Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare Association
Friday, September 18 1999.
Statement from Irish Republican POWs in England to IRPWA Function, Derry City,
A Chairde agus a Phoblachtanaigh,
Is mór an trua é nach feidir leo a bheith mar aon libh anocht ag an oíche ceol
agus craic atá agaibh. Ach tá gach ceann againn le chéile i meoin. Cé go
bhfuil muid faoi gafa nílamar buailte, ní bhriste, agus tá muid cinnte go
bfuil sibh ag obair ar son saoirse: ní amhain soirse na gcime, ach saoirse
iomlán na hÉireann.
Comrades and Republicans,
We greatly regret that we cannot be with you tonight as you celebrate our
resistance and support our struggle. But it is clear that we are all united
in spirit. Although we are presently imprisoned we are not broken, and we
certain that our comrades are working not only for the prisoners of war, but
also for the complete freedom of Ireland.
At present unity is the key to the survival of our movement. Without this
comradeship we will never amount to any kind of revolutionary force, but with
it we can change everything. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with our
comrades in the jails in the six counties and in the Free State and ask you to
do the same.
We would like to thank the people of Derry for their support, particularly for
their support of our families who have had to make arduous trips to England to
see us. Voices calling for our repatriation have already been heard and we
also ask that people continue to press this demand.
We are political prisoners and no amount of British power will ever rob that
from us. Although small in number we are gigantic in spirit and in our
determination that the struggle for Ireland's freedom will never be
criminalised. We ask you to support us in our time of need, and to help us
and our families.
Although we are far from home we are with our people in spirit. We hope that
everyone present at the Derry function will walk home tonight determined to do
something to aid the prisoners and their families.
Is sinne,
Tony Hyland (Dublin),
Whitemoor Prison,
Cambidgeshire,
England.
Liam Grogan (Kildare),
Frankland Prison,
Durham, England.
Darren Mulholland (Dundalk),
Full Sutton Prison,
York,
England
Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare Association
Press Release: Saturday, 18th September 1999.
Prisoners' Families and Friends Defy Intimidation from Sinn Féin Militia
Despite threats and intimidation from Sinn Féin's party militia, families and
friends of Republican prisoners enjoyed a well-attended fundraiser in Derry
City on Friday 17 September. Several hundred people attended the function,
with over 400 tickets having been sold.
In the days running up to the event relatives of prisoners were approached and
threatened by known militia-men. The intimidation culminated on Wednesday
night when a member of the Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare Association was
abducted, beaten and threatened by the Sinn Féin militia.
The I.R.P.W.A. member, who had been selling tickets for the event, was
kidnapped and held for four hours. He was snatched from his work at gunpoint
and was beaten by men who demanded to know the names and addresses of all the
members of the I.R.P.W.A.'s Derry Branch. He was threatened with death and
was told "you won't be holding any function for prisoners".
An IRPWA spokeswoman said, "The Sinn Féin militia also visited the owners of
the first venue advertised for the prisoners benefit function and forced them
to withdraw their invitation to the I.R.P.W.A. a few days before the event. A
second venue was also forced to withdraw its invitation."
She continued, "The only way to hold the function was to keep the third
location secret until the last possible moment. People were told to gather at
various locations and were then ferried to the venue by a fleet of cars and a
minibus."
During the fundraiser several cars full of armed Sinn Féin militia were
witnessed patrolling the area surrounding the venue trying to intimidate
people attending the event. The IRPWA fully believe that they were intent on
attacking the function but were thwarted by the large number of supporters in
attendance and by the presence of several members of the press.
The spokeswoman added, "These thugs are very 'brave' in abducting
ticket-sellers off the street but when confronted by the sheer number of
supporters at the prisoners' function they were put in their place."
The function was well attended by many ex-prisoners including former internees
and a recently released Belfast man who traveled to the event to add his
support. The newly formed branch of the IRPWA in Belfast also sent a
delegation to the fundraiser.
The fundraiser was a complete success despite all attempts by Sinn Féin's
party militia to intimidate organisers. The Irish Prisoner's Welfare
Association is an organisation set up to highlight the plight of Republican
Prisoners. The IRPWA also assist through fund raising activities prisoners'
families who endure financial and personal hardship in traveling to visit
their loved ones in English, Magheraberry, Portlaoise and Limerick prisons.
Statement Ends
IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION
18th August 2000
The following speech was given by Martin Galvin, Guest Speaker at a
Function in aid of the IRPWA in Belfast Tonight
"A Chairde,
It is important to begin by commending and congratulating each of you
who have come tonight to support Irish Republican prisoners, many of
whom are from Belfast, by giving financial help to their wives and
children.
Many things have occurred which only 5 years ago I would have thought
impossible, incredible or inconceivable.
High on that list would be the thought that it might be necessary in
Belfast of all places in Ireland to congratulate people for merely
supporting the families of Republican political prisoners.
Because especially in Belfast it was always so customary, so
commonplace and so obligatory to stand behind Republican prisoners; that
rather than commending those who did what was routinely expected, you
would think in terms of what was wrong or lacking in those who would not
help the families of Republican prisoners.
Tonight is obviously different, in large measure because the nature and
purpose of this event has been so deliberately misrepresented. I have
heard that there were calls for me to be banned by the British
government, something that was last tried by British secretary James
Prior without much success. The Irish News actually published a story
that the event was canceled, and an editorial applauding the
cancellation. There has been an orchestrated campaign to vilify and
intimidate people. If that campaign had succeeded, if this event were
canceled, the real victims would be the wives and children of Irish
political prisoners, and the Republican prisoners themselves, whether in
Maghaberry, England or Portlaoise. That is something which will never be
allowed to happen.
Let me say something which the British should long ago have recognised,
that journalists should know, and that members of the wider Republican
family should have instinctively understood. Republicans will not be
broken in their support for Republican political prisoners, by anything
the British can do, by any campaign of lies and misrepresentation
orchestrated in the media, or by threats from any quarter.
We will never stop backing the families of Republican political
prisoners, just as we will never cease in our opposition to British
rule, nor in working to build a credible Republican alternative which
will succeed in freeing all Republican political prisoners by ending
British rule.
If anyone doubts that, let me note that just as we go forward tonight
in Belfast, there are two more such events next week in Dublin and
Dundalk.
Well might the British and those who have joined a British Stormont
Administration worry, because the very existence of a growing number of
Republican political prisoners fighting a renewed British policy of
criminalisation belies any claim that British rule is truly changed or
is a stepping-stone or transition to anything but a re-modeled form of
British rule in which Republicans are to be, in David Trimble's terms,
"house-trained".
A few weeks ago, we watched the release amid celebrations of most of
the remaining political prisoners in Long Kesh. There was jubilation.
We as Republicans welcomed their release even though we oppose the
Stormont Deal terms. There is something gratifying in seeing Republicans
" who struggled against British rule, were captured and jailed " walking
free of British prisons. It also signifies that whatever the British
have said, or say now, they will negotiate the release of prisoners now
and will ultimately be prepared to release all Irish political prisoners
as part of a final settlement ending British rule.
However, as I watched the coverage, I was struck with a terrible sense
of foreboding, doubt and deja-vu, and sad sense that we were seeing an
old British strategy of criminalisation being re-worked in Maghaberry.
A quarter century ago, the British phased out internment and
Republicans celebrated. We naively hoped, and for a time believed, that
it was a move towards justice. No more internment without trial, the
British said, which was synonymous with torture, with British raids and
injustice. No more Long Kesh, only the Maze, they claimed.
Instead the British were just dealing in a propaganda strategy. Instead
the British give us the H-Blocks and a nonsensical claim that those who
struggled against British rule before an arbitrary date of March 1,
1976, were political prisoners; but, the late Kierán Nugent and those
who opposed British rule after that day would be mere criminals.
Instead the British forced the blanket-protest and ultimately two
hunger strikes upon Republican political prisoners in a failed attempt
to portray the Irish struggle against British rule as a crime.
Republicans resisted and defeated criminalisation at great cost and
sacrifice, because the world recognised that criminals do not die such
deaths for the freedom of their countries, only patriots do.
It should be noted that criminalisation was also defeated in England
and Portlaoise but only by hunger strike.
Today in Maghaberry, the British are trying once again this failed
policy of criminalisation hoping that as part of the Stormont Deal, they
can succeed.
In Maghaberry, Republican political prisoners are locked up 23 hours
per day. Republicans are deliberately divided and allocated cells
surrounded by loyalists. They have been assaulted, scalded with boiling
water, threatened, and had family members threatened during visits, all
in an attempt to break their resistance to criminalisation. Their
remission is taken in an effort to make them accept prison work. It may
be Maghaberry instead of Long Kesh, or as the British tried to re-name
it "The Maze". The arbitrary date is no longer March 1976, but April
1998. The same Diplock courts and judges sentence them. Criminalisation,
which has been defeated before, is being resisted now and will be
defeated again.
However, today Sinn Féin is party to a British Stormont administration
which is seeking to criminalise Irish Republican prisoners. Sinn Féin is
a party many of whose members fought for, in some cases received or
became politically prominent around the issue of political status. How
long will Sinn Féin remain party to a British Stormont administration
which tries to criminalise Republican political prisoners? How long will
the Republican grassroots, who understand, and feel this issue so
deeply, allow them to do so?
We want the issue of political status and segregation to be resolved
for Republican prisoners at Maghaberry, and indeed for all Republican
prisoners. We call upon the British and all parties to Stormont, to
resolve this issue, if not as a matter of Irish justice, then
pragmatically because a crisis around this issue will hold severe
political consequences for the Stormont Deal and all parties to that
deal.
Of course Sinn Féin may dismiss these Republicans or call for them to
cease opposition to British rule. They may say the Republican political
prisoners are now "enemies of the peace process", much like Gerry Fitt,
or former IRA member turned Stormont minister Paddy Devlin, used to
shout "enemies of the peace". Those words have never dissuaded
Republicans from opposing British rule and ultimately lost those who
uttered them, trust and respectability in Republican areas. We hope this
not the real transition which will be produced by the Stormont Deal."
RE-NAMED RUC
If the issue of political status is resolved, what next? What of the
RUC? Today there is an ongoing debate over the Mandelson legislation.
The SDLP and Sinn Féin seem in competition either in Washington or in
Westminster to get closer to Patten.
"This debate is a sham, a distraction and a diversion. Even if the
Patten report were adopted word for word, we will still see the same RUC
members who are guilty of shoot-to-kill, or collusion with loyalist
assassins, who used torture and perjury to jail Republicans, these same
RUC members will be patrolling nationalist areas. The fact that "police"
is painted on the side of the Landrover, or they may even wear American
baseball caps, or the RUC will be re-named or re-jigged will mean little
to nationalist victims. No one in Belfast needs to be reminded of what
having the very same RUC members will mean. So long as the re-named or
re-jigged RUC is enforcing the title deed of British rule in Ireland, it
will never be acceptable to Republicans.
How long will Sinn Féin remain party to a British Stormont
administration which unleashes a re-named or re-jigged RUC on
Republicans? How long will Republican grassroots allow them to do so?
Will we continue to see Sinn Féin members stand in front of RUC
barracks which come under Republican attack and condemn Republicans? Are
we not entitled to conclude that this is part of the "house-training" David Trimble demanded?
There are a few examples of what British rule is like and what being
party to a British administration will entail. But that is hardly
necessary to explain British rule in Belfast. The Republican political
prisoners who reject the Stormont deal want peace. They certainly want
to be with their wives and families and they believe in Ireland's
future. They do that so much so that they are prepared to sacrifice for
it.
They of course believe in the right of the Irish people to national
freedom and sovereignty. This is not an idea that people held 80 years
ago, but goes back much further historically, as a principle that Irish
men and women have died for, and are imprisoned for as we speak, and is
an idea that will help shape Ireland's ultimate future.
They recognise sadly that the Stormont Deal was never anything more
than a British strategy to prolong British rule by enticing former
opponents into joining a British administration with a unionist veto, on
any movement towards real justice or equality much less a united
Ireland.
They recognise that the Stormont Deal is not the way to a united
Ireland, and have shown by their actions that they will never, never
accept British
rule in Ireland no matter who has signed on to the Stormont Deal.
I believe that they have analysed rightly. I believe that there is
growing recognition that the Stormont Deal was never the way to a united
Ireland and the problem that Sinn Féin has is that the Republican
political analysis, which they believed in until they abandoned it, is
correct.
British rule is irreformable. Those who join with a British
administration, whether it be the SDLP or Sinn Féin, will ultimately be
party to the sectarian system and injustices which have brought
suffering and conflict to Ireland.
They will ultimately be driven to make a choice between coming back to
Republican principles or else staying at Stormont and losing all trust
and credibility.
Meanwhile, growing numbers of Republicans will see that the mantel of
Irish republicanism will not wear inside a British Stormont
administration and choose to help build a credible Republican
alternative. Well might the British worry.
Tonight I am proud to be with you and stand behind the Republican
political prisoners, whether they be in Maghaberry, Portlaoise or
England.
We recognise why they are imprisoned. We will support them and their
families for as long as it takes. We will continue to support Republican
prisoners until the final releases of all Republican Prisoners as part
of the final end of British rule in Ireland."
25/12/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
PSNI/RUC OCCUPIES POW?S FAMILY HOMES
This morning at 10:00 am the PSNI/RUC, heavily armed and in riot gear, moved into the Brandywell area of Derry and occupied two homes belonging to family members of republican POW Seamus Doherty. These occupations were carried out under the auspices of house searches. The RUC claimed to be carrying out the raids in connection with an IRPWA protest at the Prison Service headquarters in Dundonald House in Belfast last summer. During the raid the RUC ransacked both houses taking away items such as placards, republican calendars and other items such as handicrafts and photos. The RUC also read personal letters written by Seamus to his family from inside Maghaberry Gaol. A large number of friends and neighbours gathered outside the houses to check that the family were not being abused and the Riot Squad raised their batons as if to charge on at least three separate occasions. Young members of the Doherty family were left traumatised outside the houses for the duration of the raid.
A number of questions have to be asked of the RUC in this instance, why raid homes now in connection with an incident in which the NIO have already stated nothing illegal took place and no convictions would be sought?.
Why take items that have absolutely no connection to the alleged incident that necessitated the search, placards used during the protest having been seized last summer?
One of the homes raided was that of Seamus Doherty's parents, who did not even attend last years protest. Why was their home raided in such a heavy handed way when the RUC know full well Seamus? mother Tilly suffers from a serious heart condition?
What right have RUC personnel to read private correspondence from a prisoner to his family, particularly as this correspondence has already passed through prison censors?
The IRPWA believe that these raids were purely political and designed to put pressure on republicans and their families. It is no coincidence that these raids have occurred shortly after a UTV Insight programme that exposed police malpractice and corruption and also called seriously into question the charges brought against Seamus Doherty. The IRPWA have no doubt that the charges against Seamus Doherty have been constructed for purely political reasons just as the raids on his family have been carried out for purely political reasons.
One final question, will Policing Board Vice-Chairman Denis Bradley take time out from berating republicans and condemn the actions of the RUC in relation to these incidents and further more can he explain why he is the Vice-Chairman of an agency that seeks to legitimise the actions of such a police force?
IRPWA Conference speech to International Symposium on Isolation.
An extract of the IRPWA conference speech given to the International symposium on Isolation
in Florence (19-21 Dec) by Marian Price.
Friends and Comrades,
The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association wish to thank the organisers of this conference for giving us the opportunity to tell of our experiences in the prison struggle. We would also like to take this opportunity to send our solidarity and greetings to all those groups and individuals who are gathered here today.
Prisons, by their very nature, are instruments of control and isolation. This has particular significance in relation to political prisoners, who generally see themselves as part of a coherent organised and revolutionary grouping. The aim of the prison administration then, is to disrupt the cohesion that exists between political prisoners in order to reduce them down to isolated individuals. This is to stop the possibility of any kind of unified action, and also to sap the will of the political prisoner who is then faced with the entire machinery of oppression that makes up the prison system.
As in any freedom struggle, the existence of the prison is in itself a political tool. It is a breeding ground for human rights violations by prison administrators and officials. It can also benefit the status quo by being a harsh and brutal place where the state is able to dispose of unwanted or troublesome members of society, and can further be used as a threat against those who may consider supporting or joining revolutionary and insurgent organisations. The end result is that the state can attempt to deny the political legitimacy of the liberation struggle and instead portray it as a criminal conspiracy.
Prison struggle has had an important place in Irish History for these very reasons. During the blanket protests (and later the 1980/81 hunger-strikes) Long Kesh, then the main prison in the north of Ireland, became known to many as "The Breakers Yard". This was because the sole reason it existed was to smash the Republican liberation movement by physically and mentally destroying those whom it held hostage behind its walls.
The reason it did not succeed was because those who ran the prison, along with those in the British government who issued the orders, underestimated the strength and determination of the Irish Republicans who resisted them. People like Bobby Sands and his nine comrades who were later to die on hunger-strike understood their own position as political prisoners and were willing to suffer every hardship; beatings, scalding, mental and physical torture and ultimately death, rather than accept the label of "criminal". Instead of defeating the Republican struggle by initiating a policy of pain and brutality, the outcome was the opposite. The deaths of the 10 hunger-strikers and the sufferings of their fellow prisoners went on to inspire many more generations of young people to carry the struggle forward.
It is with great irony then, that some of those young men who heeded the call to defend the Republic recently found themselves in a situation not far removed from the one that the 10 hunger-strikers experienced so many years before.
The background to this has been the failed Good Friday Agreement which was signed up to by all the political parties (including Sinn Fein) in 1998. Within it was the signing away of political status for prisoners. After that date any person involved in military action against the British Forces would receive no special category status and instead would be imprisoned as a criminal. This was seen, correctly, by many as an attempt to hold Republicans to a political compromise whilst effectively stamping out any armed revolutionary challenge.
The situation for Republican prisoners changed almost immediately, with those who accepted the signing of the Good Friday Agreement being released under an amnesty and Long Kesh being closed down. From then on Republican prisoners were to be sent to the smaller Maghaberry Jail. When those opposed to the Agreement were captured, whilst involved in Republican military activity, they found themselves in a general prison population amongst thieves, drug dealers and Pro-British paramilitaries. They also found themselves separated from their comrades and at the mercy of abusive prison staff and criminal elements.
The isolation, and small number of Republican prisoners meant that resistance to the regime was at first disorganised and weak. However the gradual influx of anti-agreement Republicans into Maghaberry Jail over the months changed all that. This meant that it was eventually a lot harder to keep political prisoners isolated from each other and the prison administration had to deal with well co-ordinated protests such as cell smashing and incidents of sabotage.
These incidents came to a head in 2003 when a decision was made by the prisoners to push for segregation from Pro-British paramilitaries and criminal prisoners. This was firstly because Republicans being granted a wing of their own by the prison authorities would be a de facto recognition of their political status, and secondly to help preserve the safety of political prisoners, who up until then had to cope with a hostile and life threatening environment.
The main campaign took the form of mass cell wrecking and then proceeded onto a no-wash protest, similar to the blanket protest in Long Kesh during 1980/81. This meant a refusal of the men to shower or shave and spreading their feces around the cell walls. Although it was a hardship for the men involved, it gave them a psychological advantage over the prison officers who began to refuse to enter the cells to clean them or started to argue with the administration for extra pay to do so. However, on many occasions riot squads or "control and restraint" personnel were sent in to physically assault and remove the prisoners to other parts of the prison. This resulted in some prisoners needing urgent hospital treatment as the prison officers again attempted to break the protest and return the prison to normal.
The parallels with the situation that created the hunger-strikes were clear and many ordinary Republicans in the community outside began to let their feelings be known. Rallies and militant action, such as occupying the Prison Service headquarters and the BBC headquarters by The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association were getting more frequent media attention highlighting the unfolding problem.
This became a major problem for pro-Agreement parties who wished to assure the world that British rule had been "normalized" in Ireland and that anti-agreement prisoners either did not exist at all or had little or no support.
The result was that the prison administration slowly backed down, and through continuing consultation with prisoners and their representatives are at present establishing a separate wing for the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Jail. The situation still remains tense, as the administration is at times reluctant to grant what the Republican prisoners rightly struggled for.
The lesson to be learned from our experience is that isolation is used by states and prison regimes as a counter-insurgency strategy. It is an assault upon the very foundations of any revolutionary movement that struggles for justice and human dignity and must be opposed by whatever means we have at our disposal. However, we must not be down hearted, for revolutionaries are born out of such injustice and each one is a ray of hope. In the words of one such revolutionary; "out of the darkness comes the light, and out of despair comes a means to fight back".The following is a message of solidarity issued by the Officer Commanding IRA prisoners, Maghaberry gaol and delivered by the IRPWA delegate Marian Price at the recent International Symposium on Isolation in Florence, Italy (19-21 Dec).
A message of solidarity from the Republican prisoners of war, Maghaberry gaol, Ireland.
The republican prisoners incarcerated here in Maghaberry prison send Christmas and new year greetings and also solidarity to all gathered, and to all revolutionary prisoners and combatants represented by the attending delegates.
As always our deepest thoughts are with those political prisoners currently involved in campaigns or protests for human rights. In particular we pay tribute to our DHKC comrades who have died recently in the death fasts in Turkish jails. Their tragic example of self-sacrifice has captured the minds of other revolutionary activists throughout the world. On behalf of the Irish republican prisoners and combatants we want tell you that you have gained our lasting admiration. As we mourn your loss we pledge resistance to the fascist machine that has murdered and continues to murder so many of you.
We would also like to pay tribute to the many civilian activists internationally, who have campaigned on our behalf in recent years. The past year has been one of struggle for Irish republican prisoners in British gaols. Since 1998 the British Government have insisted on treating Irish republicans as criminals and have forced us to live along side members of various right-wing pro-British death squads and hostile criminals. Vastly outnumbered and separated from each other we had become victims of countless brutal physical assaults and murder attempts.
Our situation came to resemble earlier struggles and was clearly intolerable.
Following three years of demanding our right to be segregated in our own living quarters, negotiations and peaceful protest had come to nothing. At the beginning of July 2003 we began a no wash protest which succeeded in bringing chaos to the entire prison. In the full knowledge that we were only willing to live in our own excrement for so long, and that we were preparing for a hunger strike, the British government conceded.
Republican prisoners know have their own wing, separate from pro British paramilitaries and criminals. The British authorities are as determined as ever to crush our spirits but they are losing the battle as our morale is as high as it has ever been.
The nine weeks that we spent on the dirty protest has won for us the ability to remain active politically, albeit behind bars. Our time is spent in political discussion and debate on strategy and ideology. Real Republicans see this conference today as a change to invite correspondence and unity from other anti-imperialist, revolutionary and socialist activists and prisoners throughout the world. The nature of imperialism and capitalism is international and crosses national borders, so too should the nature of our resistance.
If our resistance, comrades, is as to be as global as their economy, we must use events such as this conference to forge links. Political prisoners have ample time to maintain contact offering advice, support and encouragement to our respective struggles.
Once again we pay tribute to our comrades? world wide and we wish them success in future campaigns. We hope that this conference is a success and can be utilized in full to the benefit of all involved.
We salute you Comrades!
Is mise le meas
Republican prisoners,
Maghaberry gaol.
09/12/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Republican Prisoner attacked in Hydebank YOC.
A republican prisoner from Strabane was attacked by six loyalist youths on Sunday night past (7th December) in Hydebank Young Offenders Centre outside Belfast. 17 year old Joseph Barr was in his cell when the loyalist youths attempted to hang him; luckily they were disturbed before any serious damage was done.
The IRPWA have consistently called for Joseph Barr's transfer to the republican wing in Maghaberry where he will be safe from attack but are told that this is against the European convention of human rights for children because of his age.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service knows full well the implications of leaving a single republican prisoner surrounded by hostile loyalists and criminals and we call on them to provide security for Joseph Barr until he leaves the institution.
Joseph Barr turns 18 at the end of December and any procrastination on his transfer will be viewed as a deliberate attempt to endanger his life further.
The IRPWA are also wary of attempts to move two women prisoners from Maghaberry to Hydebank. The two republican women have stated their intention of staying put and we demand they receive adequate protection and amenities rather than the 23 hour lock up they are currently forced to endure.
The IRPWA believe that it would be a pity if after a protracted prison struggle has just finished, another is embarked upon for the same basic principals that the government have already conceded.
MESSAGE ENDS.
Martin Mulholland,
spokesperson.
12/11/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Serious concern over events at Maghaberry gaol.
The IRPWA view with serious concern recent events relating to Maghaberry gaol. On Monday
10th November republican prisoner Ciaran McLaughlin's father died. A request for compassionate
parole was made to the Northern Ireland Prison Service so that Ciaran could attend his father's
funeral and be with his family during this trying time. The NIPS responded by offering Ciaran
just 12 hours to travel to and from Derry, attend the funeral and burial, and comfort his family.
Needless to say Ciaran refused such an insulting offer as he felt, rather than alleviate some of the pain, such a scenario would have added to his family's hardship and grief. The treatment handed out to Ciaran is in sharp contrast to others being allowed to vary their bail conditions to accomodate the eleventh night bonfire and another loyalist prisoner being given parole to "help his granny move house".
Also on Monday this week three people appeared in court in Derry charged with arms offences. The conduct of the PSNI/RUC outside the court to the families and friends of those inside was totally unacceptable. People were manhandled and forcibly pushed aside without cause for such heavy-handed action. The brother and partner of one of the people before the court were both forced to the ground and could have sustained injury had friends not come to their aid. It appears the 'new' PSNI again let their 'veil' slip and the good old bigoted RUC was there for all to see.
To further compound these problems one of the women charged has now been victimised by the governor of Maghaberry Women's gaol-(Mourne House). This woman appeared before the court as Mary Burns, although she declined to either confirm or deny this, she has been remanded into custody in Mourne House under this name. Likewise she has been allocated a prison number under this name and the prison have accepted her clothes and money under this name, but today the governor has decided that she will not be allowed visits in the foreseeable future until she speaks to him to confirm her identity. It would appear that the governor is making up the rules as he goes along. We have heard of breaches of prison rules by prisoners saying the wrong thing but now punishment is being handed out for saying nothing at all.
We in the IRPWA insist that this woman is treated with human dignity and demand that her right to be visited by her family and friends is respected. Nowhere in prison rules does it state that a prisoner must speak!!! We further demand that all Republican prisoners are guaranteed adequate time to spend with their families at times of bereavement and that they are not denied such a basic right at the whim of whoever happens to be on duty on a particular day. Decency and common sense should prevail at such traumatic times. Those working to their own selfish agendas need to realise that it is human beings who are suffering and bearing the brunt of their actions.
MESSAGE ENDS.
Martin Mulholland,
spokesperson.
09/09/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Implement Segregation Immediately.
The IRPWA welcome the fact that the British government have conceded that the segregation (separation) of republicans and loyalists within Maghaberry gaol is the only sensible course of action to take to resolve the current friction, however until segregation is implemented these concessions are only words. The dangers faced by republicans in Maghaberry are not any less because the British say they are going to separate, but will only diminish when words become deeds.
Republicans have learned from bitter experience the duplicity of the NIO and the British government and will take nothing for granted until it actually happens. It is the understanding of the IRPWA that the republican prisoners will continue the no wash/dirty protest until they are satisfied that segregation (separation) is fully implemented and that the British government and the NIO are not trying to hoodwink them as they did to the hunger strikers in 1980.
The IRPWA believe that it is in the interests of all concerned that segregation (separation) is implemented immediately. The ability to segregate large numbers of prisoners at short notice is a matter of record, as the protesting prisoners know only to well, and if this ability is matched by a willingness then this issue can be resolved quickly and with minimum disruption. The IRPWA urge the Prison Service, the NIO and the British government to act now to reassure republicans that this is not another of the false dawns that republican prisoners have had to endure throughout history, we also salute the continuing determination of the republican prisoners and are confident that this determination will enable them to achieve their ultimate objectives.
Martin Mulholland,
spokesperson.
07/09/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Steele's Recommendations.
In light of recent speculation regarding the situation in Maghaberry gaol, the
IRPWA is calling on Secretary of state Paul Murphy to release the precise details
of the findings and recommendations of the commission into safety at the gaol
headed by Mr John Steele.
Following the commissions review we feel that it is in the interests of the
prisoners, their families and the general public that the review team's findings
are made clear.
A full revelation of the details of the review is imperative in order to evaluate
whether Paul Murphy is willing to implement the recommendations in full or indeed
if he wishes to reject any of it's aspects.
Martin Mulholland
spokesperson
I.R.P.W.A
STATEMENT ENDS.
27/08/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Murder Bid on O/C IRA prisoners.
This week murder bid on the republican prisoner's officer commanding, John Connolly,
must surely be the last attack before the NIO grant segregation.
The incident occurred on Monday morning as Connolly was returning to his cell after
phoning his family. The republican prisoner was rushed in his cell by seven loyalist
prisoners who proceeded to beat Connolly to the ground with tins of food in socks and
pillow cases. The loyalists produced a pistol and placed it against John Connolly's
head and pulled the trigger but fortunately the gun jammed. Another republican
prisoner, Geariod Mag Uaid, ran into the cell on hearing the commotion and was also
badly beaten. The loyalists tried to strangle John Connolly before they ran off. The
two republican prisoners received severe bruising and gashes to their heads while the
loyalists involved in the attack have been placed in the special supervision unit. No
weapon has been recovered yet although many republicans would not be surprised if the
weapon has already been smuggled out by people who smuggled it in.
The IRPWA have information that a loyalist grouping held a meeting in the prison on
Sunday night where this and other attacks on republicans were discussed and planned,
we are also aware that some of the prison staff knew that this meeting took place yet
took no measures to ensure that something like this didn't happen.
We call for an immediate inquiry into the events of Monday morning and demand that
someone is held to account. The Prison Service can no longer deny these events are
taking place and avoid public scrutiny as they have done up to now.
The NIO and the Prison Service have some serious questions to answer regarding this
incident and must surely now agree that the only common sense solution to the crisis
in Maghaberry is immediate segregation. It is only by sheer good luck that the
republican community is not making plans for a funeral today, something that no side
in this dispute should welcome.
RESTORE POLITICAL STATUS.
Martin Mulholland
spokesperson
I.R.P.W.A
STATEMENT ENDS.
26/08/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Officer Comanding IRA prisoners beaten by loyalists.
Yesterday in Maghaberry gaol the O/C of the IRA prisoners, John Connolly was badly
beaten by loyalist inmates. Connolly has been beaten on several occasions in the past,
as have most if not all of the republican prisoners. As O/C of the republican
prisoners, John Connolly is probably the most high profile republican prisoner in
Maghaberry, and as such is under constant threat from loyalists. Added to this is the
fact that Connolly is the only republican on his wing, which can include up to sixteen
loyalists. It is evident from their past behaviour towards republicans and their
families that the prison officers are unwilling to stop these attacks and will lose
very little sleep if republicans are beaten.
A loyalist source has stated recently that loyalists prisoners are about to begin a
campaign of beating republicans on sight in order to get segregation. The IRPWA are
convinced that the assault on the O/C is the beginning of that campaign. Republicans
have little or no ability to defend themselves against attack isolated as they are in
different parts of the prison. In the past fortnight UDA leaders in the gaol have been
intimidating ordinary Catholic prisoners in an attempt to stop them siding with
republicans, this is to ensure that when the beatings start the IRA prisoners are on
their own. The IRPWA salute the courage of a number of ordinary prisoners who have
refused to be intimidated and have continued to help and support the Protesting
prisoners.
The IRPWA call for immediate segregation of republican prisoners before anyone else is
beaten or killed. We have no reason to believe that loyalists will not try to kill a
republican and if this happens we may be entering dark days indeed. The situation
in Maghberry could be resolved very easily with a bit of flexibility and common
sense. The IRPWA urge the NIPS and the NIO to act now before a situation develops that
is harder to resolve.
Martin Mulholland
spokesperson
I.R.P.W.A
STATEMENT ENDS.
11/08/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Brutality in Maghaberry extends to visitors
The brutality against republicans that is common place in Maghaberry gaol
was yesterday used against prisoner's reletives and friends. In an almost
unprecedented incident three young men from the Tyrone area were set upon by
the prison riot squad after asking to see the governor, following an attemp
to stop one of their number from entering the visiting area. A sniffer dog
halted at two of the men indecating that they could not progress into the
main area for visits; other members of the visiting party then made a
complaint to the prison staff asking to see the governor and were told that
the governor did'nt want to see them. The men told prison staff that they
would not leavethe area until they had met the governor to complain about
the use of the dog to prevent visits with republican prisoners at which
point they were told f*** you and f*** the republican prisoners, the prison
officer then hit a panic button and seconds later the riot squad arrived and
moved everyone from the area and proceeded to assault the young men. The
power to the gaol was turned off and the members of the riot squad shouted
to the prison officer to turn off the cameras. All through out the incident
the riot squad repeatedly laughed and joked that it was a good job that the
cameras were turned off. The men were then taken to a different part of the
gaol were they were assaulted further and told that they had no rights. One
of the men was called "Fenian scum" while another was told that there were
200 loyalists at the gate who would "tear him apart like dogs". The police
were called to escort the men off the premises and after an ordeal lasting a
number of hours all three men were released.
The prison authorities must answer serious questions about this incident.
Firstly the use of a sniffer dog against visitors that continually stops at
people going to visit republican prisoners. On a number of occasions when
this has happened visitors have asked the prison officers to call for the
police in order to be searched and if necessary have a drugs test to prove
that they are not carrying drugs, the prison authorities have always
refused. Why? And why is the dog guided on a lead instead of being allowed
to walk freely to where it sences drugs? The reason is obvious; the dog is
being used to prevent visits.
Secondly what right has the prison to assault and detain any visitors?
Visitors are free citizens and are entitled to their rights as citizens, It
is clear that the prison sevice view the friend and relatives as guilty. It
is also an attempt to intimidate them in order to stop them coming to visit
thus putting even more pressure on the prisoners to end their protest.
The IRPWA call for an immediate enquiry into this incident. The prison
service are denying the incident took place in the same way they denied that
Derry republican Seamus Doherty was forced to share a cell with loyalist and
British agent Mo Courteney and that the protesting prisoners were beaten and
hosed down in their cells. The prison service appear to be acting above the
law in some sort of Orwellian nether world where truth and justice are
expendable and any means can be used to preserve the status quo and crush
dissent. The truth is that the prison service is another weapon in the war
against republicanism in Ireland just as sure as the special criminal court
in Dublin serves the same purpose. The Good Friday agreement promised
equality for all, it is clear that this equality extends only to those who
accept without question the nature of the state and are prepared to stay
silent and live in a society more like a Latin American dictatorship than a
modern democracy.
END THE CRIMINALISATION OF REPUBLICAN PRISONERS & THEIR FAMILIES.
SEGREGATION NOW, RESTORE POLITICAL STATUS.
STATEMENT ENDS.
02/08/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
I.R.P.W.A Protest - (Co. Tyrone)
There will be a protest regarding the treatment of POW's in Maghaberry Gaol on SATURDAY
9th of August in Coalisland, County Tyrone at 2.30pm
Other protests are at present being arranged throughout the country, check the HOMEPAGE
banner for details.
Today's protest in County Fermanagh was very successful. It was well attended and a lot of
support was shown for the prisoners.
For further information regarding the forthcoming protests, contact irpwa@hotmail.com.
RESTORE POLITICAL STATUS NOW.
STATEMENT ENDS.
10/07/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Situation in Maghaberry continues to deteriorate.
Maghaberry gaol has been described as extremely tense tonight by the O/C of
the IRA prisoners John Connolly. In a phone call from the gaol Connolly outlined
the events leading up to and following the roof top protest on Friday night (27th).
At six o?clock on Friday the Republican prisoners were informed that they were
going to be doubled up with Loyalists because of overcrowding. In the days
preceding the roof top protest two Republican prisoners were assaulted and put in
the punishment blocks for refusing to share cells with Loyalists and criminals. Tony
Friel and Seamus Doherty, both from Derry refused to share stating that they were
Political prisoners and as such should not be treated as criminals. The actions of the
prison authorities were obviously designed to cause aggrivation and ill feeling amongst
the prisoners and to let them know that they were still going to be treated as common
criminals.
At seven o'clock the prison was said to have erupted and a number of prisoners gained
access to the roof to protest.
At this time a bonfire was lit in the sentenced wings of the prison and consequently the
Republican prisoners were locked up all weekend. three Republican prisoners refused
food during this three day lock up, John Connolly, Conor Casey and Ciaran MacLaughlin
stated that they would not eat if they were going to be fed like animals through the cell
door. All contact with the outside world was cut off with visits, phone calls and legal
visits cancelled. Last night (Sun 29th) prisoners on the remand wings were involved in
wrecking their cells in protest at conditions and prison policy. The prison authorities
reacted by sending in the riot squad to beat up Catholic and Republican prisoners. Prison
officials then asked Connolly if he could have the protests called off and were told that
under no circumstances would Republicans share cells with Loyalists and criminals and
that they demanded segregation and restoration of political status. Connolly also pointed
out that if overcrowding was indeed the problem that the Republican prisoners would be
happy to go to the H-Blocks of Long Kesh as there is plenty of room there.
The I.R.P.W.A call on the prison authorities and the NIO to see sense and segregate
Republican prisoners immediately. The chaos in the prison is a direct result of Britain's
attempt to criminalise all those who do not agree with the Good Friday Agreement. It is
evident that sinse the Agreement there have been increased levels of polarisation within
the communities and it is ludicrous to try and force political enimies to live together in
such a confined space, it is a recipe for disaster.
RESTORE POLITICAL STATUS NOW.
STATEMENT ENDS.
08/07/2003
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
protest at Maghaberry Gaol
Fifty Republican protesters converged on Maghaberry Gaol to further highlight the escalating
situation, and to press home the demand for segregation for Political Prisoners. On arrival at the
Gaol demonstrators were faced with large numbers of riot Police, and when I.R.P.W.A activists
began shouting slogans and throwing fireworks outside the main gate, further Police reinforcements
were brought from within the Gaol and lined up along the inner fence.
On the other side of the Gaol, another group of protesters set alight tyres, which had been stacked
up along side the perimeter fence.
I.R.P.W.A spokesperson, Martin Mulholland commented "In light of the worsening Gaol situation,
which includes regular assaults on Republican Prisoners by Loyalists and Prison staff, the call for
segregation must be heeded. The increased militancy seen in recent I.R.P.W.A protests is a
reflection of the extreme hardship that Republican Prisoners are experiencing. We urge all concerned
to support these men and their demands at this crucial time."
STATEMENT ENDS.
05/11/2004
Press Release. (For Immediate Release).
IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
Details:
IRPWA Extends Condolences to Political Prisoner Maurice Gillece.
The members of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association extend their deepest condolences to POW Maurice Gillece after the sudden and tragic death of his father John and Sister Fiona in a car accident earlier today between Belturbet and Cavan. Our thoughts and prayers are also with his mother who was traveling in the same vehicle and remains in a serious condition in hospital.
Even though Maurice is not associated with the IRPWA we feel that it is important to let Maurice and his loved ones know that we share in their grief during what is obviously a sad and terrible time.
MESSAGE ENDS.
03/10/2004
Press Release. (For Immediate Release).
IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
Details:
RUC member heading the investigation into the discovery of a bomb
The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association are not surprised by the latest revelations in the Sunday Tribune that the RUC member heading the investigation into the discovery of a bomb on the Omeath Road outside Newry last year stands accused of trying to conceal evidence linking a crown agent to the devices.
This confirms what we have stated from the outset, namely that the accused men Martin Brogan and Mark Carroll were the victims of a set-up by agent provocateur Kevin Byrne. These men were released when their defence team proved that forensic evidence being used against them had been deliberately planted by the British Army.
However another innocent man remains behind bars on the same trumped up charges. Seamus Doherty from Derry has been held in connection with this bomb find, the allegation being that traces of his DNA were found on the device. Seamus has protested his innocence since his arrest and his defence team has applied for an abuse of process order but this application was postponed last Friday after the prosecution indicated they would be applying for a public interest immunity certificate in an effort to protect their agent.
We in the IRPWA call for the unconditional release of Seamus Doherty who is just one of the many men in Maghaberry Gaol being held in a form of selective internment. The case of Brendan O'Connor, a young man from Tyrone who having been found innocent of charges against him continues to be held on suspect evidence, is further proof that these men are being held as political hostages. We stand solidly behind these men and will not be deflected from their cause until they are free.
MESSAGE ENDS.
27/07/2004
Press Release. (For Immediate Release).
IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION
Contact - 07801 729412.
Details:
FREE SEAMUS DOHERTY.
The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association demands the immediate unconditional release of Derry Republican Seamus Doherty. There is widespread alarm within the Republican community that this miscarriage of justice is being allowed to continue despite serious doubts regarding the credibility of the charges against him.
Seamus Doherty has been in custody on remand since 13 June 2003 when he was charged in connection with the discovery of two Booby-trap car bombs outside Newry in September 2002. It is alleged that forensic evidence, namely DNA, links Seamus Doherty to components on one of the bombs. It has since been revealed that the security forces conspired to frame two south Down men, Martin Brogan and Mark Carroll, in connection with this explosives find and both men subsequently had all charges dropped. Revelations that the RUC/PSNI and the British Army contaminated evidence interfered with the workings of the Independent Forensic Science Laboratory and used an undercover agent to set the men up have undermined any trust in these agencies. While Brogan and Carroll have been released, Seamus Doherty is entering his 14th month in Maghaberry Gaol, undoubtedly a victim of the same undercover operation that failed against the two south Down men. Seamus Doherty is adamant that his DNA was planted by an agent and/or agencies of the state. Shortly before Seamus Doherty's arrest an RUC search team entered his home using their own key, Seamus was restrained while a number of the search team wandered around his flat unhindered. When Seamus managed to cry for help the intruders hurriedly vacated his apartment shouting "Wrong flat, let's go". Despite repeated requests from Seamus Doherty's solicitor, the RUC/PSNI has yet to give an explanation for their presence in his flat. The answer may lie in a letter from a forensic science lab in England to one in Carrickfergus which stated that DNA found on the explosives couldn't be identified, and more ominously a handwritten note by a detective Allen which states "Maybe more work needs to be done?" It is a cause for concern that less than 24 hours after the date on the letter a RUC/PSNI/FRU team is rummaging around Seamus Doherty's flat where DNA is readily available from combs, toothbrushes or any number of items.
Given the recent high profile incidents of police malpractice/corruption and the undisputed evidence of politically motivated frame ups in the cases of Noel Abernethy, Martin Brogan, Mark Carroll, Sean Dillon, Don Mullan, Kevin Murphy and Brendan O Connor we in the IRPWA believe that Seamus Doherty ought to be freed immediately. It is obvious to anyone willing to see that the British State is still involved in framing critics of its rule in Ireland and it will use any means it deems necessary. Not only do we demand the release of Seamus Doherty but we also call for all cases where DNA evidence has been used to hold or convict republicans to be thrown out of court, it is obvious nothing from these sources can be trusted. Finally we demand a full independent non-British inquiry into the machinations of the British Security establishment in the afore mentioned cases in order that justice might finally be done.
17-06-2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
WHITE LINE PICKET IN CASTLEWELLAN,SOUTH DOWN .
THERE WILL BE A WHITE LINE PICKET IN CASTLEWELLAN,SOUTH DOWN ON SATURDAY 3RD JULY AT 3.00PM. THIS PICKET WILL BE IN SUPPORT OF THE REPUBLICAN POW'S IN MAGHABERRY GAOL AND A PROTEST AT THE CONTINUED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES THEY ARE CURRENTLY BEING FORCED TO ENDURE. ALL ARE WELCOME.
ASSEMBLE UPPER SQUARE.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT. 07801 729 412 OR E-MAIL irpwa@hotmail.com
17-06-2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
IRPWA Delegation targeted by British Army/RUC.
Yesterday a delegation from the IRPWA that had just visited Maghaberry Gaol was targeted by the British Army and the RUC/PSNI. The delegation was returning to Derry after visiting the Republican prisoner?s O/C John Connolly when they were stopped by the British Army at Drumahoe. It has emerged that a British Army helicopter had followed them from Maghaberry the whole way to where the British Army was waiting for them. A stinger type device was placed on the road to make sure that the men would stop and also to make passers by believe a security operation was in progress and drive on. The delegation was ordered onto the road and held in a search position while the Army tore their car apart. When one of the delegation inquired under what legislation the men were being held the British Army became extremely abusive and called the RUC/PSNI who arrived and began the process all over again. The men were not questioned about anything specific and after a period of almost 2 hours they were allowed to proceed.
The IRPWA are extremely concerned about this incident because of the fact that the delegation was visiting the Gaol to try and intervene and ensure that a proposed hunger strike threatened by the POWs is not necessary. The delegation was tasked with finding out if conditions had improved and with detailing what was being done on the outside to the prisoners.
It would appear the authorities on both the inside and the outside are intent on antagonizing both the POWs and their representatives and exacerbating an already volatile situation. However the IRPWA will not be drawn into walking away from this situation by British Army/PSNI harassment and we will continue to work to ensure that all republican POWs have their human rights respected.
END.
17/05/2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW REPUBLICAN PROTEST LOOMS IN MAGHABERRY.
A new republican protest is imminent in Maghaberry Gaol due to the punitive regime inflicted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service and vigorously supported and administered by the Prison Officers Association. It is the belief of the IRPWA that the harsh conditions and arbitrary nature of discipline endured by the republican prisoners is a direct consequence of the British governments decision to implement the Steele recommendations. The POA have made their opposition to segregation for Political Prisoners quite clear and it would now appear as if the prisoners are being made targets for their spleen venting. A number of incidents recently have shown the deterioration of conditions such as total lock down, lack of recreation or education facilities, little or no association and the over zealous cell and strip searches. The republican prisoners have endured all of the above with patience and discipline following assurances from the prison administration that the difficulties that were occurring were just teething problems.
Patience and goodwill are now in short supply on the republican wing due to the deliberate provocation and aggressive actions of the prison regime. This regime is exemplified by the fact that the prisoners are now expected to eat their meals in their cells despite the presence of a fully equipped canteen. The men are also expected to wash the plates and cutlery in the same sinks that they carry out their daily ablutions, washing and shaving. Food parcels are banned from the outside in the interests of hygiene so it is difficult to see how washing plates and shaving in the same sink fulfills the prisons high hygiene criteria. As a consequence the republican prisoners are now refusing to shave or cut their hair until they are allowed access to the canteen or until other more suitable arrangements are made. It is prison regulation that any man who enters the prison is not allowed to alter his physical appearance and the men are quite aware that many of them will spend time on the boards but they have vowed to intensify their protest over the coming weeks and months until the POA and NIPS cease to use them as pawns and scapegoats in their petulant antics and games of brinkmanship with the British Government.
END.
29/04/2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Forensic Evidence ?Interfered with? in Case of Tyrone Men
Ahead of the trial due in Belfast on Thursday 6th May, the defence team for a Tyrone man arrested along with 3 others at the scene of an alleged RPG22 rocket launcher find near Coalisland in February 2002 are convinced that forensic evidence has been interfered with.
There are apparently two instances which are of cause for concern; firstly photographs of the scene are purporting to show that strict forensic guidelines were ignored. Rather than showing the scene of the event along with items in situ, they clearly prove that the items have been removed from the scene, bagged and only later photographed. Secondly the defence counsel are alleging that officers in the case are attempting to remove all links between the accused Kevin Murphy and missing Armagh man Gareth O'Connor. Murphy along with others are asking for a thorough independent investigation into the possibility that O'Connor was acting as a state agent and led them to their arrest in dubious circumstances.
The allegation of tampered evidence is a mirror image of the Martin Brogan and Mark Carroll incident, 2 County Down men who were released this year after it was proved in court that not only were forensic procedures ignored but British Army personnel had intentionally planted evidence in order to secure convictions and cover up the role of an informer who was later spirited out of the country. Another man, Seamus Doherty from Derry was also implicated in the same operation and is likewise protesting his innocence.
IRPWA spokesperson Martin Mulholland stated that "what we are seeing here is quite obviously a trend" he went on that "the comparison between the Brogan and Carroll case, and that of the Tyrone four is startling and can only lead us to the conclusion that this is a systemic, institutionalised conspiracy on behalf of the state to put innocent people behind bars". He finished by saying that it was with some irony that " Sinn Fein have for some reason remained tight lipped in all of these affairs even though they are happening on their own doorstep yet they feel it necessary for Catriona Ruane to travel half way round the globe to prove the innocence of the Columbia 3".
MESSAGE ENDS
21/04/2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
RUC/PSNI HARASSMENT OF IRPWA ACTIVISTS ESCALATES.
The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association utterly condemns the continuing harassment of its members and activists in Derry. On Tuesday 20th April three of our members were walking down Shipquay Street when they were approached by several members of the PSNI/RUC. Three armed policemen got out of a landrover and grabbed the men by the arms, while undercover members of Special Branch, from two unmarked cars got out and surrounded the men. They were asked their names and other details, including details of IRPWA activities. Two of the men approached had been arrested a few weeks ago in the Waterside area along with another man, and brought to Antrim Interrogation Centre, but were subsequently released without charge. They recognised several of the RUC/PSNI personnel from this incident and were surprised that they required their details again. These security force members didn't even search the men so they obviously didn't suspect them of any wrong-doing.
The questioning was carried out to such a degree and in such an aggressive manner that passers by and members of staff from a nearby bank came out and asked the men if they needed any assistance or if any one could be contacted on their behalves. After the questioning the police returned to their vehicles and proceeded to follow the men around the town, laughing and making jokes.
The IRPWA demand that this be exposed for what it is; the total harassment of its members and of anyone who voices opposition to the Good Friday Agreement. Not only can these men no longer feel free to walk the streets at night, for fear of arrest and detention for a number of days, but they are now also unable to walk down a main shopping thoroughfare, during the day, without being interrogated!
These events are the latest in a long line of incidents in the Derry area over the last few months which have seen our members stopped on average around six or seven times, as well as having their homes raided and doors kicked in. It was an attempt to embarrass and humiliate our members by singling them out in the busiest street in Derry. It only confirms what the IRPWA has always ascertained that policing in the North of Ireland is completely unchanged and that "a policing force for everyone" is nothing more than a facade, and that it has not seen an end to the harassment of those who dare to express alternative opinions.
8/04/2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Prisoners Families Physically Removed from Maghaberry Visit.
This morning in Maghaberry Gaol (Sunday 18th April) the mother of Republican prisoner John Connolly along with the three sisters of another Republican Conor Casey were treated in a degrading and humiliating manner after complaining about the use of the so-called "sniffer dog". It is worth noting here that no Republican prisoner, nor those visiting them have ever been found with drugs in their possession.
Mrs Connolly, a woman with ill health, had been refused a visit with her son whom she hadn't seen in a number of months when the dog sat down at her feet whilst going through processing. When Conor Casey's sisters objected to this they too were also physically removed from the visiting area.
The prison officers on duty were both happy to ignore the fact that Mrs Connolly had made over a 200 mile round trip to the jail and also to dismiss her cries to "please just let me see my son". Something which severely upset John Connolly who could only witness this commotion through the visiting room door. It must be obvious to anyone with an ounce of sense what is happening here in Maghaberry Gaol. The last time anyone was stopped in such circumstances was back in 2003 when the issue was consistently raised with the NIO and prison administration. This sudden reversal just happens to coincide with a Loyalist protest, an increase in harassment against Republican prisoners by screws, and not to mention the very recent allegations of "malpractice" against prison staff. It is clear that the prison officers in Maghaberry are coming under considerable pressure and in doing so they revert back to the old tactic of taking out their frustrations on others, namely Republican prisoners and their loved ones.
The IRPWA calls on the prison administration to put a halt to this nonsense immediately. By directing such resentment against those in a vulnerable situation the prison officers involved are showing themselves to be nothing more than fascist bully-boys. Those in charge of Maghaberry Gaol have shown this institution to be a squalid and iniquitous little place staffed by ethically
questionable individuals.
No doubt we will have to listen very shortly to the painful apologist Mr. Finley Spratt of the POA spouting off about professionalism and integrity, whilst turning a blind eye to the fact that this weekends "revelations" have left everyone open mouthed with incredulity and unlikely to believe anything he says.
MESSAGE ENDS.
11/03/2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
Lack of facilities a cause for grave concern.
Following the move of republican prisoners from temporary accommodation to permanent segregated accommodation in Maghaberry Gaol, a number of issues have arisen and must be addressed immediately. The move to the segregated accommodation is in line with the Steele report into the segregation of political prisoners whereby prisoners from similar political backgrounds, and those who have been charged or convicted of political offences, are segregated in separate accommodation from criminals and loyalist prisoners. The move took place last Sunday and immediately set the tone for what the men fear will be the regime in the future. Since entering the wing the men have been subjected to almost total lock down by prison officers. The policy of strict controlled movement allows only two men on the landing at any one time and is open to abuse by prison officers who wish to go slow. Added to this is the fact that the remand prisoners and sentenced prisoners are being separated from each other which means that each set of prisoners only get out to association every other night. As of yet there are absolutely no provisions for education on the wing. Prisoners, if and when they have managed to get to association have found that there are absolutely no facilities for them, not even tables or chairs. The exercise yard is extremely small and is only separated from the loyalist yard by eight feet of wire mesh and the men have already suffered severe sectarian abuse because of this. None of the prisoners have had hot meals in the last three days and the vast majority of them have been unable to have a shower for the same period, those that have been able to get to the showers have reported the unhygienic state of them and have asked for them to be properly cleaned and maintained before they will use them. Another sinister development has taken place in the new accommodation; the republican prisoners have been told they will no longer be able to look after the housekeeping on their wing as is standard practice, but all orderlies posts will be given to criminals from another house. The implications from this are extremely serious, given the fact that the majority of loyalists have refused segregation; there is no telling who could be coming onto the wing or indeed what they are bringing on with them. It is a matter of record that in the past loyalists and criminals have been able to bring in weapons and drugs to the prison, this is a matter of some concern to all republicans. Despite the fact that the prison service have been telling anyone that will listen that no expense has been spared in the new wings this is obviously not the case, indeed the only expense that hasn't been spared is on security equipment with the prisoners likening the wing to camp x-ray. There is no part of the landings that is not covered by intrusive camera and microphone technology. It is the belief of the IRPWA that the prisoners are being made to pay for the fact that the British government deemed it necessary to introduce segregated accommodation, we urge the relevant authorities to move to put in place a humane regime for the prisoners immediately before the prisoners take matters into their own hands.
07/03/2004
CONTACT; Martin Mulholland (spokesperson) / Marian Price.
Phone: 07801 729 412
email: irpwa@hotmail.com
PRESS RELEASE:
SF 'Advised' British Government on Handling of Maghaberry Jail Protest.
Statement From Maghaberry POWs.
In every chapter of the fight for Irish Freedom, Irish Republican Prisoners have confronted head on all attempts by the British Government to criminalise both them and their struggle. This phase is no different. Once again ordinary Republican Prisoners, with the support of many groups and individuals at home and abroad, have met and overcome that challenge.
Therefore it is with regret that we note the action of a party that has, while giving the impression publicly of supporting prisoners, taken a very different approach when dealing with the Steele Review Panel. This is clearly shown in the report on "Separation" by the northern Ireland affairs committee on 11th February 2004. The following is taken straight from the minutes of that meeting and can be found in full at:
www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/northern_ireland_affairs.cfm
"There was intelligence that there was going to be a hunger-strike, we believed that there were men there who would have gone on hunger-strike and who would have carried it through, when we saw Sinn Fein they were saying to us that there had been several protests on the streets and Sinn Fein's natural supporters were on the streets on the question of separation. Take the sympathy away now by giving them a degree of separation. That was the argument. Hunger-strike is such an emotive issue that I do not think it would only have been their own political supporters who would have been behind them. They would have gathered a lot of people."
Rather than take this opportunity to once again reiterate that those involved in the struggle for Irish Freedom always were and remain political prisoners, Sinn Fein chose to advise the British Government on how best to "take the sympathy away" and how SF could keep control of their natural supporters.
Republican prisoners have always and continue to gather support. Unlike those who strive to distance themselves from their pasts we are not prepared to allow our struggle to be criminalised. Neither, it seems clear to all, is the Republican/Nationalist community.
MESSAGE ENDS
22/01/2005
PRESS RELEASE BY THE I.R.P.W.A
Contact: Marian Price / Martin Mulholland
Phone: 07801 729 412
IRPWA attend RPAG public meeting to highlight prisoner's issue.
IRPWA members today attended a meeting of the newly formed Republican Prisoners Action Group in Conway Mill, Belfast. The meeting was viewed as constructive in that it further highlighted the restrictive regime currently being endured by Republican Prisoners of War in Maghaberry Gaol.
The IRPWA welcome all genuine attempts to improve conditions in the gaol and the cordial atmosphere in which the meeting was conducted illustrated to observers that the interests of those involved was with all republican prisoners first and foremost. The IRPWA were grateful for the clarity which they received on a variety of subjects and have agreed to remain in contact with the RPAG in the coming weeks.
Remember the POWs; they haven't gone away you know!
Press Release:
Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association.
23/06/2006
Contact: Martin Mulholland/Marian Price
Phone 07801729412 or e-mail irpwa@hotmail.com
IRPWA Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with Protesting Prisoners.
The IRPWA wish to pledge our support to those Republican Prisoners currently on protest in Maghaberry Gaol. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the prisoners, their families and all other groups working towards a speedy resolution of the prisons issue. Following protests by the Republican prisoners in the summer of 2003, segregation from Loyalists and Criminal was secured and in negotiations with the Steele commission, NIO and NIPS it was understood that the Republican POWs would soon avail of modern facilities and a humane and liberal prison regime would be put in place, to date this has not happened. In fact the conditions under which Republican prisoners are being held have steadily declined since they were moved into their accommodation in Roe house. The "teething problems" that senior NIPS officials promised us would be temporary have now become standard practice. The IRPWA are convinced that the regime in place in Maghaberry is a sop to the Prison Officers Association who were hostile to segregation from the beginning and is also a form of punishment for republicans opting to leave the general prison population.
There is no doubt that if the NIO, prison authorities, the constitutional parties and the media are able to keep the prisons issue from the public then all protests will be in vain. As in 2003 we must ensure that protest on the outside highlights and compliments that on the inside. It has become clear that in 2003 the prisoners and their representatives were hoodwinked into accepting segregation at the expense of political status, this is understandable given that republicans were heavily outnumbered in a hostile prison population. We must learn the lessons from 2003, one of which is that verbal assurances and ambiguous recommendations are unacceptable. We urge all republicans to stand with the protesting prisoners and not to let their plight slip back into obscurity.
Political Status Now.
STATEMENT FROM E3
Posted on 11/1/2006 at 15:50:01 by IRPWA
Throughout the history of the struggle for Irish freedom both the British and Irish Free State government have attempted,through certain sections of the media,to vilify the Republican movement and portray those involved as criminals.This tactic has always been fiercely resisted,nowhere more so than in the prisons where, in 1981,ten men died on hunger strike to achieve their demand for political status.
This state sponsored campaign of slander continues today and is sadly supported by certain elements within prison who continue to issue false and misleading statements in an attempt to undermine the Republican movement and curry favour with the government in the hopes of being granted early release.It is in line with this situation that the Republican P.O.W.s on E3 landing take this unprecedented step in releasing the following statement.
Republican prisoners of war,regardless of when or where they have been incarcerated,have always conducted themselves with the dignity befitting their status and such is the case on the E3 landing in Portloise Prison.To be housed on E3 all prisoners must adhere to a strict set of rules regarding their conduct.Failure to comply with these rules warrants dismissal from the landing,as was the case with a recent individual.Only the highest of standards are expected and received,from the prisoners,none of whom have any criminal records and who would not find themselves in prison were it not for the political situation on this island.There is not nor have there ever been,a case where any prisoners on E3 have sought to be segregated from others.All the P.O.W.s on E3 are united on these issues and are releasing this statement in order to counter recent malicious reports in the media which have tried and failed to sow divisions among those who continue the struggle for a united Ireland.
Free Seamus Doherty
By Martin Mulholland, IRPWA
The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association demands the
immediate unconditional release of Derry Republican Seamus Doherty.
There is widespread alarm within the Republican community that this
miscarriage of justice is being allowed to continue despite serious
doubts regarding the credibility of the charges against him.
Seamus Doherty has been in custody on remand since 13 June 2003 when
he was charged in connection with the discovery of two Booby-trap car
bombs outside Newry in September 2002. It is alleged that forensic
evidence, namely DNA, links Seamus Doherty to components on one of the
bombs. It has since been revealed that the security forces conspired
to frame two south Down men, Martin Brogan and Mark Carroll, in
connection with this explosives find and both men subsequently had all
charges dropped.
Revelations that the RUC/PSNI and the British Army contaminated
evidence interfered with the workings of the Independent Forensic
Science Laboratory and used an undercover agent to set the men up have
undermined any trust in these agencies.
While Brogan and Carroll have been released, Seamus Doherty is
entering his 14th month in Maghaberry Gaol, undoubtedly a victim of
the same undercover operation that failed against the two south Down
men. Seamus Doherty is adamant that his DNA was planted by an agent
and/or agencies of the state.
Shortly before Seamus Doherty's arrest an RUC search team entered his
home using their own key; Seamus was restrained while a number of the
search team wandered around his flat unhindered. When Seamus managed
to cry for help the intruders hurriedly vacated his apartment shouting
"Wrong flat, let's go".
Despite repeated requests from Seamus Doherty's solicitor, the
RUC/PSNI has yet to give an explanation for their presence in his
flat. The answer may lie in a letter from a forensic science lab in
England to one in Carrickfergus which stated that DNA found on the
explosives couldn't be identified, and more ominously a handwritten
note by a detective Allen which states "Maybe more work needs to be
done.".
It is a cause for concern that less than 24 hours after the date on
the letter a RUC/PSNI/FRU team is rummaging around Seamus Doherty's
flat where DNA is readily available from combs, toothbrushes or any
number of items.
Given the recent high profile incidents of police
malpractice/corruption and the undisputed evidence of politically
motivated frame ups in the cases of Noel Abernethy, Martin Brogan,
Mark Carroll, Sean Dillon, Don Mullan, Kevin Murphy and Brendan O
Connor we in the IRPWA believe that Seamus Doherty ought to be freed
immediately. It is obvious to anyone willing to see that the British
State is still involved in framing critics of its rule in Ireland and
it will use any means it deems necessary.
Not only do we demand the release of Seamus Doherty but we also call
for all cases where DNA evidence has been used to hold or convict
republicans to be thrown out of court, it is obvious nothing from
these sources can be trusted. Finally we demand a full independent
non-British inquiry into the machinations of the British Security
establishment in the afore mentioned cases in order that justice might
finally be done.
03 February 2007
IRPWA Call for International Action
The IRPWA has called for an international sanction against the Free State government for their use of internment in the 26 Counties. Spokesman Martin Mulholland was speaking after yet another Republican was charged with IRA membership despite no concrete evidence being produced save the word of a senior member of the Gardai.
Speaking in Dublin Mr Mulholland told The Sovereign Nation "It is getting ridiculous now the amount of men getting effectively interned in the south on the word of a politically motivated, anti-Republican police force. Many men have been charged and convicted on the strength of associations and on what gardai 'believe to be true'."
Recently a Kildare man stood trial for membership of the IRA after a period in custody and a long period on bail with severe restrictions. This mans human rights were infringed upon with his ability to travel, attend events and associate with whom he chose, curtailed. The evidence against this man was laughable consisting mainly of a humorous T-Shirt (available almost anywhere, including high street stores) and domestic clocks. The police also claimed that this man associated with members of the IRA but given that they need no objective proof to state these men were in the IRA, that again is suspect.
The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association believe that if the so called 'proof' that has put many anti agreement Republicans in Portlaoise in the last few years were to be independently and objectively examined at an international court (such as the European court of Human rights) or their cases referred to somewhere like the UN Human Rights Commission then the international community could see what passes for justice in this banana Republic of theirs.
It is noted by various Human Rights organizations that under the so-called "Offences against the State Act" literally anyone can be sent by the Director of Public Prosecutions to trial at the Dublin Special Criminal Court, and they do not have to give any reason whatsoever. At a time when America and Britain are coming under criticism for jailing anyone they deem politically undesirable, it seems too few in the political establishment here are loathe to pick up on the injustices occurring on their own doorstep.
If there were any confirmations that the 26 County State had more than a passing resemblance to its British counterpart (especially in dealing with Republicans) it would be here in its continued use of diplock non-jury courts and repressive "legal" apparatus.
These laws and practices would be the envy of any South American right wing tin pot dictatorship, and it is time the Irish people acted and spoke out. We would urge anyone who has been charged or convicted of membership without any additional charge to look at the possibility of taking further legal advice with a view to having their cases re-examined. The IRPWA and our comrades in the 32 County Sovereignty Movement intend on raising the profile of these human rights abuses in the coming weeks and months."
Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association
31/05/2008
Republican POW’s protest at denial of Temporary Release.
On Friday 30th May, Republican prisoners on E3 wing, Portlaoise Gaol refused to lock up for a period of an hour in protest at the denial of the Minister of Justice to grant Temporary Release to two prisoners to attend their children’s first holy communion. The POW’s were joined in the protest by prisoners allegedly aligned to the Irish National Liberation Army on E4. The prisoners, Justin McCarthy from Dundalk and Shane Hickey from Cork, were denied TR without an explanation from the Ministry of Justice, this despite the fact that other prisoners, with different perceived affiliations have been granted TR for the same reasons recently.
The prisoners and the IRPWA are convinced that this denial of TR is based upon the perceived affiliations of the prisoners involved and is directly linked to attacks by the IRA in the six counties.
The Officer Commanding of E3 made it clear to the governor of Portlaoise that this was a protest against Dermot Ahern and not against the prison which he accepted.
The IRPWA condemn the Minister of Justice for his pathetic and petty minded attempts to punish Republican POW’s and their families and we salute the IRA and INLA prisoners for the principled stance they have taken in order to highlight this injustice.
Portlaoise Disturbances
Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association
24/09/2008
Óglaigh na hÉireann Prisoners not involved in Portlaoise Row.
The IRPWA wish to state clearly that no Óglaigh na hÉireann prisoners (nor any interned on remand on membership charges) were involved in the recent row between INLA prisoners and prisoners associated with the Provisional Movement.
It is our understanding that prisoners associated with the INLA confronted prisoners associated with the Provisional movement over issues such as the Provisionals blocking INLA prisoners from coming on to a republican wing, throwing INLA prisoners of that wing for talking to other prisoners and trying to prevent the INLA prisoners from using certain visiting boxes, stating they were ‘IRA’ boxes.
Words were exchanged and by all accounts this led to blows being exchanged, we also believe that a small number of ex- Óglaigh na hÉireann prisoners sided with the Provisionals in this row.
Despite misinformation being peddled by a certain notorious Free State tabloid, it is clear that no Óglaigh na hÉireann prisoners were involved in this incident The E3 prisoners have worked hard to create a more tolerable environment for all POW’s incarcerated in Portlaoise and will continue to do so.
Alarming Concern For Aidan Hulme
October 8 2008
Alarming concern has been expressed for the continuing medical condition of republican prisoner Aidan Hulme in Portlaoise Prison. Following a visit from a Doctor it was observed that Aidan’s toes on his injured leg had turned black giving rise to fears of possible gangrene. The Doctor relayed to the Prison Governor that Aidan should be seen by a Consultant in this field as a medical imperative. The Governor has stated that Aidan’s case would be prioritised but as of yet no decisive action has been taken.
Aidan is currently on twenty one tablets a day and requires the use of Morphine Patches to alleviate pain. His complexion has turned yellow which may indicate liver damage as a result of the high dosage of medication. He is currently confined to bed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association urges all republican and socialist groups to campaign vigorously to ensure Aidan’s medical needs are urgently met. We will be petitioning Minister Dermot Ahern to intervene immediately so that Aidan can receive the proper medical attention in a proper medical facility.
Marian Price
IRPWA