Hickey Free to Attend Paralympics

(ATR) Patrick Hickey will not be confined to his apartment as he awaits trial in Brazil.

A spokesperson for the State of Rio Court of Appeals (TJRJ) confirmed to Around the Rings the only condition for Hickey’s release was the surrender of his passport. When asked if Hickey would be free to attend the upcoming Paralympics, the spokesperson said "there is not any impediment or ban by the court."

The decision stands in contrast to the strict conditions set for THG executive Kevin Mallon. Mallon is barred from entering any venues connected to the Olympic or Paralympic Games, and he must return home each day by 8pm. No such restrictions were set in the decision by Judge Fernando Antonio de Almeida, seen by ATR.

Hickey will stay in a one-bedroom apartment in Rio paid for by the Olympic Council of Ireland. The OCI confirmed to ATR that the apartment was rented, "to qualify for bail conditions," set forth by the Brazilian courts.

Judge Almeida said that Hickey’s health factored in the decision to release him from Bangu prison. Hickey left the prison yesterday, after delays in paperwork kept him in prison overnight after being granted his freedom.

"There is not, concretely and objectively, the need for protective custody of the patient," Almeida said in the decision. "We do not see that their [Hickey’s] freedom will bring any obstacle or risk to public order, criminal investigation and, if appropriate, future application of criminal law."

Hickey thanked the "prison authorities for their kindness," during his stay in Bangu in a statement.

"I will stay in Rio and my lawyers will proceed to have the charges laid against me set aside as there is no substantive proof of any wrong-doing on my part," Hickey said. "Due to my medical condition, I will be making no further statements."

The next steps for Hickey will be to wait until his case is sent to a prosecutor. Currently, the Rio civil police are in charge of the case and continue to collect evidence. Hickey has been charged with three crimes, ticket touting, forming a cartel and illegally marketing the Rio 2016 Olympics. He could face up to seven years in Brazilian prison if convicted.

After the police believe there is enough evidence collected, they will hand that evidence over to a prosecutor.The Rio prosecutor will then have 15 days to determine if the case goes to trial.

Rio Civil Police told ATR that it could be up to two to three months before the case is heard in a courtroom. At the time of writing, Hickey’s case has not been handed over to a Rio prosecutor.

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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