asked the Minister for Justice how many prosecutions under the Official Secrets Acts, 1911 and 1920, have been brought in the period from 1923 to date; and what were the results of such prosecutions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prosecutions under Official Secrets Acts.
52.
Only one case has been traced in which proceedings were instituted under the Acts referred to since 1923. In that case, two persons were charged on a number of counts and both were acquitted.
Is the Minister aware that not merely were they both acquitted but the trial judge stopped the trial? Is he also aware that it was perfectly patent that the charges were only brought vindictively?
That is not correct. The jury threw out the charges, not the judge.
That is not correct. Judge Johnson stopped the hearing after two days. The action was pure vindictiveness on the part of Fianna Fáil.
Was this the time of the Blueshirts?
Go and read it.