Republican PoW Assaulted in Maghaberry Gaol

A Republican prisoner was seriously assaulted in his cell in Maghaberry Gaol on Wednesday, 9th June.

A Republican prisoner has been seriously assaulted in his cell in Maghaberry Gaol on Wednesday, 9th June. Screws conducting a cell-search entered his cell at around 9a.m. and sought to take a bottle of shampoo along with other items. When the prisoner enquired whether he was no longer entitled to shower whilst in gaol he was badly beaten, and his hands and legs were bound. He was then brought to the punishment block and kept there for a number of hours.

This follows reports that security has been tightened in Maghaberry over the course of the past two months.

Republican Sinn Féin have also learnt that the man, who is badly bruised as a result of his ordeal, is to be charged before the Governor of Maghaberry Gaol in the morning with assault.

The RUC and the screws have a long history within the Six Counties of assaulting people, and subsequently charging the injured party with assault. A spokesman for RSF asked whether “perhaps they could avoid injury to themselves if they weren't using Republicans as punch-bags?”

“Brutality against Republican prisoners is not a thing of the past. It continues unabated in Maghaberry Gaol,” he added.

ENDS