The Lithuanian Embassy has responded to criticism of human rights within its prison, which emerged during contentious debates around the extradition of Liam Campbell at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, assuring conditions meet international and European standards.

Although unconnected to the extradition proceedings, Campbell was found civilly liable for the Omagh bomb in August 1998, which claimed the lives of 29 people(including a woman pregnant with twins and injured 220 others.

He is currently wanted by Lithuanian authorities for allegedly organising the smuggling of weapons in support of “terrorist grouping” the Real IRA between 2006 and 2007.

After a 12 year fight, a Dublin court has ruled the extradition will go ahead. Although scheduled to take place on July 12, the judge decided to adjourn for a few weeks.

The campaign against extradition originally raised at the Policy and Resources Committee by Independent Councillor Bernice Swift who sought council support, telling members: “He is an Irish citizen and we all know the track record of the Lithuanian prison regime. I wish to protect the fundamental human and civil rights of anybody against abuses. I ask for support to stop that extradition.”

Seconded by Councillor Sheamus Greene, Sinn Fein, the proposal passed 23 -14, with one abstention.

The matter provoked a furious backlash and saw some members reverse their original support.

At the main council when the matter was listed for ratification, it was instead sent back to the committee for further discussion.

Councillor Swift repeated her call: “To stop the extradition of a man to a country with such a heinous regime for inhuman and degrading treatment.”

Another Independent member, Councillor Josephine Deehan remarked: “We do know Lithuania has a poor record on human rights.

The Lithuanian Embassy was asked to respond to comments made in the council chamber and beyond.

A spokesperson from Ministry of Justice of Lithuania rejected the assertions pointing out conditions in all correctional institutions meet hygiene standards set by legislation and correspond with European Prison Rules and the International Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

“This means all inmates are provided with single bed and other supplementary furniture, their living premises are heated and ventilated, have access to the natural and artificial lighting as. Each inmate has full access to drinking water and toilet 24 hours per day.”

It was explained there is collective capacity for 7,231 in places of deprivation of liberty and presently 5,526 persons are detained (4,980 inmates and 546 detainees).

The statement referred to a current occupancy rate  of 76.4 per cent: “Therefore none of Lithuanian remand/correctional institutions are overcrowded and the actual minimal living space (excluding premises which shared i.e. kitchenette, restroom, etc.) for each inmate exceeds four square metres.”

In addition: “All inmates are provided with sufficient food of quality and quantity which fully meets physiological needs. If inmates wish to get additional food, snacks, press and other primary commodities, they can be purchased in prison shops.

“Full medical care is guaranteed for inmates under the law. Services of general practitioner, psychiatry and odontology doctors are ensured in each correctional institution. If necessary, inmates can get other medical services in Central Prison Hospital or public health care.

“The minimal time inmates are able to walk outside their cells/living rooms every day varies from two to four hours daily per correctional institution. Other outdoor activities (gym, library, school, workshops, resocialization activities etc.) are also proposed for inmates.”

The spokesperson concluded: “In accordance with the above-mentioned, we would like to assure that the conditions of all prisons meet international and European standards and Mr Liam Campbell, if transferred to Lithuania, will be guaranteed the protection of the European Convention on Human Rights.”