Shinn Féin Poblachtach Chathair Chorcaí agus contae

CELTIC FANS LEAFLETED.

On Saturday 10^th of February, members of the Glasgow branch of the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group distributed over a thousand leaflets to fans going into Celtic Park at the Springfield Road and Janefield Street entrances to the ground. The leaflets publicised the ongoing prison protest by the Republican POWS in Maghberry Gaol who are campigning for the restoration of political status and better conditions. The response from the fans was very encourgaing with several people stopping to ask about the protest and taking leaflets to distribute in their local areas.

PRO

Glasgow RPAG

Republican Prisoners Speak Out Against Misrepresentation.

Prisoners Supported by Cabhair.

A chara,

It has come to our attention that our names are being used on websites by people not affiliated with our Movement. We want to make it absolutely clear that our dependants and ourselves are being helped by CABHAIR and CABHAIR only.

We do not want our names admitted to other websites by those whose aims are to make it look like they are financially supporting us and also just to cause confusion with genuine contributors at home and abroad for their own financial gain.

If there is anything we needed or encouragement for people to send Christmas cards, birthday cards, etc. it will be CABHAIR who will act on our behalf and it is only CABHAIR we want to act on our behalf.

This shows the lengths that disgruntled elements will go to, as they see no boundaries in their actions.

We urge other Republicans being misrepresented in the same way to highlight and clarify such deplorable actions as these people executing such acts are doing a disservice to the genuine men and women seeking to help prisoners.

Stíofan Ó Dálaigh
Maghaberry Jail

Mark McMahon, Timmy King
Portlaoise Jail.

LEAFLETING OF CELTIC FANS - R.P.A.G.

Activists from the Glasgow Republican Prisoners' Action Group plan to distribute leaflets outside Celtic Park before the match in support of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol, on Saturday, the 10^th of February.

Show your support for the POWs by meeting at the junction of Janefield Street and Holywell Street at 2pm, to collect and distribute leaflets.

Republican POWs Will Not Be Criminalised!

Political Status Now!

GLASGOW R.P.A.G WEEKEND OF ACTION.

On 20 January, as part of its ongoing campaign to publicise the plight of the protesting Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol, activists from the RPAG leafleted marchers attending the annual Bloody Sunday demonstration in Glasgow organised by Cairde na hEireann. In the afternoon a dozen RPAG activists handed out two thousand leaflets to Celtic fans going into the ground. On the following day the RPAG leafleted all of the several hundred participants on the West of Scotland Band Alliance march in Glasgow that was also organised to commemorate Bloody Sunday.

Glasgow RPAG spokesman, Antoin Mac Piarais commented, “The campaign in support of the 5 just demands of the prisoners is gaining momentum. We are very encouraged by the positive response we have received from the Irish community. There is a real concern that the Brits must not be allowed to continue in their efforts to isolate and criminalise the POWs. People remember the Hunger Strikes of 1980 and ’81 and can hardly believe that Republican prisoners are being denied political status today”.

Anyone interested in joining Glasgow RPAG and attending the monthly planning meetings should send an email to glasgowrpag@yahoo.com or phone 07867996246.

GLASGOW & CORK R.P.A.G. CALL FOR THE REPATRIATION OF NOEL MAGUIRE. 

At our meeting today, the members of the Glasgow branch of the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group agreed unanimously to support the repatriation to the Free State of Noel Maguire who is the only remaining Irish political prisoner still incarcerated in an English jail. We are concerned for the health and well being of Noel who despite having family in the 26 Counties has been refused repatriation.

Glasgow RPAG agreed to send letters of protest to the Free State Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice calling for them to reconsider their decision on the refusal to accept Noel Maguire’s repatriation so that he can be closer to his loved ones. We urge people to show their solidarity with Noel by writing to him c/o HMP Full Sutton, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1PS, England.

Cork RPAG at there last meeting decided unanimously to support the Glasgow RPAGs call for the immediate repatriation of Noel Maguire. We call on the wider republican community and people in general to show support. Write now to Noel and send letters of protest to the Free State Department of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Justice calling for his repatriation to the 26 Counties..

REPUBLICAN SINN FÉIN PICKET PORTLAOISE PRISON.

REPUBLICAN SINN FÉIN TO PICKET PORTLAOISE PRISON.

POW PICKET AT BRITISH EMBASSY IN DUBLIN.

THE POW Department of Sinn Féin Poblachtach organised a picket held at the British Embassy in Dublin on December 16 in support of the protesting POWs in Maghaberry jail, Co Antrim.

Members and supporters came from Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny. Banners and posters alerted passing motorists to the plight of the POWs and leaflets were handed to pedestrians outlining the conditions in the prison and the five demands of the POWs. A very good response was received from passers-by.

As usual the Special Branch kept a watchful eye on the protestors. The protestors all agreed that two cars of Special Branch could be better employed on a Saturday afternoon than sitting in their cars videoing the protest and harassing Republicans. The youth were again targeted by the Branch and one young man was put into the Branch car before protestors approached the car and he was released immediately.

His pockets were emptied and he was searched in the usual ignorant way of the Special Branch who refused to say under what section the young man was being searched. Their usual tactic of surrounding an individual - designed to intimidate ? did not work as they were outnumbered.

The protestors called for the immediate granting of political status for the protesting prisoners in Maghaberry jail. Details of the conditions/demands can be had HERE on this page or at http://saoirse.info/ and at http://www.freewebs.com/powstatusnow/.

December is traditionally the month that collections are taken up for the prisoners dependants. Anyone wishing to contribute should send donations to CABHAIR at 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1. The Christmas swim will take place in the canal opposite the Black Horse Inn, Inchicore, Dublin at 12 noon on Christmas day.

On January 20, 2007 a POW picket will be held at Portlaoise prison.

MAGHABERRY POW PROTEST TAKES PLACE IN DERRY CITY.

Following on from a protest in Newry a fortnight ago, a large protest was held in Derry City on Saturday, 16th December. The month of December traditionally represents the prisoners' month, and this protest - organised by the Republican Prisoners' Action Group (RPAG) - was in support of the demands of the Republican POWs currently on protest in Maghaberry Gaol. Approximately 100 protestors turned out for the event on Shipquay Street, as did no less than twenty armed members of the British Colonial Police.

The RUC were in possession of still cameras and video cameras, and photographed and videographed those present. Special attention was given to young people who turned out in support of the Republican POWs. Passers-by and shoppers were also subjected to this harassment.

The protest was well-received by the public, and a large number of leafelts were distributed.

After the white-line picket a rally was held in Guildhall Square. The RUC secured the collaboration of NCP traffic wardens in an unsuccessful bid to have vehicles owned by Republicans clamped.

Michael McGonagle of Dungiven, Co. Derry, chaired the proceedings. He said that "unfortunately there will continue to be prisoners for as long as the British remain in Ireland." He then introduced the main speaker - Cathleen Knowles McGuirk, Vice-President of Republican Sinn Féin, who stated that "as the Normans had been described as 'more Irish than the Irish themselves', the Provos have now become more Unionist than the Unionists themselves." She added that "six months on from the beginning of the protest there is an onus on everyone to ensure that it is brought to a victorious conclusion."

National Spokeman for the RPAG, Tony McPhillips, Co. Fermanagh, said he "would like to pay tribute to the RUC for showing the people of Derry that they have not changed. They remain a Crown police force tasked with enforcing British rule in Ireland."

Richard Walsh, Derry - PRO of the RPAG and a member of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin - stated that "we are all well aware that the RUC are the terrorists, and British Occupation is the crime. Republican POWs will never allow themselves to be criminalised, and history shows that whilst English rule continues in Ireland, so too will Republican resistance to it." He also announced that the RPAG had a website which could be viewed at http://www.powstatusnow.net

The proceedings finished with the playing of the National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann.

P.O.W. PROTEST TO BE HELD IN DERRY.

A white-line picket will be held on Saturday, December 16th, on Shipquay Street in Derry City opposite the Guildhall, starting at 2:00p.m. This will be followed by a rally. The protest has been organised by the Republican Prisoners' Action Group (RPAG) in support of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol who have been on protest for almost six months against the appalling conditions in which they are held.

The POWs have been on protest since June 19th, with five stated demands.

The main speaker will be Cathleen Knowles McGuirk, Vice-President, Republican Sinn Féin. Protests in support of the POWs and their demand for full political status will have then been held in each of the Six Occupied Counties. The RPAG calls on everyone to stand behind the POWs and reject the failed British attempts at criminalisation of the Republican POWs and, by extension, the Cause of Irish Freedom.

PRISON PROTEST HELD IN NEWRY.

A white-line picket in support of the protesting POWs in Maghaberry was held in Bridge Street in Newry, Co. Down, on Saturday, 2nd December. It was organised by the Republican Prisoners' Action Group (RPAG). A large number of leaflets were distributed, and passing motorists displayed their support. Following the picket a rally took place nearby.

Ruairí White, Newry, chaired the proceedings. He introduced Richard Walsh, Derry - the PRO of the Republican Prisoners' Action Group and a member of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin - who was the main speaker on the day.

Mr. Walsh outlined the ongoing protest of the Republican POWs and their five demands. They have been on protest since the 19th June. He added: "Political status was signed away by former Republicans under the terms of the Stormont Agreement in 1998. However, the POWs have made it clear that they will never allow themselves to be criminalised by traitors or anyone else." Referring to the recent decision by the Provos to nominate to a policing partnership in Dublin, he stated that the 26-County police were renowned for their harassment of Republicans. "Furthermore, this is clearly a move in the direction of seeking endorsement for the RUC. They may have changed their name and their emblems, but their primary function is still to serve as the first line of defence for English rule in Ireland. They will continue to imprison Republicans or kill them. Regardless of what the Provos say or do, the only attitude of true Republicans to the British Colonial Police is one of eternal hostility", he continued. Mr. Walsh concluded by saying that everyone had a duty to ensure that the current protest was brought to a successful conclusion, and that the demands of the POWs were conceded.

An Cathaoirleach then introduced the National Spokesman for the RPAG - Mr. Tony McPhillips of County Fermanagh. Mr. McPhillips stated that "one of the most important words to Republicans is 'continuity'". He also called for support of the POWs, and stated that another protest would be held by the RPAG in Shipquay Street, Derry City at 1:30p.m. on Saturday, 16th December. "We will then have held a protest in each of the Six Occupied Counties", he added.

SCOTTISH TRADE UNION CONGRESS MARCH AGAINST RACISM.

On Saturday 25th November there was a colourful display of tricolours on the large Irish section of the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress march against racism in the centre of Glasgow. Placards were carried calling for an end to Irish racism by the political establishment which has imposed a ban on a pro Irish march in Ayr and Coatbridge, and resorts to anti sectarian legislation to harass and demonise Irish political activists.

The banner of the Glasgow based Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach was carried and activists from the R.P.A.G. handed out leaflets to publicise the ongoing Prison Protest in Maghaberry by the Republican P.O.W's for the restoration of political status.

In the afternoon the Revolutionary Communist Group held a successful event on the theme of ‘1981 – The Irish Hunger Strike and British Imperialism’. It comprised the showing of the film H3, a display of literature and memorabilia related to the Hunger Strikes and a panel of speakers followed by a discussion.

Speaking on behalf of Sinn Fein Poblachtach, Stephen Coyle explained how the events of 1981 politicised a large section of working class youth from Irish backgrounds and led to the development of a significant solidarity campaign capable of mobilising thousands of people onto the streets of Scotland’s main towns and cities. He went on to give a Republican perspective of the so called peace process which is doomed to failure because it ignores the essence of the problem, namely Britain’s illegal and immoral occupation of the 6 Counties and the denial of all Ireland democracy to the Irish People.

He also called on people to campaign in support of Political Status for the P.O.W's by joining the R.P.A.G. Michael McGregor spoke of the need for the left to show principled solidarity with the Irish struggle in the same way that Marx and Engels did in the 1860s and later by John MacLean in the 1920s through his successful Hands off Ireland campaign. Paul Mallon of the R.C.G. analysed the aftermath of the Hunger Strike from an anti imperialist perspective and described it as a defeat in view of the subsequent transformation of the Provisional organisation into a constitutional reformist body which has become part of the bourgeoise political establishment.

REHASHED DOCUMENT FUTILE EXERCISE - R.P.A.G.

Republican POWs held in segregated conditions in Maghaberry have been engaged in an ongoing protest since the 19^th June 2006. The British Government and the Prison Service in the Six Counties are well aware of their five demands.

The POWs commenced this protest as they felt all other avenues open to them had been exhausted. The Prison Service’s statement of the 16^th November appears to be based on the Separated Regime Review published in May 2006. The Review failed entirely to address the major issues concerning the plight of the POWs, and nothing of significance is contained in this latest statement.

Any attempt to rehash a document which only solidified the belief amongst the POWs that representations made on their behalf were being ignored is futile. The British Government and their Prison Service are playing a dangerous game with the health and safety of the POWs and should instead seek to resolve the real issues and concede the POWs’ five demands.

DUNGANNON WHITE LINE PROTEST.

The Republican Prisoners Action Group www.politicalstatusnow.net held a very successful white line protest on Saturday November 18th in Dungannon over 60 supporters of the Irish Republican P.O.Ws currently on Protest in Magaberry Gaol turned up and showed their support .

Over 1000 leaflets were distributed to the local people in Dungannon, with many asking questions and saying they had no idea that their was a protest under way in Magaberry. They were astounded when told that a large number of Republican Prisoners were protesting for the same rights won for Republican Prisoners by the Hunger Strikers of 1981. They could not believe that Former Republicans could simply sign away those rights that were gained with such high a price.

The local R.U.C/P.S.N.I were out in force and used every opportunity to harass and intimidate the Protesters.

When the white line protest ended a large crowed gathered for the Public information. Republican Prisoners Action Groups National Spokesperson Tony McPhilips said that the Prisoners were fully committed to seeing their protest through to a successful conclusion, but stressed that the protest was nearing a new and more confrontational stage. He said that Republican P.O.Ws had tried to resolve this issue with the Prison service and had failed and that the Prisoners would use every form of protest available to them. He also stressed that the media blackout of the protest, along with the British Government and others ignoring the Prison Protest, hoping that it would just go away was just helping to escalate matters.

Former East Tyrone Brigade Commander and 1980 Hunger Striker Tommy McKearney to spoke from the platform saying that this type of Conflict has been repeated through out the British-Irish Conflict. That restrictions placed on Republican Prisoners in Magaberry were not for security reasons nor indeed were they called for, they were imposed as a punishment on these prisoners to keep the prison services supporters happy. He called the regime in Magaberry totally unjust, an abuse of the prisoners human rights, and that people here today should be applauded for taking to the streets in support of those Prisoners held in these inhumane conditions. 

Local media and TV attended the event.

POW PICKET HELD IN ARMAGH CITY.

 A white-line picket for political status took place in Armagh City on Saturday, 28^th October. The protest was organised by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG). A large number of leaflets were handed out to passing motorists, outlining the situation faced by Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol. The picket was well received by the people of Armagh.

The RUC made their presence felt during the picket and – aided by their DMSU (Divisional Mobile Support Unit) – sought to disrupt the protest. They were also observed photographing those present.

Republican POWs have now been on protest in Maghaberry for more than four months. The RPAG has planned further protests throughout the country to highlight the plight of the Prisoners of War.

HARASSMENT ENDURED AS POWs’ PLIGHT HIGHLIGHTED

On Friday, 13^th October a day of action was held by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) to increase awareness of the plight of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol.

Due to a concerted campaign of censorship in the media, members of the RPAG travelled to the offices of UTV in Belfast to deliver a statement highlighting the plight of the POWs and detailing their continuing protest for political status. However there was a large RUC presence assembled outside UTV to prevent entry. Nonetheless, the statement was read and subsequently handed to a UTV staff member. An hour-long picket was held outside.

RPAG members were also present at St. Andrew’s in Scotland, carrying a large banner. They were later met by a delegation to discuss the issues surrounding the Maghaberry protest, which has been ongoing since the 19^th June. As they attempted to leave Scotland they were detained for a period of two hours under Schedule 7 of the so-called "Terrorism Act". It would appear that the purpose of this harassment was to cause them to miss their boat home.

A leafleting campaign took place in Dublin, and other events occurred throughout the country. An information campaign also took place in the United States.

Almost four months on from the start of the protest in Maghaberry it is imperative that anyone with influence exerts this to resolve the situation, which is hurtling towards crisis point.

Protest held in Cork in support of Republican Prisoners.

The Prison Protest by Republican POWs was highlighted when members of the MacCurtain/McSwiney Cumann, R.S.F. Cork and R.P.A.G. (Republican Prisoners Action Group) turned out at 3pm on Friday October 13^th at Daunt Square in Cork for a vigil to highlight the continuing attempts at the criminalisation of Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry.

Hundreds of leaflets were handed out, highlighting the present conditions in Maghaberry and the continuing protest for Political Status, which after been won by the sacrifices of ten brave men in 1981 has been removed by the British Government and those who signed the failed 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The reaction from passers by was positive.

Republican POW’s in Maghaberry have been engaged in a prison protest since 19^th June 2006.  They are protesting to improve conditions for segregated prisoners in Maghaberry who are in effect being punished for exercising their right to segregation from non-political prisoners.  They are demanding that their 5 demands be addressed.

1. RIGHT TO FREE ASSOCIATION
2. END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
3. RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
4. SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
5. RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN LANDINGS

The POW’s are relying on the Irish people to stand with them in their fight to improve conditions and ultimately to win back Political Status.  The Irish people have never failed POW’s in the past and we have faith that they will not fail them now.

Help end the prison struggle; support the Republican POWs. Political status is a right not a privilege. This issue cannot be ignored any longer, it must be dealt with and these demands must be addressed.

POW DAY OF PROTEST HELD.

The Republican Prisoners' Action Group (RPAG) has in the past staged a series of white-line pickets, leaflet drops and protests, as well as meeting with various concerned individuals and organisations. Public meetings were also held throughout the Six Occupied Counties.

We have sought to highlight the conditions faced by Republican POWs in Maghaberry jail - a regime which the late Msgr Faul described as "inhumane" after visiting Maghaberry. Shortly before this he had received a delegation from the RPAG.

However we have endured a media blackout. Clearly it is not in the interests of London, Dublin or their hirelings for the people of Ireland to learn of the appalling conditions in which Republican POWs are held in Maghaberry jail or their ongoing resistance to the Brit policy of criminalisation.

Republican POWs in Maghaberry jail have been on protest since the June 19. They have issued five demands. These are:

* Free association
* Freedom of movement
* The right to full-time education
* Separate visiting facilities
* The right to organise their own landings
*
Supporters of the protesting Republican POWs in Maghaberry jail have organised and executed a number of actions on Friday, October 13 in order to increase awareness. Belfast members of the RPAG attempted to take over the offices of UTV but were prevented by the RUC/PSNI. A letter protesting the lack of coverage given to the POWs' protest was handed in to the UTV offices and read to a camera crew at the gate.

Republican POWs refuse to accept the English government's policy of criminalisation for resisting British occupation.

An RPAG picket was placed outside the gates St Andrews in Scotland to highlight the plight of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry. Whilst the enemies of Republicanism - including the Provos - are inside negotiating ways of bolstering English rule in the Six Occupied Counties, the Republican POWs continue to suffer inhumane conditions in Maghaberry. Those who signed up to the Stormont Agreement signed away political status for the POWs.

In Dublin members and supporters handed out leaflets highlighting the prison protest in the centre of the city. Other events took place throughout the country.

The Republican POWs have declared that their resolve is strong, and that all attempts at criminalisation will fail. They have undertaken 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour fasts, and have refused to eat in their cells since the protest began. (The cells are equipped with a toilet.) There is an onus on everybody to exert whatever influence they can to resolve the situation in Maghaberry before the prisoners' health suffers.

Continuity not compromise!

Political status now!

RPAG CONDEMNS ONGOING HARASSMENT OF MEMBERS.

A member of the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) was detained along the roadside in Newry for a period of two-and-a-half hours under the so-called "Prevention of Terrorism Act", causing himself and others travelling with him to miss a meeting which was scheduled to discuss the ongoing protest for political status in Maghaberry Gaol.

When asked whether he was under arrest, the RUC replied that he was not. However, they stated that if he left he would be placed under arrest. His place of work was also searched.

The RPAG condemns the ongoing harassment of our members by the RUC and their political masters. Such incidents will not prevent us from highlighting the plight of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol or from seeking the implementation of their five demands and the granting of full political status.

FERMANAGH PROTEST HELD IN SUPPORT OF REPUBLICAN POWs

 A white-line picket was held in Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, on Saturday, 23^rd September. The picket was organised by the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG), and was in support of the demands of the POWs currently on protest in Maghaberry Gaol. In spite of adverse weather conditions a large crowd turned out to demonstrate their support for the prisoners' demands.

Following the white-line picket a rally took place. The proceedings were chaired by Ruairí White from Newry – a member of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin – who introduced the National Spokesman of the RPAG and former Independent Republican councillor for Fermanagh, Tony McPhillips. Mr. McPhillips highlighted the conditions faced by the POWs in Maghaberry, adding that the situation in the gaol was hurtling towards a crisis point. The Republican POWs had just finished a 72-hour fast. He called on anyone with influence to use that influence in order to resolve the dispute.

The Cathaoirleach then introduced Fergal Moore – an Ard-Chomhairle member of Republican Sinn Féin from Co. Monaghan – who gave the main address. Mr. Moore emphasised the need for everyone to support the prisoners in their demand for political status, stating that the best way to prevent the abuse of prisoners was to restore the All-Ireland Republic. He asked those not involved in the Republican Movement to consider taking up an active role within the Movement, helping the Movement to expel the British forces of occupation from Ireland.

The proceedings concluded with the singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.

There was once again an overt RUC presence on the day. Approximately ten minutes before the demonstration was due to begin, an RUC jeep was observed departing Lisnaskea Barracks. After driving through Newtownbutler several times, the jeep took up a position to monitor the demonstration. The British colonial police remained until the conclusion of the event.

Maghaberry POWs undertake 72 hour fast.

Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol will commence a 72-hour fast on Tuesday, 19^th September. The situation in Maghaberry has now reached crisis point. A representative of the Archbishop of Armagh met with the prisoners last Tuesday, however conditions in the gaol have not improved.

The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group has organised a picket in Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, on Saturday, 23^rd September at 1:30p.m. and calls on everyone to support the demands of the Republican prisoners.The RPAG has also lauched a website at URL: http://www.freewebs.com/powstatusnow

R.P.A.G. Belfast white line protest a success.

A Chara yesterday the 9th of september the Republican Prisoners Action Group held a white line protest in support of the P.O.Ws in Maghaberry Jail,
over fifty activists lined the center of the falls road handing out leaflets holding banners and selling the Republican news paperSaoirse , the response from the residents of the falls road and the traffic was outstanding ,over 2000 leaflets were distributed outlining the reasons for the Prison protest and the demands the prisoners are making .A large sum of money was also collected and over 100 copies of the Freedom press Saoirse was sold.

The speakers included a P.O.Ws Mother and the main oration was delivered by Tony Mc Phillips the Chairperson of the Republican Prisoners Action Group, Mr Mc Phillips said that todays Prisoners were fighting for the rights won for Republican Prisoners by theHungerstrikers and so cowardly sold away by so called Republicans when they signed the Good Friday Agreement, he said the P.O.Ws were steadfast in their determination to see the Protest through to its conclusion which he said would be the realisation of their demands he called on every one who claimed to be Irish Republicans to Support the Prisoners and their support group the Republican Prisoners Action Group.

A number of TV and media crews attended the protest .

"The principled actions of the Republican prisoners are aimed at ensuring that they are not treated as criminals – and their demands are in line with the accepted status of political prisoners throughout the world. There are five demands and these five demands will be met – or else there will be a return to the dark days of the 1980’s when Republicans made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of political status.

PROVOS SNUB MAGHABERRY POWs.

The organizers of the Hunger Strike Commemoration at Casement Park on Sunday August 13^th snubbed the prisoners currently in Maghaberry Gaol and their families.

RPAG had approached the organizing committee earlier this week with a statement setting out the conditions of Republican prisoners in Maghaberry.  The organizers confirmed on Sunday morning August 13th that the statement could be read, but refused to let the mother of the prisoner read it herself.  Despite the promises when it came to the event this on Sunday afternoon no statement was read out.

RPAG is therefore asking the media to publish the statement.

Geraldine Taylor of Republican Sinn Fein said:

“The prisoners and the families are outraged at how they have been treated.  The families have shown solidarity with the families of the Hunger Strikers and believe that they have much in common.  However the sacrifice of today’s prisoners’ and their families has been virtually ignored by those organizing this event.”

For further details please contact 028 90319004 or 07921973328

STATEMENT FROM REPUBLICAN PRISONERS, MAGHABERRY GAOL  

On 13^th July 1981 a young boy 8 years of age was hoisted onto his uncle’s shoulders.  He was given a hammer and a black flag.  The young boy then hung the flag on the side of the coal-shed.

Around him he saw grown men openly crying, women talking and going from door to door.  The people looked tired, sorrowful and a gloominess hung in the air like a thick dense fog.  The answers to the boy’s questions didn’t really register.  “A young man from the locality had died on hunger strike”, he was told.  He had seen old people die before and there were no black flags.  “Why now?”, he wondered.  Little did he realise then, that was the beginning of his introduction to Irish politics and Irish history.

Some years later in his teenage years, the young man began reading books on Irish history and came to realise the significance and the symbolism of the black flag which he had hung years before.  He read about the struggle for political status in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, the blanket protest, the no-wash protest and eventually the Hunger Strike which culminated in the deaths of 10 young volunteers.  He couldn’t believe the intransigence of the British as they allowed these young men died.

Now as a grown man he continues reading and believes strongly in the Republican ideology which was held dearly by those who died to achieve humane conditions for hundreds of Republican prisoners.  Are conditions today better because of the sacrifices of these men?

The young lad who 25 years ago raised a black flag to his coal-shed now lies in a British prison camp.  He too suffers the same degrading treatment.  He and his comrades suffer strip searches designed to humiliate and degrade as well as 23 hour lock ups in an 8 x 12 tomb.  They suffer sectarian abuse from loyalist staff working the landings.  They are forced to eat all their meals in their cells like caged animals.  They are denied any association with each other on the landing and are only permitted to leave their cells in 2s or 3s, accompanied by at least twice the number of prison officers.  Families are denied visits for weeks at a time due to the suspicious reaction of the prison “drugs dog” despite the fact there has not been a single find of drugs on a Republican prisoner or visitor.

Rights that are granted to the rest of the prison population are denied to Republican prisoners; education, exercise, social inter-action – basic human rights.  They are threatened with the loss of remission, or of being transported to England if they do not conform.  But they will not conform to a regime that denies them the right to be treated with dignity and humanity.  They cannot conform with institutional discrimination brought about to criminalise the Irish struggle.

That same young man and his comrades are now on protest in Maghaberry “concentration camp”.  This is a protest against criminalisation, a protest for Political Status.  They too have issued 5 demands.  Freedom of Association, Freedom of Movement, Full Time Education, Separate Visiting Facility and the right to Organise their wings.  They remain adamant in the belief that theirs is a just struggle.  They are prepared to do whatever is necessary to achieve their objectives.

They are not, as the prison authorities are trying to portray, asking for the keys to their wing.  They do not expect control of the landings.  Their demands have been reasonable, but have been ignored.

In their protest they have been refusing to eat in their cells and are refusing to co-operate with the discriminatory regime imposed upon them.  They are showing great restraint in the face of constant provocation.  Both the Church and human rights groups have pledged their assistance, but all calls for humanity have been ignored.  The prisoners, who have yet again been backed into a corner, feel that their only weapon is to fast.  There has been a series of 24 hour fasts and this week a 48 hour fast but there is still no recognition from the authorities.

That young man now experiences the intransigence for himself and asks you the people of Ireland to support the prisoners and their demands, to do all in your power to challenge this injustice, to write letters of support to your politicians, to the press and to the authorities, to show your numbers on the streets in the protests and in the pickets that are being organised across the country.

STATEMENT FROM O/C REPUBLICAN POWS, MAGHABERRY. 

ON August 9, the following statement was received from the O/C, Republican Prisoners, Maghaberry jail:

"On Thursday 10th August, Republican Prisoners of War held in Maghaberry Concentration Camp will hold a 48-hour fast. This is part of our ongoing protest for the restoration of Political Status and the implementation of our five demands. We will continue with our protest and in the coming weeks will step it up until the NIO and British authorities realise that we won't be beaten.

The disgraceful attitude of the POA and the prison governors in refusing to accept that their policy of criminalisation will be resisted and therefore will fail is second only to the belief held by some that Óglaigh na hÉireann can be disbanded.

Óglaigh na hÉireann is not a "patent" of any single political party. It is of the people for the people. As long as there is still British interference on Irish soil; as long as a pro-Imperialist state exists in the 26-Counties to do Britain's dirty work, there will always be those who will resist. Resistance is born out of oppression.

Those of us imprisoned in Ireland and abroad have been so because of our ideological beliefs. Our belief in the Proclamation of the Republic, declaring "the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland..." The belief that an alien government has no right to govern nor administer the affairs of the Irish people.

The oppressive nature of the regime imposed on Republican prisoners in this camp was bound to breed resistance. It is the unfortunate belief of the British authorities that today's Republican prisoners can be criminalised and brutalised unimpeded. This is a misconception. Although we may be small in numbers, we can guarantee that we will resist at all costs.

The parallels that exist in today's campaign and that which existed in 1976-1981 are striking, although I won't pretend to know exactly what the men and women went though then. I do know that we are fighting against the same policy and we are faced with the same 'monsters'.

In 1976-1981, those courageous men and women in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh and Armagh were fighting against a more visible form of criminalisation - that of a prison uniform and being forced to work for the system. Of course those weren't the only problems.

In today's prison camps, we are fighting against a different more invisible form of criminalisation. In this establishment we don't have the convict garb, nor are we forced to work. In comparison to 1976-1981 we are more comfortably off. But criminalisation whether visible or invisible must be resisted. The fact that this establishment is intent on forcing us to accept policies of controlled movement, no free association for Republican prisoners, and forcing our families to do without visits for weeks on end. The fact that we are locked in cells for up to 22 hours, the fact that we are denied all handicraft facilities and limited education is all that is available. Education which clashes with association - as a result one or the other must be forfeited. This is an exact throwback to the years 1976-1981.

Why shouldn't we be given the freedom to move freely on our own landings during periods of unlock? Why should we forfeit education for a period of exercise? Why shouldn't we be allowed to clear our own wings? Why shouldn't we expect to see our families on a weekly basis? Why shouldn't we be allowed to make handicrafts or souvenirs?

Why shouldn't we? All of the above are widely available to ordinary prisoners. And indeed they would be available to ourselves if we conformed. This we won't do. We will not renounce our principles nor will we allow ourselves to be bribed by a corrupt, sectarian prison establishment.

Our demands, which are widely available to ordinary prisoners proves that we are not being elitist. We are not asking to be treated differently, but to be treated with dignity and respect.

We have never asked for the keys of the wing nor would we. We do not expect control of the landings nor do we expect the screws to leave their positions.

We have been totally reasonable in our repeated requests to be treated equally and fairly. The fact that the British have ignored our pleas should be challenged by all right thinking people in Ireland and abroad.

The protest which has been forced upon us by British intransigence could be sorted out at the stroke of a pen, if only these people came to realise that we are only asking for what is already available.

We hereby ask that all politicians, north and south; all clergymen and women; the people of Ireland and abroad, and all those who have suffered years of degradation at the hands of the British 'monsters' support us by supporting our demands. We ask you to write letters of support, denouncing the current policies in newspapers and to British politicians.

We ask you to support those who are defenceless. 

O/C, CIRA POWs
Maghaberry Concentration Camp, Occupied Six Counties

RPAG CONDEMNS SNIFFER DOG TORTURE

The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group views with deep concern the continuing abuse of the passive drugs ("sniffer") dog in Maghaberry Gaol. In light of the fact that no drugs have ever been discovered either amongst Republican prisoners or their visitors, it is clear that this measure is simply punitive in nature.

It has been brought to our attention that two Republican POWs have been denied open visits due to alleged "detections" by the dog. One of the prisoners has been refused visits every second week, whereas the other prisoner has been denied his last three visits – by different family members. The end result of this harassment is that he has not received a visit for over a month.

The RPAG believes that this amounts to nothing less than psychological torture of the POWs. We reiterate our call for the removal of the so-called "drugs" dog, and for the concession of the protesting prisoners’ five demands.

MEETING WITH CAJ 'POSITIVE' - RPAG

The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) met with the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) on Thursday, July 27^th. The RPAG outlined the demands of the protesting Republican POWs in Maghaberry, as well as the current conditions the prisoners are facing. The CAJ were also made aware of our concerns with regard to the minimal nature of the review of the segregated regime. Those conducting the review did not recommend any movement on what we had identified as the key issues in submissions to various human rights bodies.

The RPAG feels that the meeting with the CAJ was very positive, and are satisfied that they will continue to monitor the situation in Maghaberry.

 FACTS ABOUT REPUBLICAN PRISONERS AT MAGHABERRY GAOL.