"Despite growing appeals from a wide variety of international human rights bodies around the world, the British government remains adamant in its callous mistreatment of Roísín McAliskey. Held without charge in a British jail, this 25-year-old girl, who is nearly eight months pregnant, is being subjected to twice-daily strip-searches and her physical condition is nearing the danger point," said Doris. "It's time for the British and German governments to do what's right in this case and assent to the granting of bail," he added.

McAliskey has been in British custody without charge since Nov. 20, 1996, when she was picked up for questioning about a failed 1996 IRA attack on a British Army base in Germany. McAliskey denies any knowledge of the attack.

The British government has classified the pregnant McAliskey as a "Category A" prisoner, meaning she is a risk to escape. Organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the European Parliament have appealed to the British government on McAliskey's behalf. Former Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds has also asked that she be released on bail.

"What they are doing to this poor girl is criminal," said INA's Doherty. "She's only 95 pounds and suffers from asthma and rheumatism. The British strip-search her even though she is completely isolated within the prison. She can't even get sunlight, how can she acquire contraband? The British say she's a risk to escape, but can you see her sliding down a drainpipe and scampering over a slate roof. This is ludicrous," she added.

Activists in the New York metropolitan area will demonstrate on Saturday, March 8, at Lufthansa German National Airlines at 680 Fifth Ave., between 53rd and 54th streets, from 1 to 3 p.m. Guest speakers include Roísín McAliskey's sister, Deirdre, and noted attorney Mary Pike.

In Washington, D.C., activists will assemble in front of the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Ave., NW, from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring binlinds and whistles.

Those who cannot attend are urged to FAX messages of protest to the British ambassador at 202-588-7870 and the German ambassador at 202-298-4249.

The New York-based Irish Northern Aid Committee, founded in 1971, is a non-profit, humanitarian organization which raises funds for the families of Irish political prisoners in British, Irish and American jails.