RSF supports protest action by prisoners in Maghaberry

Statement by Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, President, Republican Sinn Féin

Republican Sinn Féin 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