacceptable for a 71 year old Irish citizen to be taken from his bedroom, arrested and walked in a state of undress before a pre-arranged camera crew, after which film and still shots were released to the global media.
Paddy Barnes's mother had her own response to the family statement.
it was degrading when my husband and son had to watch on tv in hotel my son winning and recieving his medal ?london https://t.co/OfNS7lYvrX
— ellen barnes (@ellenbarnes4) August 26, 2016
