Stormont Ignoring Suffering of Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry - RNU

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Tuesday May 31, 2011 10:37 by RNU PRO - The Republican Network for Unity (RNU)

THE REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY has expressed serious concerns about the situation facing Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol. "In spite of repeated warnings from RNU and others who represent Political Prisoners in the Gaol, the Stormont Executive and it's Justice Minister have completely ignored the suffering of Republican Prisoners in Roe House.

THE REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY has expressed serious concerns about the situation facing Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol. "In spite of repeated warnings from RNU and others who represent Political Prisoners in the Gaol, the Stormont Executive and it's Justice Minister have completely ignored the suffering of Republican Prisoners in Roe House.

Rather than using their influence to have last August's Agreement implemented in full, Stormont Politicians have also ignored serious concerns about the situation facing Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry. In spite of numerous meetings, letters and statements from RNU and others who represent Political Prisoners in the Gaol, the Stormont Executive and it's Justice Minister have completely ignored the suffering of Republican Prisoners in Roe House.

Rather than using their influence to have last August's Agreement implemented in full, Stormont's Politicians have also ignored the continued harassment, ongoing intimidation and brutal attacks upon Political Prisoners in the Gaol. In spite of lengthy negotiations, between Republican Prisoners, RNU, other representative groups, Independent Facilitators and the Prison Service that led to last August's Agreement, it soon became clear to the POWs' that the Prison Administration and the Loyalist POA were not happy with the settlement and would do anything to undermine the entire agreement.

It was not long before, the belief and goodwill illustrated last August started to diminish due to the gradual mistreatment of Republican Prisoners. The Prison Service and LPOA soon placed obstacles in the way of prisoners, their families and representatives outside. It also seemed that the Stormont Justice Department had little interest in implementing the Agreement either. It was apparent that they too were being held hostage to the negative policies of the LPOA. Within months, the August Agreement had broken down and protest action by Republican Prisoners resumed".

Mr. Reilly concluded; "At present, over 30 Political Prisoners are locked in their cells 24/7 under 'Rule 32'. They have no access to education, adequate washing facilities or proper association. During the past few weeks, a number of POWs' have had to be transferred to an outside hospital for medical treatment because they were badly beaten by the Screws. A few days ago, Harry Fitzsimmons' cell was stormed by the Riot-Squad who smashed his glasses into his face and repeatedly punched and kicked the Belfastman to the floor. After a few minutes, they left Harry lying on the floor in pain. One of the Independent Facilitators and his family have since witnessed his many injuries. The current situation in Maghaberry is intolerable. RNU call on the Maghaberry Administration and Loyalist POA to end their failed criminalisation policy against Republican Prisoners and implement the August agreement in full. We urge Human Rights advocates and Politicians to ensure the dignity and respect for Political Prisoners in Roe House.

Finally, our Network ask everyone Republican or otherwise to assemble at Maghaberry for a Rally on Sunday 5th June, 2011 at 3pm to demonstrate unity against this crisis and demand the implementation of the August Agreement".