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Amnesty challenges SIPO order to return Soros cash

Summary

Amnesty International and Amnesty International Irish Section CLG have brought a High Court challenge against the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO). The applicants seek to quash a SIPO order directing them to return a €137,000 donation made in August 2015 by the Open Society Foundations. SIPO found the donation prohibited under Section 23 A2 of the 1997 Electoral Act, deeming it for political purposes related to a campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment. Amnesty denies the funds were used for political purposes, arguing SIPO's decision is flawed, irrational, and in excess of jurisdiction. Counsel stated the donation funded a 2016 campaign to increase public support for repeal, noting no referendum was planned at the time. Amnesty alleges SIPO breached constitutional and EU law and acted in error. The applicants fear criminal prosecution and financial hardship if the order stands. Permission to bring the challenge was granted ex-parte by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan. The matter was adjourned to a date in April.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Amnesty challenges SIPO order to return Soros cash. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• August 2015 Other
• 2018-02-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report