EASTER 2007, ADDRESS FROM REPUBLICAN POWs MAGHABERRY GAOL
A Chairde agus a camaradai
It is a great honour that I have the opportunity to address you today on this the 91st anniversary of the historic Easter rebellion. We the Republican POWs send revolutionary and Easter greetings to all true and faithful republicans at home and abroad and to those of you who have gathered here today at the graves and monuments of Ireland’s patriot dead.
You have remained true and faithful to the All-Ireland Republic envisaged by Tone and proclaimed by Pearse on the steps of the GPO in Dublin 1916. Since that very day a vast amount of ground has been covered, a lot of sacrifices have been made and a lot of men, women and children have gone to their graves, all in the name of Irish republicanism. It grieves me to say that in recent years these very graves have been desecrated by the actions of our former comrades in the provisionals, none more sorely that their recent actions of recognizing, accepting and backing the british paramilitary force, the RUC.
They think that by a name change and a uniform change that they can then tell us that this is not the same force, the same force that sent so many of our people to the prisons and to the graveyards, that same force which has and always will work hand in hand with the loyalist death squads. They have told us that by signing up to this anti-republican rag-bag that they can make the so-called police more accountable to all, well we say yhet again the Provos are wrong, a leopard never changes its spots. We will recognize no police force other than that established by the 32 county all-Ireland republic. The recruitment drive is in full swing for the new Broy Harriers, to help bolster stormont home of the british occupiers and the power base of the british/loyalist domination of the 6 north eastern counties of our country. Republicans were right in 1986 and their concerns at that time are now statements of unfolding facts.
Those of us imprisoned at home and abroad have been so, for our idealogical beliefs. Our belief in the Proclamation of 1916 and all that it entails is steadfast and will remain so. Here in Magaberry Gaol we are denied the right to political status and whereas in 1972 and 1976 it was the british who refused it, we now have the british and their ally’s in the Provisionals denying to us something for which 10 brave Irishmen laid down their lives for. The Stormont agreement seeks to criminalise us, this they will NEVER succeed in doing. From Thomas Ashe in 1917 to Bobby Sands in 1981 they have tried and failed. We are political POWs and that we will remain. We want most of all for the british to set a date for disengagement from our country, we will never accept the continuation of the occupation of our country and we remain committed to our objectives, whilst the brits remain in Ireland.
We send solidarity greetings to the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann and we wish to state that we have full faith in our leadership and comrades in arms to continue the struggle for Irish freedom. To our comrades in Portlaoise we also send solidarity greetings and thanks for your acts of solidarity during our present phase of prison protest.
We pay tribute to all of you who have sent us letters and cards of support, they are a source of strength and great encouragement to us. We say a special thanks to RPAG and CABHAIR for all their great support and aid.
Finally last but by no means least we salute and congratulate all candidates who took a stand in the recent elections on an abstentionist/political status platform. We pay tribute to all who campaigned for the candidates and to those who voted for them. The republican voice must be heard now and in the future.
VICTORY TO CIRA
VICTORY TO THE POWS
AN PHOBLACT ABU
O/C Republican Pows
Maghaberry Gaol
Easter 2007
EASTER 2007, ADDRESS FROM REPUBLICAN POWs MAGHABERRY GAOL
A Chairde agus a camaradai
It is a great honour that I have the opportunity to address you today on this the 91st anniversary of the historic Easter rebellion. We the Republican POWs send revolutionary and Easter greetings to all true and faithful republicans at home and abroad and to those of you who have gathered here today at the graves and monuments of Ireland’s patriot dead.
You have remained true and faithful to the All-Ireland Republic envisaged by Tone and proclaimed by Pearse on the steps of the GPO in Dublin 1916. Since that very day a vast amount of ground has been covered, a lot of sacrifices have been made and a lot of men, women and children have gone to their graves, all in the name of Irish republicanism. It grieves me to say that in recent years these very graves have been desecrated by the actions of our former comrades in the provisionals, none more sorely that their recent actions of recognizing, accepting and backing the british paramilitary force, the RUC.
They think that by a name change and a uniform change that they can then tell us that this is not the same force, the same force that sent so many of our people to the prisons and to the graveyards, that same force which has and always will work hand in hand with the loyalist death squads. They have told us that by signing up to this anti-republican rag-bag that they can make the so-called police more accountable to all, well we say yhet again the Provos are wrong, a leopard never changes its spots. We will recognize no police force other than that established by the 32 county all-Ireland republic. The recruitment drive is in full swing for the new Broy Harriers, to help bolster stormont home of the british occupiers and the power base of the british/loyalist domination of the 6 north eastern counties of our country. Republicans were right in 1986 and their concerns at that time are now statements of unfolding facts.
Those of us imprisoned at home and abroad have been so, for our idealogical beliefs. Our belief in the Proclamation of 1916 and all that it entails is steadfast and will remain so. Here in Magaberry Gaol we are denied the right to political status and whereas in 1972 and 1976 it was the british who refused it, we now have the british and their ally’s in the Provisionals denying to us something for which 10 brave Irishmen laid down their lives for. The Stormont agreement seeks to criminalise us, this they will NEVER succeed in doing. From Thomas Ashe in 1917 to Bobby Sands in 1981 they have tried and failed. We are political POWs and that we will remain. We want most of all for the british to set a date for disengagement from our country, we will never accept the continuation of the occupation of our country and we remain committed to our objectives, whilst the brits remain in Ireland.
We send solidarity greetings to the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann and we wish to state that we have full faith in our leadership and comrades in arms to continue the struggle for Irish freedom. To our comrades in Portlaoise we also send solidarity greetings and thanks for your acts of solidarity during our present phase of prison protest.
We pay tribute to all of you who have sent us letters and cards of support, they are a source of strength and great encouragement to us. We say a special thanks to RPAG and CABHAIR for all their great support and aid.
Finally last but by no means least we salute and congratulate all candidates who took a stand in the recent elections on an abstentionist/political status platform. We pay tribute to all who campaigned for the candidates and to those who voted for them. The republican voice must be heard now and in the future.
VICTORY TO CIRA
VICTORY TO THE POWS
AN PHOBLACT ABU
O/C Republican Pows
Maghaberry Gaol
Easter 2007
At a rally held on Saturday in Dungiven, Co. Derry, in support of the five demands of the Republican POWs on protest in Maghaberry Gaol, both the Provos and the RUC were observed filming and photographing the proceedings. The rally had been arranged by the Republican Prisoners' Action Group, and called for full political status for the Republican prisoners. This had been signed away under the terms of the 1998 Stormont Agreement.
A white-line picket was held on the Main Street in Dungiven, and received a great response from passing motorists. However people inside the Provos' office on the Main Street were seen taking photos and videos of the protesters. The RUC soon arrived on the scene and took over this duty.
Following the picket, a rally was held. Richard Walsh, Derry, chaired the proceedings. He reminded those present that the Republican POWs had been on protest since the 19th June against the appalling conditions in which they are held. Mr. Walsh also informed those present that "traitors in a certain office across the street are taking photographs of us, but they needn't have bothered as their handlers are present to do this job for them." He then introduced Tony McPhillips, Co. Fermanagh, who stated that March 7th provided an opportunity to reject the RUC and British Crown Forces, and to stand by the All-Ireland Republic.
Michael McGonigle, Dungiven – the Republican Sinn Féin candidate for East Derry, who had previously served on Limavady District Council – told those present that a No. 1 vote for him would be a vote against the Crown Forces, and a vote against English rule in Ireland. He added that he was the only abstentionist Sinn Féin candidate standing in East Derry.
The Republican Prisoners' Action Group endorses the campaigns of all six Republican Sinn Féin candidates (standing in East Derry; Mid-Ulster; Fermanagh/South Tyrone; West Tyrone; West Belfast and Upper Bann) in the forthcoming Assembly election.
We also call on the Provos to publicly comment on the actions of their friends – both inside the Provo office and the RUC Barracks.
REHASHED DOCUMENT FUTILE EXERCISE - RPAG
Republican POWs held in segregated conditions in Maghaberry have been engaged in an ongoing protest since the 19th June 2006. The British Government and the Prison Service in the Six Counties are well aware of their five demands.
The POWs commenced this protest as they felt all other avenues open to them had been exhausted. The Prison Service’s statement of the 16th November appears to be based on the Separated Regime Review published in May 2006. The Review failed entirely to address the major issues concerning the plight of the POWs, and nothing of significance is contained in this latest statement.
Any attempt to rehash a document which only solidified the belief amongst the POWs that representations made on their behalf were being ignored is futile. The British Government and their Prison Service are playing a dangerous game with the health and safety of the POWs and should instead seek to resolve the real issues and concede the POWs’ five demands.
ENDS
POW PICKET HELD IN ARMAGH CITY
A white-line picket for political status took place in Armagh City on Saturday, 28th October. The protest was organised by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG). A large number of leaflets were handed out to passing motorists, outlining the situation faced by Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol. The picket was well received by the people of Armagh.
The RUC made their presence felt during the picket and – aided by their DMSU (Divisional Mobile Support Unit) – sought to disrupt the protest. They were also observed photographing those present.
Republican POWs have now been on protest in Maghaberry for more than four months. The RPAG has planned further protests throughout the country to highlight the plight of the Prisoners of War.
ENDS
On Saturday the 28th of October the Republican Prisoners Action Group held a very successful White line Protest in Armagh City
Members and supporters from all over the North came and joined the Armagh branch of the group to show their support on the ground for the P.O.Ws over 60 protesters lined along the Armagh Keady road with banners ,posters and leaflets the road was very busy with traffic and in just over 2 hours thousands of leaflets were distributed hundreds of questions asked and answered the local population seemed very sympathetic to the prisoners plight the local R.U.C/P.S.N.I must have slept in because the protest was under way over an hour before a couple of carloads arrived they took and read the leaflets which the organisers found amusing less amusing was an attempt to confiscate collection buckets being held by the protesters but the Crown Forces relented and the protest went of without serious incident The R.P.A.G has stepped up its campaigned to highlight the prison protest in Maghaberry Jail it recently held a protest at U.T.V headquarters in Belfast complaining of poor Media coverage of the Prison issue and held a protest outside the recent talks in Scotland their have been protests in Germany Sweden Glasgow and New York and the group will be planning more events in the future the next white line protest will take place in Dungannon on the 18th of November in ann street Dungannon R.P.A.G calls on every one who support then Prisoners demands to turn out and show their support on the street the R.P.A.G would like to thank everyone who took part in the Armagh Protest
HARASSMENT ENDURED AS POWs’ PLIGHT HIGHLIGHTED
On Friday, 13th October a day of action was held by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) to increase awareness of the plight of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol.
Due to a concerted campaign of censorship in the media, members of the RPAG travelled to the offices of UTV in Belfast to deliver a statement highlighting the plight of the POWs and detailing their continuing protest for political status. However there was a large RUC presence assembled outside UTV to prevent entry. Nonetheless, the statement was read and subsequently handed to a UTV staff member. An hour-long picket was held outside.
RPAG members were also present at St. Andrew’s in Scotland, carrying a large banner. They were later met by a delegation to discuss the issues surrounding the Maghaberry protest, which has been ongoing since the 19th June. As they attempted to leave Scotland they were detained for a period of two hours under Schedule 7 of the so-called "Terrorism Act". It would appear that the purpose of this harassment was to cause them to miss their boat home.
A leafleting campaign took place in Dublin, and other events occurred throughout the country. An information campaign also took place in the United States.
Almost four months on from the start of the protest in Maghaberry it is imperative that anyone with influence exerts this to resolve the situation, which is hurtling towards crisis point.
ENDS
Republican Prisoners’ Action Group
Statement for UTV
We stand here in solidarity with the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol, who are on protest against the inhumane conditions in which they are kept. The English government – in conjunction with former Republicans – has sought to criminalise them by revoking political status under the terms of the 1998 Stormont Agreement. The Provos are presently in Scotland discussing ways of reinforcing English rule in Ireland.
Meanwhile those captured resisting the foreign occupation of our country endure 22-hour lockups; no free association; no adequate educational facilities; visits alongside Loyalists; misuse of the sniffer dogs and many other injustices.
The Prisoners of War in Maghaberry have been on protest since the 19th June. During this time they have refused to eat food in their cells – in which there is a toilet – as well as initiating other forms of protest. They have also undertaken 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour fasts. Their health can only suffer as a result, and as such there is an onus on everybody to do all in their power to resolve the situation in Maghaberry. Twenty-five years ago ten soldiers died on hunger strike to ensure that political status would be returned to those who came after them. Those incarcerated for pursuing the freedom of their country have an absolute right to political status – and this right does not and did not belong to the Provos to sign away.
The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group has sought to increase awareness of the appalling conditions in which Republican POWs are held, and to this end we have held many white-line pickets, public meetings, meetings with concerned bodies and individuals; organised leaflet-drops and other forms of protest. However there has been a concerted campaign of censorship in the media. Every attempt has been made by those responsible to minimalise our efforts to inform the Irish people of the conditions in Maghaberry Gaol and the ongoing protest within the prison. But the prisoners have made it clear that their resolve is strong, and that their protest will continue until their demands are met.
Republican POWs can never be criminalised. Political status now!
Victory to the POWs!
FERMANAGH PROTEST HELD IN SUPPORT OF REPUBLICAN POWs
A white-line picket was held in Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, on Saturday, 23rd September. The picket was organised by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG), and was in support of the demands of the POWs currently on protest in Maghaberry Gaol. In spite of adverse weather conditions a large crowd turned out to demonstrate their support for the prisoners' demands.
Following the white-line picket a rally took place. The proceedings were chaired by Ruairí White from Newry – a member of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin – who introduced the National Spokesman of the RPAG and former Independent Republican councillor for Fermanagh, Tony McPhillips. Mr. McPhillips highlighted the conditions faced by the POWs in Maghaberry, adding that the situation in the gaol was hurtling towards a crisis point. The Republican POWs had just finished a 72-hour fast. He called on anyone with influence to use that influence in order to resolve the dispute.
The Cathaoirleach then introduced Fergal Moore – an Ard-Chomhairle member of Republican Sinn Féin from Co. Monaghan – who gave the main address. Mr. Moore emphasised the need for everyone to support the prisoners in their demand for political status, stating that the best way to prevent the abuse of prisoners was to restore the All-Ireland Republic. He asked those not involved in the Republican Movement to consider taking up an active role within the Movement, helping the Movement to expel the British forces of occupation from Ireland.
The proceedings concluded with the singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
There was once again an overt RUC presence on the day. Approximately ten minutes before the demonstration was due to begin, an RUC jeep was observed departing Lisnaskea Barracks. After driving through Newtownbutler several times, the jeep took up a position to monitor the demonstration. The British colonial police remained until the conclusion of the event.
End.
Maghaberry POWs undertake 72-hour fast
Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol will commence a 72-hour fast on Tuesday, 19th September. The situation in Maghaberry has now reached crisis point. A representative of the Archbishop of Armagh met with the prisoners last Tuesday, however conditions in the gaol have not improved.
The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group has organised a picket in Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, on Saturday, 23rd September at 1:30p.m. and calls on everyone to support the demands of the Republican prisoners.
The RPAG has also lauched a website at URL: http://www.freewebs.com/powstatusnow
ENDS
Maghaberry POWs hold second 48-hour fast
Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol will embark upon another 48-hour fast at Midday on Thursday 31st August. The protesting prisoners have previously taken part in a 24-hour and a 48-hour fast.
The POWs in Portlaoise will also undertake a 24-hour fast in solidarity with their comrades in Maghaberry, and protests will also continue outside the gaols in support of the prisoners' demand for full political status.
Republican Prisoners of War incarcerated in Maghaberry have been on protest since Monday 19th June.
RPAG STAGE VERY SUCCESSFUL RALLY IN LURGAN
In spite of a large RUC presence a very large crowd turned out to support the five demands of the Republican POWs currently on protest in Maghaberry Gaol. The protest – organised by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) – took place in the Edward Street area of Lurgan, County Armagh, at 2p.m. on Saturday, 19th August. The weekend also marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Mickey Devine on Hunger Strike in 1981.
A white-line picket took place on Edward Street, followed by a rally nearby. A former Independent Councillor for Fermanagh, Tony McPhillips, chaired the proceedings. He introduced Mrs. McKenna – the mother of one of the protesting prisoners from the Lurgan area – who read a statement on behalf of the POWs. Mr. McPhillips then introduced lifelong Republican Des Long from Limerick, who was the main speaker for the occasion.
Mr. Long branded the Provos "liars and hypocrites" for signing away political status under the terms of the Stormont Agreement of 1998, and seeking to criminalise the struggle for Irish freedom. He also emphasised the continuity of the prison struggle from 1981 to the present day, adding that, unfortunately, whilst English rule continues in Ireland there will continue to be prisoners. Political status remained a right and was never a privilege, said Mr. Long.
Tony McPhillips concluded by saying that "those who do not support the prisoners do not support Republicanism and they should be treated like the traitors that they are."
The proceedings closed with Brendan Magill of Lurgan singing the National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann.
The British colonial police harassed many of the protesters that had turned out for the event. A car was stopped by an unmarked RUC vehicle in the Church Place area of Lurgan shortly before the protest was due to begin, holding the driver for approximately 20 minutes and asking how concerned people knew him. A minibus returning from the parade was also stopped under the Road Traffic Order, with the occupants subsequently being questioned under Britain’s so-called "Terrorism Act". Backup units from the RUC’s DMSU (Divisional Mobile Support Unit) also arrived on the scene.
The RPAG will not be swayed by this harassment, however, and will continue to highlight the plight of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol.
PRISON STRUGGLE SAME AS 1981 DEATH SACRIFICE SAYS RSF
The same struggle as the 1981 hunger strikes is now being waged in jails throughout the 32-Counties, a member of Republican Sinn Féin said today.
Limerick Republican Des Long said that the failed Stormont Agreement is responsible for the current plight of Republican prisoners who are being criminalised by the political Administrations in Dublin, Belfast and London.
Speaking at a Republican prisoners’ support rally in Lurgan, County Armagh, on Saturday 19th August, Mr. Long said that the current crisis in Maghaberry prison could easily be resolved by the granting of political status.
"It gives the lie to all those who say that there is no Republican resistance to British rule in Ireland," said Mr. Long.
"In every struggle for national liberation it is recognised that the actions of the resistance arise out of the political situation and in Ireland it is no different.
"The sad fact is that ten men died on hunger strike to establish and enshrine the principle of political status and as a member of the National H-Block Committee at the time I have no hesitation in saying that today the same struggle is being waged by true Republicans who are incarcerated in jail.
"It is even more tragic for the families of the men who died on hunger strike to realise that their noble sacrifice was sold out during the negotiations for the failed Stormont Agreement – sold out by a discredited and disgraced Provisional leadership who embraced and emboldened British rule in Ireland.
"It gives me no pleasure to say this but in the eyes of the Provisional leadership; in the eyes of their political masters in London and Dublin, the men in prison today are regarded as criminals and they are being treated as criminals – however we as true Republicans must never tolerate this treatment and above all we must never accept that true Republican prisoners are criminals – they are resisting British rule in Ireland – and we are proud of them – because like us they know that the failed Stormont Agreement can never bring a real and lasting peace to Ireland.
"It is despicable that former comrades in the Provos are to the forefront of attempts to criminalise these men. It is even more disgusting that the Provos continue to condemn the continued resistance to British rule.
"Calling us ‘micro-groups without support’ may be pleasing their British masters, but the Provos cannot crush the age old aspiration to national self-determination. Just because they have sold out and taken the Queen’s Shilling does not end the struggle for Irish unity!
"The principled actions of the Republican prisoners are aimed at ensuring that they are not treated as criminals – and their demands are in line with the accepted status of political prisoners throughout the world. There are five demands and these five demands will be met – or else there will be a return to the dark days of the 1980’s when Republicans made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of political status:
RIGHT TO FREE ASSOCIATION
END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE THEIR OWN LANDINGS
The facts:
POLITICAL STATUS IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE.
ENDS
REPUBLICAN PRISONERS ACTION GROUP
The organizers of today’s Hunger Strike Commemoration at Casement Park today snubbed the prisoners currently in Maghaberry Gaol and their families.
RPAG had approached the organizing committee earlier this week with a statement setting out the conditions of Republican prisoners in Maghaberry. The organizers confirmed this morning that the statement could be read, but refused to let the mother of the prisoner read it herself. Despite the promises when it came to the event this afternoon no statement was read out.
RPAG is therefore asking the media to publish the statement.
Geraldine Taylor of Republican Sinn Fein said:
"The prisoners and the families are outraged at how they have been treated. The families have shown solidarity with the families of the Hunger Strikers and believe that they have much in common. However the sacrifice of today’s prisoners’ and their families has been virtually ignored by those organizing this event."
For further details please contact 028 90319004 or 07921973328
STATEMENT FROM REPUBLICAN PRISONERS, MAGHABERRY GAOL
On 13th July 1981 a young boy 8 years of age was hoisted onto his uncle’s shoulders. He was given a hammer and a black flag. The young boy then hung the flag on the side of the coal-shed.
Around him he saw grown men openly crying, women talking and going from door to door. The people looked tired, sorrowful and a gloominess hung in the air like a thick dense fog. The answers to the boy’s questions didn’t really register. "A young man from the locality had died on hunger strike", he was told. He had seen old people die before and there were no black flags. "Why now?", he wondered. Little did he realise then, that was the beginning of his introduction to Irish politics and Irish history.
Some years later in his teenage years, the young man began reading books on Irish history and came to realise the significance and the symbolism of the black flag which he had hung years before. He read about the struggle for political status in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, the blanket protest, the no-wash protest and eventually the Hunger Strike which culminated in the deaths of 10 young volunteers. He couldn’t believe the intransigence of the British as they allowed these young men died.
Now as a grown man he continues reading and believes strongly in the Republican ideology which was held dearly by those who died to achieve humane conditions for hundreds of Republican prisoners. Are conditions today better because of the sacrifices of these men?
The young lad who 25 years ago raised a black flag to his coal-shed now lies in a British prison camp. He too suffers the same degrading treatment. He and his comrades suffer strip searches designed to humiliate and degrade as well as 23 hour lock ups in an 8 x 12 tomb. They suffer sectarian abuse from loyalist staff working the landings. They are forced to eat all their meals in their cells like caged animals. They are denied any association with each other on the landing and are only permitted to leave their cells in 2s or 3s, accompanied by at least twice the number of prison officers. Families are denied visits for weeks at a time due to the suspicious reaction of the prison "drugs dog" despite the fact there has not been a single find of drugs on a Republican prisoner or visitor.
Rights that are granted to the rest of the prison population are denied to Republican prisoners; education, exercise, social inter-action – basic human rights. They are threatened with the loss of remission, or of being transported to England if they do not conform. But they will not conform to a regime that denies them the right to be treated with dignity and humanity. They cannot conform with institutional discrimination brought about to criminalise the Irish struggle.
That same young man and his comrades are now on protest in Maghaberry "concentration camp". This is a protest against criminalisation, a protest for Political Status. They too have issued 5 demands. Freedom of Association, Freedom of Movement, Full Time Education, Separate Visiting Facility and the right to Organise their wings. They remain adamant in the belief that theirs is a just struggle. They are prepared to do whatever is necessary to achieve their objectives.
They are not, as the prison authorities are trying to portray, asking for the keys to their wing. They do not expect control of the landings. Their demands have been reasonable, but have been ignored.
In their protest they have been refusing to eat in their cells and are refusing to co-operate with the discriminatory regime imposed upon them. They are showing great restraint in the face of constant provocation. Both the Church and human rights groups have pledged their assistance, but all calls for humanity have been ignored. The prisoners, who have yet again been backed into a corner, feel that their only weapon is to fast. There has been a series of 24 hour fasts and this week a 48 hour fast but there is still no recognition from the authorities.
That young man now experiences the intransigence for himself and asks you the people of Ireland to support the prisoners and their demands, to do all in your power to challenge this injustice, to write letters of support to your politicians, to the press and to the authorities, to show your numbers on the streets in the protests and in the pickets that are being organised across the country.
Go raibh maith agaibh
OC Republican Prisoners Maghaberry Gaol
STATEMENT FROM O/C REPUBLICAN POWS, MAGHABERRY.
ON August 9, the following statement was received from the O/C, Republican Prisoners, Maghaberry jail:
"On Thursday 10th August, Republican Prisoners of War held in Maghaberry Concentration Camp will hold a 48-hour fast. This is part of our ongoing protest for the restoration of Political Status and the implementation of our five demands. We will continue with our protest and in the coming weeks will step it up until the NIO and British authorities realise that we won't be beaten.
The disgraceful attitude of the POA and the prison governors in refusing to accept that their policy of criminalisation will be resisted and therefore will fail is second only to the belief held by some that Óglaigh na hÉireann can be disbanded.
Óglaigh na hÉireann is not a "patent" of any single political party. It is of the people for the people. As long as there is still British interference on Irish soil; as long as a pro-Imperialist state exists in the 26-Counties to do Britain's dirty work, there will always be those who will resist. Resistance is born out of oppression.
Those of us imprisoned in Ireland and abroad have been so because of our ideological beliefs. Our belief in the Proclamation of the Republic, declaring "the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland..." The belief that an alien government has no right to govern nor administer the affairs of the Irish people.
The oppressive nature of the regime imposed on Republican prisoners in this camp was bound to breed resistance. It is the unfortunate belief of the British authorities that today's Republican prisoners can be criminalised and brutalised unimpeded. This is a misconception. Although we may be small in numbers, we can guarantee that we will resist at all costs.
The parallels that exist in today's campaign and that which existed in 1976-1981 are striking, although I won't pretend to know exactly what the men and women went though then. I do know that we are fighting against the same policy and we are faced with the same 'monsters'.
In 1976-1981, those courageous men and women in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh and Armagh were fighting against a more visible form of criminalisation - that of a prison uniform and being forced to work for the system. Of course those weren't the only problems.
In today's prison camps, we are fighting against a different more invisible form of criminalisation. In this establishment we don't have the convict garb, nor are we forced to work. In comparison to 1976-1981 we are more comfortably off. But criminalisation whether visible or invisible must be resisted. The fact that this establishment is intent on forcing us to accept policies of controlled movement, no free association for Republican prisoners, and forcing our families to do without visits for weeks on end. The fact that we are locked in cells for up to 22 hours, the fact that we are denied all handicraft facilities and limited education is all that is available. Education which clashes with association - as a result one or the other must be forfeited. This is an exact throwback to the years 1976-1981.
Why shouldn't we be given the freedom to move freely on our own landings during periods of unlock? Why should we forfeit education for a period of exercise? Why shouldn't we be allowed to clear our own wings? Why shouldn't we expect to see our families on a weekly basis? Why shouldn't we be allowed to make handicrafts or souvenirs?
Why shouldn't we? All of the above are widely available to ordinary prisoners. And indeed they would be available to ourselves if we conformed. This we won't do. We will not renounce our principles nor will we allow ourselves to be bribed by a corrupt, sectarian prison establishment.
Our demands, which are widely available to ordinary prisoners proves that we are not being elitist. We are not asking to be treated differently, but to be treated with dignity and respect.
We have never asked for the keys of the wing nor would we. We do not expect control of the landings nor do we expect the screws to leave their positions.
We have been totally reasonable in our repeated requests to be treated equally and fairly. The fact that the British have ignored our pleas should be challenged by all right thinking people in Ireland and abroad.
The protest which has been forced upon us by British intransigence could be sorted out at the stroke of a pen, if only these people came to realise that we are only asking for what is already available.
We hereby ask that all politicians, north and south; all clergymen and women; the people of Ireland and abroad, and all those who have suffered years of degradation at the hands of the British 'monsters' support us by supporting our demands. We ask you to write letters of support, denouncing the current policies in newspapers and to British politicians.
We ask you to support those who are defenceless.
O/C, CIRA POWs
Maghaberry Concentration Camp, Occupied Six Counties
RPAG CONDEMNS SNIFFER DOG TORTURE
The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group views with deep concern the continuing abuse of the passive drugs ("sniffer") dog in Maghaberry Gaol. In light of the fact that no drugs have ever been discovered either amongst Republican prisoners or their visitors, it is clear that this measure is simply punitive in nature.
It has been brought to our attention that two Republican POWs have been denied open visits due to alleged "detections" by the dog. One of the prisoners has been refused visits every second week, whereas the other prisoner has been denied his last three visits – by different family members. The end result of this harassment is that he has not received a visit for over a month.
The RPAG believes that this amounts to nothing less than psychological torture of the POWs. We reiterate our call for the removal of the so-called "drugs" dog, and for the concession of the protesting prisoners’ five demands.
ENDS
Monday 19th June
On Monday 19th June Republican POW’s began a protest action in Maghaberry, this is the first in a series of protests planned by Republican POW’s in the gaol. POW’s are making clear that they will not accept the sub standard conditions on the segregated wing, they will not be criminalised nor will they be intimidated or coerced by the petty restrictions being imposed by prison screws to make the day to day life in the gaol for POW’s more difficult.
Political Status has been denied to Republican POW’s since the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and as a result conditions both for POW’s and their families and visitors have worsened considerably. The Republican Prisoners Action Group (RPAG) was formed to highlight the conditions faced by POW’s and we have met with the Human Rights Commission who accepted that our concerns were justified. Monsignor Faul, at our request also visited the gaol and spoke with the OC, he issued a report strongly criticising the regime and the conditions in which POW’s are forced to exist. The British Inspectorate for Prisons issued a Report in October 2005 that was also critical of a number of practices within the Segregated Regime in Maghaberry and yet the Prison Service have done nothing to adequately address these concerns.
The RPAG contributed a submission to the consultation process for the Separated Regime Review conducted by the Prison Service. In their ‘Summary of Responses to Consultation of the Review of the Separated Regime’ the Prison Service clearly indicated that they had identified the sources of concern of those who had contributed, however they failed to address any of these issues in a productive way. The main issues of contention of those who contributed were:
Searching
The passive drugs dog
The daily regime
Controlled movement.
In relation to searching prisoners it was reported that the number of rub down searches would be reduced, however the report also referred to plans to build a facility for ‘private searches’ ie. Strip searches that will be sited within access of the circle areas in Bush and Roe Houses (the Segregated wings).
The use of the passive drugs dog is not to be changed in any way that will benefit prisoners or facilitate the maintaining of regular family visits. Minor changes have been made that do not alter the present system in any recognisable way and the issue of prison staff abusing their control of the dog to prevent visits to POW’s in the segregated wing and to put POW’s in punishment cells on their return from Leave have not been addressed at all.
Instead of altering what is a sub-standard daily regime that requires POW’s to choose between exercise and education and enforces 18hour and 22hour lock-up on alternate days the prison service have plans to implement a Two-Tier regime. This is entirely unacceptable to Republican POW’s who are not seeking to earn privileges from the Northern Ireland Prison Service but are demanding their rights as Political Prisoners.
The review indicates that Controlled movement will not be changed and insists that it is necessary, the RPAG strongly refute this assertion. Controlled movement is excessively restrictive and prevents any free association between POW’s.
The POW’s are not prepared to accept these conditions and feel that the RPAG have exhausted all avenues on their behalf to no avail. The RPAG call on the public to give their support to the POW’s at this time. The Hunger Strikers sacrificed themselves to improve conditions for those POW’s who came after them and to ensure that Political Status was available to POW’s as of RIGHT. No one can be justified in signing away the Rights of others, however that is what happened in the Good Friday Agreement, and POW’s are now in a position where they must begin the fight for Political Status again.
Republican POW’s have formulated five demands and call for these to be addressed immediately.
FREE ASSOCIATION
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN LANDINGS
The British Government, the Prison Service, the media and local politicians have all been well aware of these issues for some time and have done nothing to address them. The POW’s have been left with no choice but to engage in protest within the gaol and this protest will no doubt intensify if these issues are not addressed and their demands are not dealt with.
The POW’s are relying on the Irish people to stand with them in their fight to improve conditions and ultimately to win back Political Status. The Irish people have never failed POW’s in the past and we have faith that they will not fail them now.
END
REPUBLICAN PRISONERS ACTION GROUP
PROTEST CONTINUES IN MAGHABERRY
On Monday 26th June 2006 Republican POW’s in Maghaberry will begin the second phase of their Prison Protest and will be refusing to eat meals in their cells. The RPAG would like to stress that the POW’s are not on Hunger Strike.
POW’s on the Segregated wing are denied access to canteen facilities and are forced to eat meals in their cells in close proximity to the toilet.
This is a practical problem that we believe results from the policy of Controlled Movement enforced on the Segregated landing. This policy prevents any more than three prisoners being allowed out of their cells at any one time and requires a staff to prisoner ratio of 4:2 and 3:1. The RPAG consider that the policy of Controlled Movement is excessively restrictive and POW’s will not tolerate these conditions any longer.
The Prison Protest began on Monday 19th June 2006 and will continue until the five demands outlined by the POW’s are addressed.
FREE ASSOCIATION
END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN LANDINGS
POW’s in Portlaoise Prison have expressed support for the Prison Protest and will begin a 24hour fast on Wednesday 28th June in solidarity with their comrades in Maghaberry. They have indicated that this will continue each week for the foreseeable future and in a statement issued from Portlaoise have called for support for the POW’s in Maghaberry in their fight to win back Political Status.
REPUBLICAN PRISONERS ACTION GROUP STATEMENT
Monday 26th June 2006
Tuesday 27th June 2006
Statement from RPAG
"The Republican Prisoners Action Group has learned that prison officers have been spreading rumours amongst the press that a number of Republican prisoners had come off the prison protest which started last Monday and which was escalated this week. The prisoners have confirmed that the rumours are not true and have issued a statement in response.
RPAG understands that far from prisoners coming off the protest that more prisoners are today joining the protest and that support for their demands is growing. Prisoners in Port Laois have also announced that they will be holding a 24 hour fast on Wednesday in support of their comrades in Maghaberry. Since the announcement of the protest messages of support have been received from groups and individuals across Ireland, Europe and the World.
The prisoners have made it clear in their escalation of the protest this week that the protest is growing in strength. The rumours of prisoners coming off the protest are groundless and demonstrate that the prison service are concerned at the growing momentum of the protest and have nothing to offer in response."
END
Statement from prisoners
"We categorically deny the lies being spread by those within the prison establishment. No Republican prisoner has left the protest. The Republican prisoners are strong and determined in pursuit of their aims and urge the people not to be manipulated by the imperialist foes. The Republican prisoners will continue with their protest until their demands have been met."
END
Statement from Republican Prisoners Action Group (RPAG).
Republican prisoners today called on elements of the print and broadcast media to end their self-censorship of the Republican prison protest at Maghaberry jail. Despite widespread distribution of the details of the protest only one of Irelands main daily papers carried any details of the protest.
Today a special broadcast on Radio Ulster from Magilligan Prison about prison issues also failed to refer to the prison protest.
RPAG has been contacted by a number of individuals claiming to have contacted the programme. After expressing views about the protest they were denied the opportunity to have their views expressed on air.
A spokesperson for the RPAG also contacted the programme to challenge points raised by the British Minister for Prisons. Tony McPhillips, from the group, asked how the Minister could assert that his main policies were aimed solely at protecting the public and rehabilitating criminals when the treatment of Republican prisoners demonstrated that there is a clear anti-Republican political agenda being pursued by the prison authorities.
Tony McPhillips was asked if he would like to put this point directly to the minister and he readily agreed. He was advised that he would be contacted later in the afternoon but he was not.
But Ministers, the prison Ombudsman, numerous prison officers and criminal prisoners were all permitted to express their views on the programme. It appears that decisions are being taken at an editorial level to stop information about the protest from being disseminated.
RPAG calls on all sections of the media to end their silence and begin publishing the daily human rights abuses of Republican prisoners that continue at Maghaberry jail.
June 27, 2006
ENDS
INCREASED NUMBERS ON PRISON PROTEST
From this week the number of Segregated POW’s in Maghaberry engaged in the Prison Protest is set to increase. No attempts have been made to address the 5 Demands of the POW’s although the RPAG have reported these demands on numerous occasions.
FREE ASSOCIATION
END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN LANDINGS
The Prison Protest will continue until these demands are addressed and the necessary changes are implemented. The media are censoring the ongoing struggle in Maghaberry and the prison service are ignoring it. This situation cannot continue and POW’s are determined that this situation will be resolved once and for all. The implementation of Segregation was not a meaningful attempt to deal with the issue of Political Prisoners it was a political move made in 2003 to trick the Irish people into believing that the conditions that led to protests within the prison at that time had been improved and that the issues had been resolved. Since Segregation conditions for both POW’s and their visitors have worsened.
The POW’s are relying on the Irish people to stand with them in their fight to improve conditions and ultimately to win back Political Status. The Irish people have never failed POW’s in the past and we have faith that they will not fail them now.
REPUBLICAN PRISONERS ACTION GROUP
28th June 2006
DEMANDS
FREE ASSOCIATION
END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN WING
Free Association & End to Controlled Movement – These issues can be taken together. POW’s are denied any Free Association and security concerns are cited by the Prison Service for enforcing Controlled Movement on the Segregated wing. This policy means that only three prisoners are allowed out of their cells at any one time and the ratio of prison staff to POW required is 4:2 or 3:1. This obviously prevents any Free Association between POW’s but also causes a number of practical problems. Canteen facilities are not open to POW’s and they are required to eat in their cells, this also restricts the amount of time POW’s can spend out of their cells and results in them being locked in their cells for 21hrs on a ‘good day’ and 23 hrs on a ‘bad day’. The regime operates ‘good day’ – ‘bad day’ on alternate days.
Education – Education is available in the segregated wing but this is hampered by the restrictions on movement. Due to the limited time prisoners are allowed out of their cells they must choose between education and exercise. If a prisoners’ class falls on a ‘bad day’ where 23hr lockup is imposed they forfeit going outside at all for the education class. In ordinary wings of the prison (that house non-political prisoners) the regime is less restricted and prisoners have access to both education and exercise.
- POW’s are denied blackboards/whiteboards etc that would facilitate them teaching each other. This is also prevented by the restrictions on Free Association.
- In terms of handicrafts prisoners are also denied necessary materials. In the other wings of the prison all materials are available and workshops are provided.
Within education the prisoners want a) freedom of movement so that they can engage in both exercise and education, b) Blackboards etc so that they can educate each other, c) full access to handicraft materials including tools and wood etc.
Separate Visiting Facility – When segregation was first introduced the Prison Service agreed to build separate accommodation as a visiting facility for segregated prisoners. The head of the prison service has said that this is no longer on the agenda.
For the safety of both visitors and POW’s separate facilities are needed. In one case, a visitor to a Republican POW was followed home to Belfast by visitors to a Loyalist prisoner.
In a sinister move the Prison Service have recently blamed Segregated prisoners for the cramped visiting facilities that now exist for non-political prisoners because part of that visiting accommodation is being used at present to facilitate separate visits for Segregated prisoners.
Right to organise wing – Last year POW’s discussed this with the priest in the gaol. The prison service were aware that this would become necessary but are not moving on this issue.
OTHER ISSUES
WELFARE VISITS
Sentenced Prisoners in Maghaberry are allowed one visit per week. Welfare visits are not available to the Republican Prisoners Action Group and so to have contact with a representative from the RPAG POW’s have to forfeit a family visit.
In advance of the Separated Regime Review of May 2006 welfare visits were only available to MLA’s, MP’s or councillors from a political party that had a sitting MLA/MP. The review changed this to allow Councillors from political parties with no representation at MP/MLA level to have access to welfare visits also.
In our submission to the Northern Ireland Prison Service Review Consultation exercise we highlighted the fact that this policy prevented representatives from RSF who are excluded from Council elections in the 6 Counties by the Test Oath and indeed the RPAG who represent prisoners but are not a political organisation who would be standing in elections at all.
POW’s are seeking welfare visits from the RPAG along the lines provided to Councillors, MLA’s and MP’s etc. They are not represented by any organisation that contest elections in the 6 Counties and so these restrictions impact severely on their contact with suitable representatives.
SEARCHES
POW’s, regardless of the restrictions on their movement, are subject to numerous rub down searches on the way to and from visits, including legal visits, and regular strip searches. A Prison Review in May 2006 indicated that the number of rub down searches would be reduced on the Segregated Wing. However the Review also referred to a facility being built for ‘private searches’, the facility has been confirmed to be for the purpose of strip-searching. This facility is located in the access areas to Bush and Roe houses, the segregated wings. (the Republican POW’s are held in Roe House)
11th June 2006
DEMANDS
FREE ASSOCIATION
END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN WING
Free Association & End to Controlled Movement – These issues can be taken together. POW’s are denied any Free Association and security concerns are cited by the Prison Service for enforcing Controlled Movement on the Segregated wing. This policy means that only three prisoners are allowed out of their cells at any one time and the ratio of prison staff to POW required is 4:2 or 3:1. This obviously prevents any Free Association between POW’s but also causes a number of practical problems. Canteen facilities are not open to POW’s and they are required to eat in their cells, this also restricts the amount of time POW’s can spend out of their cells and results in them being locked in their cells for 21hrs on a ‘good day’ and 23 hrs on a ‘bad day’. The regime operates ‘good day’ – ‘bad day’ on alternate days.
Education – Education is available in the segregated wing but this is hampered by the restrictions on movement. Due to the limited time prisoners are allowed out of their cells they must choose between education and exercise. If a prisoners’ class falls on a ‘bad day’ where 23hr lockup is imposed they forfeit going outside at all for the education class. In ordinary wings of the prison (that house non-political prisoners) the regime is less restricted and prisoners have access to both education and exercise.
- POW’s are denied blackboards/whiteboards etc that would facilitate them teaching each other. This is also prevented by the restrictions on Free Association.
- In terms of handicrafts prisoners are also denied necessary materials. In the other wings of the prison all materials are available and workshops are provided.
Within education the prisoners want a) freedom of movement so that they can engage in both exercise and education, b) Blackboards etc so that they can educate each other, c) full access to handicraft materials including tools and wood etc.
Separate Visiting Facility – When segregation was first introduced the Prison Service agreed to build separate accommodation as a visiting facility for segregated prisoners. The head of the prison service has said that this is no longer on the agenda.
For the safety of both visitors and POW’s separate facilities are needed. In one case, a visitor to a Republican POW was followed home to Belfast by visitors to a Loyalist prisoner.
In a sinister move the Prison Service have recently blamed Segregated prisoners for the cramped visiting facilities that now exist for non-political prisoners because part of that visiting accommodation is being used at present to facilitate separate visits for Segregated prisoners.
Right to organise wing – Last year POW’s discussed this with the priest in the gaol. The prison service were aware that this would become necessary but are not moving on this issue.
OTHER ISSUES
WELFARE VISITS
Sentenced Prisoners in Maghaberry are allowed one visit per week. Welfare visits are not available to the Republican Prisoners Action Group and so to have contact with a representative from the RPAG POW’s have to forfeit a family visit.
In advance of the Separated Regime Review of May 2006 welfare visits were only available to MLA’s, MP’s or councillors from a political party that had a sitting MLA/MP. The review changed this to allow Councillors from political parties with no representation at MP/MLA level to have access to welfare visits also.
In our submission to the Northern Ireland Prison Service Review Consultation exercise we highlighted the fact that this policy prevented representatives from RSF who are excluded from Council elections in the 6 Counties by the Test Oath and indeed the RPAG who represent prisoners but are not a political organisation who would be standing in elections at all.
POW’s are seeking welfare visits from the RPAG along the lines provided to Councillors, MLA’s and MP’s etc. They are not represented by any organisation that contest elections in the 6 Counties and so these restrictions impact severely on their contact with suitable representatives.
SEARCHES
POW’s, regardless of the restrictions on their movement, are subject to numerous rub down searches on the way to and from visits, including legal visits, and regular strip searches. A Prison Review in May 2006 indicated that the number of rub down searches would be reduced on the Segregated Wing. However the Review also referred to a facility being built for ‘private searches’, the facility has been confirmed to be for the purpose of strip-searching. This facility is located in the access areas to Bush and Roe houses, the segregated wings. (the Republican POW’s are held in Roe House)
11th June 2006
PRISON FAST
On Friday 14th July 2006 Republican POW’s both in Maghaberry and Portlaoise will hold a 24hour fast in protest against the regime in Maghaberry and the attempts to criminalise Republican Prisoners by enforcing sub-standard conditions on the segregated landings.
Republican POW’s in Maghaberry have been engaged in a prison protest since 19th June 2006 and there are now over thirty POW’s on the protest. They are fighting to improve conditions for segregated prisoners in Maghaberry who are in effect being punished for exercising their right to segregation from non-political prisoners. They are demanding that their 5 demands be addressed.
RIGHT TO FREE ASSOCIATION
END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN LANDINGS
POW’s in Portlaoise have been acting in solidarity with their comrades in Maghaberry during the prison protest and 19 POW’s in Portlaoise will also be fasting on Friday.
The Republican Prisoners Action Group (RPAG) have been highlighting the worsening conditions that have existed since the implementation of segregation but our concerns were ignored by the prison service and others. This has led to POW’s themselves embarking on a protest as they felt that this was the only avenue left open to them. This issue cannot be ignored any longer, it must be dealt with and these demands must be addressed.
END
RPAG Statement
13th July 2006
Maghaberry Protest Continues
Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol will embark upon a 24-hour fast from Noon on Thursday until Noon on Friday as part of their ongoing protest for political status.
Their demands include the right to free association; an end to controlled movement; the right to full-time education; segregated visits, and the right to organise their own wing.
Whilst political status was signed away by agents of the English government under the terms of the Stormont Agreement, the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) asserts that it remains the right of Republican POWs. The RPAG calls on the Irish people to support the just demands of the POWs!
ENDS
