Statement From OC CIRA POWS in Maghaberry

by John Wed Jun 21, 2006 16:08

The current dissident prisoners are trying to copy history for their own selfish gains. They see how much the Irish people respect the true Republicans of history who struggled their whole lives when war was necessary.

Now that way is over and for this phase of the struggle the people need political leadership. Republicans are doing this excellently in the name of Sinn Féin.

The current dissidents have no support. People commenting on this website and RSF and 32CSM are mentioning the 1981 Hunger Strike and the Hungerstrikers as if there is a similarity.

The only connection between 1981 and the dissidents is that the dissidents are trying to copy history, when times have completely changed. The times have changed because of the hard work of the Republicans of history. The dissidents are not part of the same movement. They are of small groups of copy cats who are only in it for themselves. By doing this they try to change history to read that they are similar to our patriot dead. They are not. All our patriot dead had died in rebellions when the Irish people rose up to fight British Imperialism. Now the Irish people are engaging in political action in the name of Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin are committed to representing the Irish people and will continue to do so.

by pat c Wed Jun 21, 2006 16:26

"The only connection between 1981 and the dissidents is that the dissidents are trying to copy history, when times have completely changed."

Yes times have changed, the IRA have disarmed. SF are sitting in Stormont, Martin McGuinness is likely to become Deputy First Minister in the near future. In 1981 as I went round with Baibre de Bruin campaigning for Political Status I never for one moment dreamed she would become a Minister of the Crown.

Thats all as may be. There is a demand from SFs constituency in the North for them to take up those Cabinet positions but the reality is that they will only be allowed to administer the misery.

I think the IRA were correct to end all military actions. The CIRA are carrying on a futile struggle. At the recent meeting on The Future of Republicanism, Brian hanley pointed out that in 1972 approximately 200 British soldiers, RUC and UDR were killed. There was a massive bombing campaign, but this did not cause the British to withdraw. The IRA did not win. How can the CIRA realistically expect to succeed with their tiny forces?

But and its a big BUT the CIRA are carrying out the exact same type of actions that the IRA did in 1981. They are tried in the same no jury courts. I supported Political Status for the H Block/Armagh prisoners in 1981; I would be a hypocrite if I didnt support Political Status for the CIRA and RIRA prisoners now.

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 21, 2006 16:33

Agree with your points

by Freddy Wed Jun 21, 2006 16:41

The POW's should be supported. The SDLP said of the men in 1981 that they had not the support of the people. The men of 1916 did not have popular support at the start of the Rebellion. History has show that the Irish people support the fight for freedom not matter what its form. SUPPORT THE POW's

by Pete Brickette Wed Jun 21, 2006 18:01

Well John do you also believe in the Tooth Fairy? Sinn Fein and not the people have benefited from this war. While the MLAs spend their time in Little Westminster [Stormont to the slow in the uptake] grovelling to be allowed into a Unionist led Government and The Leadership Traverse the World sipping tea with the Great and the Greedy, while the rank and file run their bars, and other businesses ordinary people in the street are suffering at the hands of the scum who peddle drugs, steal and burn cars, mow down children playing in the street. Attack people for the hell of it, beating them almost to death, breaking into homes and stealing, what little people have, etc, etc.

When challenged about their inactivity, Sinn Fein members reply, "What can we do? Our hands are tied, organise amongst yourselves and confront them, We can't remove every drug dealer and lout...Blah...Blah!"

Politics are more important. Sinn Fein are now no more different than the SDLP. Worthless lapdogs who only come out on the streets at election time and who turn the commemorations of our fallen comrades into Party political broadcasts.

by Sean Oglach Wed Jun 21, 2006 18:25

I agree Political Prisoners are Political Prisoners while they are imprisoned for carrying out what are termed Political Offences. I also believe that the Dissident Republicans are trying to fight a futile war. If the past generation of Republicans fighting a prolonged and fearless war against the Brits couldn't win then they most definitely won't achieve anything.

In the end their Leadership will become hypocritical Politicians and slowly sell out everything they treasured and struggled with their life's blood for.

Isn't it amazing that the people who call those in Maghaberry criminals the loudest are not the Brits, Unionists, Sdlp etc but so called Republicans?

Rest in Peace Bobby Sands.

by Sean McIntyre Wed Jun 21, 2006 18:26

Pat C, I agree with your points, I would also point out that the Hunger strikers of 81 (not including those affiliated with the IRSP of course) were part of the Republican Movement, a movement that was politically and idealogically identical (trad. Republicanism, abstentionism,Eire Nua etc) with (an important point) a Republican leadership. That Republicanism that is today solely represented by RSF and the wider Republican Movement, including CIRA/Ogliagh na hEireann. Now we can say maybe in all likelyhood they may or may not have followed the path of Adams, but at the time of their deaths they were RM, not psf. Remember too, that political status was signed away by the provos, rights earned by the prisoners thrown away for political expediancy and a few shillings. Was never theirs to give away. Anyway, everyone should get behind the Republican prisoners , political prisoners deserve political staus.

by RPAG - Republican Prisoners Action Group Wed Jun 21, 2006 18:29

CURRENT CONDITIONS IN MAGHEBERRY PRISON

Lock-ins: Republican POWs are subjected to up to 23-hours' lock-up on a "bad day". There is what is known as the "good day, bad day" policy operating within the prison.

Strip-searches and rub-downs: the screws have prisoners strip the clothes from the top of their bodies before being searched, and are again searched after replacing their clothes and stripping the bottom half of their body. Seemingly this is an attempt to deny that strip-searches occur within
Maghaberry Gaol as EU legislation defines them as full-body searches with all clothes removed at the one time. (One prisoner was searched a total of eleven times in one day. These included strip searches.) Lack of access to solicitors and legal representation: prisoners have been searched on their way to and from legal visits, and in some instances made to miss the visit altogether.

No free association: Lack of educational opportunities - these are available to other prisoners. New restrictions on parole and compassionate parole: the draconian conditions placed on them have led to many prisoners refusing parole.

Misuse of sniffer dogs to prevent visits and refusal of open visits. Despite passing some visitors, the dogs have been brought past them again and made to sit. This can prevent a visit from taking place. Another tactic is to offer an "open" visit, which most prisoners will not accept.

Internment by remand: there are a growing number of cases whereby people have been remanded in custody for many months before being granted bail or acquitted. They may be refused bail on the grounds of forensic evidence connecting them to the charges - however the forensic reports show that no such evidence exists.

It is clear that the British government is attempting to criminalise Republican prisoners and by extension the struggle for Irish freedom, as evidenced by the signing away of political status under the terms of the 1998 Stormont Agreement. They are seeking to destroy the prisoners - both mentally and physically. POWs have been subjected to sleep-deprivation and other methods. However history shows that oppression inevitably results in increased resistance.

We also find it ironic that others who have argued constantly that there are no longer any political prisoners in Ireland should call a public meeting to discuss the issues facing prisoners in Maghaberry. These are of course the selfsame people who were only too happy to sign away political status for anyone convicted of a "scheduled offence" after the Stormont Agreement came into operation. Ten men died during the Hunger Strike of 1981 to restore this right - a right that did not belong to those who sought to remove it.

Despite the much publicized reintroduction of segregation (or "separation" as the British now call it), prisoners can be refused entry to the segregated wing on the basis of RUC or prison authority opinion that they are not qualifying prisoners. The former head of the British prison service, John Steele, proposed that segregation be reintroduced, as it was necessary to ensure the Health & Safety of prisoners. As such the perception of these prisoners by other inmates is of far greater importance than the perceptions of the RUC/PSNI and/or Prison Service staff. If pro-British and Loyalist prisoners believe them to be Republican or nationalist then their safety is clearly in jeopardy and therefore they should be admitted into segregated accommodation.

We unreservedly support the aims of Republican prisoners for the granting of full political status, which they are entitled to as of right, as well as their struggle to end British Occupation and restore the All-Ireland Republic so that Irishmen and Irishwomen can finally be free from all foreign interference.

by Support the POWs Wed Jun 21, 2006 18:34

An article written by a recently released Republican prisoner that appeared on Indymedia recently.

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76540

by Donnchadh Wed Jun 21, 2006 18:45

Interesting to see how quick the provisionals are to take up their role as the latest capitulation to British rule in Ireland. Cumann na nGael made the division: Old IRA Good / Anti Treaty IRA Bad
DeVelera: Pre 1927 IRA Good / Post 1927 IRA Bad
Adams Family: Surrendered PIRA Good / CIRA Bad

by Nico Wed Jun 21, 2006 19:41

Republican Prisoner Action Group, the organization which campaigns on behalf on the Irish Republican political prisoners/POWs release statement announcing protest:

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76703

Republican Sinn Fein statement in support of the prisoners just demands.

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76735

EMGANN (Breton Republicans) statement in support of the CIRA Prisoners:

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/76753

by Mac G Wed Jun 21, 2006 23:49

John, how old are you?
The struggle today, for political status, is exactly the same as the struggle was in 1981, in 1980, in 1976 (Frank Stagg), in 1974 (Michael Gaughan), in 1972 (Billy McKee), in 1940 (Tony D'Arcy, Sean McNeela), in 1920 (Michael Fitzgerald, Terence MacSwiney, Joseph Murphy), and in 1917 (Thomas Ashe).
So was everyone after Ashe a "copycat"?
Grow up.
The Provisional political party using the name "Sinn Féin" broke the Sinn Féin constitution is 1986 when they dropped abstentionism and recognised the "legitimacy" of an illegitimate partitionist statelet. They have proceeded to abandon, undermine, corrupt, degrade and sell every defining principle of republicanism. They are the dissidents, and they are collaborators.

by Herbert Woods Thu Jun 22, 2006 02:09

Are you people so thick as not to realise that 'John' above is a cop provocateur. No one involved in politics writes rubbish like that.

‘John’ is a cop.

by Donnchadh Thu Jun 22, 2006 03:31

Herbert, you are seriously deluding yourself, John is talking exactly the way you would expect from "poachers turned gamekeepers." Remember that DeValera didnt stop at calling republicans "dissidents with no support" he hung them too - didnt even give them a soldier's death like the Brits nearly gave him. There's nothing like the zeal of the convert. The Free Staters were ten times worse than the Black and Tans ever were.

by Mick Thu Jun 22, 2006 03:59

Im begining to think you hate Sinn Féin more than the Brits. Maybe you are one.

"the free staters were worse than the tans" WHAT???????????????????

by Me Thu Jun 22, 2006 04:01

Indymedia is a useful tool for the Brits. Think about it. How many comments here are made by them - most.

by Donnchadh Thu Jun 22, 2006 05:06

Mick when did you hear of the Black and Tans taking a group of prisoners, breaking their hands with hammers, taking them out in the middle of the night, tying them around a land mine, exploding the mine, then machine gunning what was left of the victims. The Free Staters did this to Republican prisoners in Ballysheedy county Kerry.

by Freedom Radio - Freedom Radio/IRPA Thu Jun 22, 2006 13:48 kenn at irpa dot co dot uk

The conditions laid upon the republican prisoners in Maghaberry are completely different to conditions in any other UK Jail
The Brit Goverment wants its cake and to eat it
The refuse to accept the political staus of our POW's and call them common criminals yet they then dont allow them the life of a common criminal
where is the association that the ordinary criminal has?
why do our prisoners not have the right to go to church?
NO REPUBLICAN prisoner has ever been caught with drugs nor for that matter any person Visiting a Republican prisoner at Maghaberry yet we are continulaly told that the "dog" has a scent and all visits are then cancled
why is there a 22hour lockdown
why does it take 20 officers and a dog to search a Republican cell yet just two officer to search the "ordinary Criminals" cells?
why was J J Connolly not allowed compassionat leave to visit his sick mother when JJ has not been charged with Murder or wounding?
they whole system is a farce
and even closer to the point where is thier support from the republican leaders have they lost sight of what the ultimate goal is
a FREE and UNFETTERED Ireland not a power share with the verry people who have taken a oath to "never allow a Catholic a position of High Office"
support our POW's NOW
www.irpa.co.uk

by max o'mum Thu Jun 22, 2006 19:13

Donnchadh, don't expect any provisional supporter to be familiar with Republican history.
Didn't you know only "cops" know their history???

by mac_talla Thu Jun 22, 2006 19:48 tallarose at aol dot com

If republicanism cannot come together over this issue, then there is no hope left.

Check your egos and your affiliations at the door, roll up your sleeves and DO SOMETHING!

Write the British government, write your TDs, MPs, Senators, Representatives....or whatever the title. Write your local papers. Organize a demonstration. Ask your friends to write. Demand that the government resolve this issue, swiftly and equitably.

It would be a serious mistake to believe that the republican prisoners in Maghaberry have any less dedication or strength of will than the men of 1981.

Whilst republican groups play their adolescent game of "I am more republican than you", these men are living in HELL!

by Herbert Woods Thu Jun 22, 2006 19:51

The more I read of this, the more it just looks like a bunch of cops talking to each other, pretending to be someone else.

The stuff about the Black & Tans by Donnchadh just shows what a complete political ignoramus he is.

by think Thu Jun 22, 2006 22:51

Who do you think they're pretending to be you fucking idiot? You post nonsense on all these threads about "cops" and "brits", if you are mentally incapable of defending your postition in a debate by either lack of brains or lack of grasp on actual Republican history, go to some ogra circle jerk forum. Its easy there. All you have to do, is nod. Thinking is neither required or wanted.

by Immortalkeane Thu Jun 22, 2006 23:03

Again consistent shortcoming from those wishing to just whine and whine,
the issue is not in relation to the `81 hungerstrike and its similarities to `06 because as we are aware circumstances change ,the issue is basic human rights , rights afforded to murderers rapists and drug dealers in jails up and down Ireland and Britland.
Fact of the matter wether you agre or disagree with what those people may or maynot have done the simple issue remains that htey as humans are entitled to see a priest /pastor attend church and to live in human conditions.

So if any one of those whiners you see on here who claim they know it all step back and actually see whats happening then prehaps real Irish men like most who post on this site might take aboard your points ,lads please write to jj and the rest held illegally in inhuman conditions in maghaberry and help keep their spirits up and show them the Irish will not be looked down upon.

fiche se agus a se = Eire

Slan go foil mo chairde o Eireann

by NIFC - National Irish Freedom Committee Thu Jun 22, 2006 23:13 nifcmem at optonline dot net

Cabhair, is an Irish charitable organisation that provides financial assistance to the dependants and family members of Irish Republican political prisoners. I would urge everyone who reads this to help them in this most noble of work by making a contribution.

This month, Cumann Na Saoirse Náisiúnta (National Irish Freedom Committee ), in America, is starting its annual Monthly Sustainer program. The program is the cornerstone of the Irish Republican Political Activists Support (IRPAS) Campaign. The Sustainer program operates on the pledge principle, whereby, donors pledge a monthly contribution: the amount to be decided by the donor.

On Saturday, June 10th, campaign coordinator Patrick Williams appeared on the New York weekly radio program, Radio Free Eireann. Pat discussed briefly with the hosts, John McDonagh and Sandy Boyer, that there are still Republican political prisoners in both Irish states and that the dependants of these prisoners and other political activists deserve our assistance. He also told them that participants in the program would receive monthly bulletins informing them of up to date information regarding the plight of political activists who are imprisoned on the inside or in a state of virtual imprisonment on the outside!

The National Irish Freedom Committee supports the dependents of Republican political prisoners through Cabhair in Ireland. Cabhair has been in existence for many years supporting the dependents of faithful Republican prisoners, and ensnared Éire Nua political activists throughout the 32 Irish counties. Anyone wishing to take part in the program should contact at: IRPAS@irishfreedom.net and visit the NIFC's website at: www.irishfreedom.net

Those outside of North America should send all donations to Cabhair 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.

Support the prisoners who support the All-Ireland Republic!
www.irishfreedom.net

by Support the POWs Thu Jun 22, 2006 23:15

Cabhair - Irish Republican Prisoners Dependants Fund

Cabhair is a charitable organisation, solely dependant on public subscriptions. It was established in early 1987, following the revolutionary / reformist split in the republican movement, for "the relief of cases of distress arising out of republican activity".

Immediately following the Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin in 1986 when the Provisionals departed from the Republican road a number of Irish political prisoners in England, the Six Counties and the 26 Counties adhered to the revolutionary path and refused to accept support from the Provisionals.

To meet this pressing need CABHAIR was formed and has continued with this noble work. Prisoners that they have cared for have been released on completion of sentence and others have gone to prison. At no time since 1987 have no prisoners been in CABHAIR's care. As long as British rule continues in Ireland, Irish people will resist that foreign occupation and, unfortunately, there will be political prisoners.

CABHAIR currently supports Republican prisoners in Portlaoise prison in the 26 Counties and Maghaberry prison in the Six Occupied Counties.

Donations can be sent to :

CABHAIR - Irish Republican Prisoners Dependants Fund
223 Parnell Street,
Dublin 1.
Ireland

by Kenno - none Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:11

Surely if these prisoners call themselves POWs then there has to be a war on? When was the last time the CIRA attacked the British Army or the cops? What is the total sum of their action combined with the RIRA? 30 dead civilians in Omagh? Hardly what you call a peoples war! The prisoners in Maghaberry deserve sympathy more than anything. They were deluded by movements which are rotten to the core with touts and special branch. Armed struggle for the sake of it is a ridiculous and naive philosophy.

by rpag - rpag Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:15

Anyone willing to help support the protest or join their local prison action group can contact RPAG in Belfast on 028 90319004. Together with other groups we organise across the 32 counties so you can help no matter where in Ireland you live.

You don't need to support the political stance of the prisoners, all that we ask is that you support the prisoners' demands to be treated humanely and with the political status that men before them gained with their lives. Help in handing out leaflets, putting up posters and organising local demonstrations is all needed.

by Donnchadh Fri Jun 23, 2006 16:30

Kenno you can be sure nobody is in Maghaberry for wearing celtic t-shirts. Some of them were captured in training camps, some moving arms and some in the aftermath of operations carried out against British occupation forces. All were involved in the re-building of the Republican Movement - a necessarily slow and pains taking task. As for being riddled with informers, the lessons learned from the provisionals who have been run by British agents since at least the mid eighties, is that security must be the first priority.

by Herbert Woods Fri Jun 23, 2006 16:46

There is no doubt that 'John' is not genuine and for a republican to write that the Free Staters were worse than the Black & Tans betrays unbelievable political stupidity. BTW there is little point in my going along to an organisation I do not belong to - and your totally sectarian and arrogant approach to discussion with members of another organisation is noted. I’m sure it makes you feel good.

by Dan Wed Jul 26, 2006 17:26

The protesters in Maghaberry are political prisoners.
If it was not for the current war in this country (and yes,I consider 6 sectarian attacks a day to be a war)
these men would never have seen the inside of a prison cells.
Tiochfidh ár lá