RSF Supports Protest Action By Prisoners In Maghaberry.

Statement by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President, Republican Sinn Fein

Republican Sinn Fein declares its support for the protest action of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, Co Antrim commenced on June 19.

RSF SUPPORTS PROTEST ACTION BY PRISONERS IN MAGHABERRY.

Statement by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President, Republican Sinn Fein

Republican Sinn Fein declares its support for the protest action of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, Co Antrim commenced on June 19.

In this 25th anniversary year of the H-Block hunger strike, the British government must not be allowed to go back down the road of attempting to criminalise Republicans while they treat them in an inhumane manner.

In addition to 21 and 23 hour lock-up on alternate days there are constant strip searches. Prisoners are made to choose between daily exercise and education. They are denied facilities to enable them to organise their own education.

The prisoners seek the right to free association on their own landings and an end to "controlled movement". They are abused by the use of sniffer dogs to harass their visitors and themselves.

Safe and secure visits are denied, Family visitors are exposed to loyalist visitors and the prisoners themselves are exposed to loyalists while going to and from legal visits.

Since Republican prisoners secured separation from loyalist and ordinary prisoners some years ago, they have been targeted for special reduced conditions. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated in 2006.
ENDS