Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

If it is not possible to provide consular representation can the Tánaiste make political contact on this matter? Can he, for example, call on the Greek authorities to ensure that the appeal in this case is expedited and could he make arrangements to have our embassy represented at the appeal hearing so that we can at least hear first hand what is going on? The lawyer representing Mr. Marku stated in recent correspondence that he would characterise the trial as a trial of purpose and that Mark's guilt had been decided by the court, with no consideration of his allegations or the facts.

Official documents produced by the defence which sought to prove Mr. Marku had been married in this country and was resident here at the time, were described by the prosecution as forgeries. I would expect that the Department of Foreign Affairs could at least defend the authenticity of legal documents produced in this country and offered in evidence elsewhere.

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