RNU – linked to Oglaigh na hEIreann – says MI5 tried to recruit ex-prisoner

DISSIDENTS repubilcans have accused MI5 of trying to recruit a convicted terrorist to become a spy.

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) – a group linked to shadowy terror gang Oglaigh na hEireann – claim MI5 agents tried to turn a former prisoner into a double agent.

RNU claim the republican terrorist was a former prisoner in Maghaberry jail and the approach came “lesss than 6 days after he lost his job in a call center due to ‘security reasons’’.

In a statement on Wednesday night, RNU claimed: “The target of the approach (who for personal reasons does not want to be identified) was taking a walk as part of the daily routine he has adopted to help him adjust to life on the outside.

“While making his way across Queens bridge he noticed a man who he did not know gesturing in his direction as if to attract his attention.

“Choosing to ignore this individual the ex-prisoner walked on a few steps before his path was blocked by two more men who had previously been leaning across the bridge looking into the River.

“Both men in English accents then identified themselves plainly as ‘MI5′ before attempting to speak to their target about his RNU membership, as well as the ‘tough week he had’.

“The ex-prisoner, who took participated in the 2010 ‘dirty protest’ calmly and confidently told both spooks that he had ‘done six years for keeping his mouth shut and wasn’t going to start talking now’.”

RNU claim that after “threatening him with future imprisonment” and insinuating that he “could make money by helping them”, both Mi5 agents “were told on no uncertain terms where to go”.

“Later in the afternoon, he received a phone call from a man with an English accent who identified himself as ‘Adam’ and ‘the man on the bridge’, again he was told where to go. ”

RNU say MI5 officers then provided him a mobile telephone number.

Added a RNU statement: “Coming in the wake of other recent approaches – made to student members – RNU encourage all activists to be vigilant at this time.

“It is clear from the nature of this approach that not only are phone lines being monitored in order to predict movements, but that circumstances of employment may well be under scrutiny in order to create hardship and place people in precarious situations.”