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Cogús POWs in Maghaberry have requested from their supporters on the outside, assistance in building a political library for republican prisoners there.

The segregated 'library' currently provided by the prison authorities is nothing short of feeble with only a non political sterile choice of literature available.

Prisoners are asking that supporters send any worthy political literature (Left wing / Anti-imperalist) through RNU/Cogús who will ensure that it reaches Roe House. Please note that ONLY SOFT BACK BOOKS WILL BE ALLOWED INTO MAGHABERRY.

Donations of books can be made to RNU offices on the Falls Road Belfast, Contact local RNU members in person, on FB or contact:

republicannetwork@hotmail.com

rnusecretary@hushmail.com

Tel +442890312339

All donations are welcomed greatly

Tony Taylor from Derry had refused to be strip-searched the day he arrived in Maghaberry Prison, citing that he was an Irish republican prisoner of war. He was brutally and forcibly stripped by the prison search team. At his adjudication for refusing to strip at the SSU he was told by the same search team to strip before going into see the Governor, he refused and was again forcibly stripped. He was told by the governor that this wasn't the H-Blocks any more and that Tony would have to comply with the Maghaberry regime. Tony told the Governor that he didn't care were he was held, that he wouldn't be treated like a criminal nor would he allow Maghaberry to criminalise the republican struggle.

Last night 04/09/11 Tony asked the S/O on the committal wing, when was he getting moved to the republican wing? he was told after some consultation that they hadn't got a date for him or his co-accused to transfer over yet. From 8pm last night Tony began a dirty protest on the committal wing. He was taken out to speak with the Governor this afternoon, the Governor told him "Tony there was no need to go on that dirty protest, we were going to move you and Mark in a day or two anyway", Tony pointed out that only the night before he wasn't for being moved at all and now suddenly he was to be moved. The Governor asked him to end the protest and agree to clean his cell and that they would move him to the republican wing.

Tony told them there wasn't a chance in hell of him cleaning the cell nor was he ending the protest! He was returned to his cell to find that his co-accused had be moved and they wouldn't tell Tony were he was moved to.( we now know Mark was moved to the republican wing while Tony was in taking to the Governor) Later Tony was visited in his cell and offered the use of a prison phone to contact his "reps" outside to see if a compromise could be reached to end the committal protest. Tony told them that it didn't really matter because he was going to protest either on the committal wing or the republican wing and it would be better for all concerned if they just moved him over. The prison service have told him that they will come back to him on Tuesday!

Cogús wishes Tony well and is proud of the position he has taken. Once again we see the vindictiveness of the LPOA and NIPS in their attempt to criminalise republican prisoners.

Yesterday 23/08/11 Cogús POW Tony Rooney from Belfast was brutally attacked by the "ninjas" on Roe house. 

He was told he was a "smelly bastard" by one search-team officer, who had just stood in excrement that Tony had just wiped on the floor of the entrance to his cell as there was no more space on the wall.

Tony replied "you've created the conditions that makes this happen"

He was then rushed by four "ninjas" and had his arms locked up his back, they drove their knuckles in behind his ear and trailed him into the corner of his cell. As they were releasing him from his arm locks, one of them hit him a boot in the face.

His face today is swollen and he had blood coming from his ear.

Tony today told Cogus that despite this brutality, he wont be coming of any protest until the 12th August agreement is implemented in full!!

Today on the 30th Anniversary of the death of Michael Divine the final Hunger Strike martyr of 1981, Belfast Republican Network for Unity traveled to Long Kesh to mark the occasion with a small wreath laying ceremony.

Around 20 republicans attended and participated in a minutes silence, before former a former blanket man who himself was on first name terms with the hunger strikers and shared a cell with Martin Hurson layed a wreath on behalf of RNU.

The ex POW also shared his thoughts on the occasion with the rest of those in attendance who listened intently to what he had to say. 

A short rendition of 'the harvest that Britain has sown' was then read from the Bobby Sands diary, before people dispersed.

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REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN has welcomed the release of political Internee, Brendan Lillis.

Mr Meehan said; ‘RNU is pleased that the Stormont Government and David Ford have finally seen sense and freed Brendan.

However, we are very conscious that Martin Corey and Marian Price remain unjustly interned in Maghaberry Gaol at the behest of British Intelligence and the RUC/PSNI. Gerry McGeough is also wrongly incarcerated. Our Network reiterates the demand that these three Republican Prisoners also be released.

The Republican Network for Unity is also mindful that Political Prisoners continue to suffer terrible conditions because of the the failure of Stormont to instigate last August’s Maghaberry Agreement’.

Mr Meehan concluded; ‘RNU send our best wishes to Brendan and his partner, Roisin. Their struggle was our struggle and they both have been vindicated. Irish Republicans must remain united and ensure the Maghaberry Agreement is now implemented in full.'

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Cogus Spokesperson, CIARAN CUNNINGHAM has demanded the full implementation of last August’s Maghaberry Agreement.

Mr Cunningham said; ‘It's the 40th anniversary of Internment, which is hard to believe. The British and Stormont Governments regimes believed the imprisonment of scores of Irishmen would end resistance against British rule in Ireland. How wrong they were.

Whats's even harder to believe is that forty years later, we continue to have Political Prisoners inside opposed to imperialist rule. For the past six weeks, Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry have been on Dirty Protest because of the failure of the Prison Service and Stormont Minister, David Ford to implement last August’s Agreement. 

 The POWs’ have been refused legal and family visits, telephones, Mass, exercise and education. The situation there has become so intolerable that Cogus and Cabhair Prisoners embarked on a 48 hour Hunger-Strike’.  As they have said before, they are not looking for special treatment, just the implementation of the 12th August agreement.

Mr Cunningham concluded; ‘Given the growing crisis in Maghaberry Gaol, RNU again demand that the Agreement is implemented before the situation deepens. We also demand an immediate meeting with Mr. Ford before the protest escalates further and seek a resolution.'

On 12th August, representatives of republican prisoners, respected intermediaries and prison management negotiated a workable and common-sense agreement regarding the regime in Maghaberry Prison. It was hoped this negotiated agreement would resolve the long-standing confrontation between republican prisoners and prison management.

However, eleven month's on, no aspect of the negotiated agreement has been implemented and the situation inside Maghaberry has deteriorated even further. Tragically on the 30th anniversary of 1981 hunger-strike, republican prisoners are once again subject to inhumane strip searches, physical beatings and an ongoing twenty-four hour lock down currently constitutes life on a republican wing in Maghaberry Prison.

In response to the situation in which they find themselves, republican prisoners in Maghaberry have embarked upon a dirty protest.

We the republican prisoners in E2 Portlaoise Prison, would like to express our support for and solidarity with all protesting republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison.

We call for the urgent and immediate implementation of the August 2010 negotiated agreement. And we urge people across the political spectrum to highlight the plight of republican prisoners in Maghaberry at this time and to lobby and protest to secure the implementation of the August 2010 negotiated agreement before the situation inside Maghaberry deteriorates any further.

RNU activists in Ireland, Scotland and America, have over the last few days been very proud to participate in the campaign and 4 day fast to call for the immediate release of Brendan Lillis.

‘Fasting for 3 days is no easy task’, says Ciaran Cunningham, RNU/ Cogús spokesperson, ‘but at least we are able to go home to our families and loved ones at the end of it. Roisín Lynch, Brendan’s partner, does not have that option thanks to David Ford and the Stormont’s Department of Injustice. There is no logic or compassion here and how anyone can perceive Brendan Lillis as a threat is beyond comprehension’.

RNU believe that Brendan Lillis should be at home, not just on compassionate grounds, but also because there are no legal reasons for him to be in Maghaberry, considering that there are no charges against him, yet has his licence revoked. Brendan Lillis is a man who has been confined to his bed for over 600 days, can barely talk, cannot walk and is so weak that tragically has been given days to live. This can only be described as cruelty.

Ciaran continued; ‘the system of a person being ‘released on licence’ should be abolished as it’s essentially a threat on people’s heads and a person can have their licence revoked at the whim of the British Secretary of State’.

The Republican Network for Unity wish to express our solidarity with Roisín and Brendan and commend their bravery. We urge everyone, Republican or otherwise to campaign for the immediate release of Brendan.

Members of republican prisoners’ support group, Cogús, staged a 24 hour fast at Free Derry Corner at the weekend to raise awareness of the situation in Maghaberry.

Cogús is the prisoners department of the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) and members of the group travelled from Dublin, Newry, Belfast and Armagh, to take part in the fast alongside local members of the group.

Tony Taylor, the local chairperson of RNU, said the 24 hour fast helped raise awareness of the conditions in Maghaberry where republican prisoners are currently taking part in a ‘dirty protest.’

Mr Taylor said the Cogús decided to hold the protest at Free Derry Corner because it has traditionally been used to raise awareness of various causes. A Cogús mural was unveiled at the back of Free Derry Corner last week.

“We wanted to highlight the failure of the Northern Ireland Office to implement the agreement which was reached on August 11th last year. Here we are, almost a year, later and we should be looking at moving to the next stage of the agreement but we can’t because stage one has not even been implemented yet,” Mr Taylor said.

The Derry RNU chairperson also said the situation in Maghaberry is not getting the attention it should. “We had a great response from people over the weekend, some of whom were not even aware of what was happening in the prison before they saw us. It has been difficult to get the word out about the conditions these men have to endure,” he said.

He also said that more RNU/Cogús protests will be held in Derry in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, renewed calls have been made for the release of republican prisoner Brendan Lillis who is currently seriously ill in Maghaberry.

Foyle SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood has written to the Secretary of State and the Justice Minister calling for his release on humanitarian grounds.

“I would implore the Secretary of State to urgently intervene in the Brendan Lillis case. The DPP has dropped the original charges against Mr Lillis, he is therefore being held on the NIO’s judgement.

“On basic humanitarian grounds Mr Lillis should be released without delay. He is believed to be close to death, he and his family should be provided with the dignity of bringing Brendan home,” he said.

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney, who visited Maghaberry Prison last week, has repeatedly called for the release of Mr Lillis.

The following is a statement from RNU/Cogús aligned POWs sent to their representative group outside!

We the Cogús POWs in Maghaberry Prison have given the hard fought for 12th August 2010 agreement every opportunity to develop and play out!

We watched from almost the following day of the agreement the slow erosion and POA interpretation of the agreement being implemented.

The NIPS, DOJ and British Government has used the agreement to undermine the POWs and to set them on a path against each other to damage the prison struggle and ultimately the wider republican struggle.

We warned all of the above about the consequences of playing with the agreement and republican pows!

The Cogús POWs gave the agreement time, despite our reservations and our reps outside concerns. We ensured that we didn't make any knee-jerk decisions and didn't give the LPOA and NIPS any opportunity to say that republican POWs didn't live up too their side of the bargain in the agreement.

On Tuesday 28/06/11 we passed information to our reps that we had had enough of waiting and for our reps to inform the JFG, that we believed that the 12th August agreement should have been fully implemented by the 1st July 2011, a full 11 months after the agreement! We informed the JFG and our reps outside that on the 1st July we would barricade the entrance to the canteen and set fire to the barricade. We would also will wreck our cells and commence a "dirty protest".

The republican POWs aren't asking for any concessions, as alluded to by the DUP, we are asking for an agreement that we all signed up too be implemented in full and for the ending of brutal degrading strip-searches. We have put forward a proposal this week that would end the need for such strip-searches to take place, we also offered possible ways to ensure a harmonious wing for ALL pows and for the staff working in Roe House, on Friday these options were finally rejected despite goodwill by POWs and others outside.

The republican POWs call on the DOJ and the NIPS to take their heads out of the sand and to stop posturing and to use imaginative ways to resolve the prison dispute and to stand up to the LPOA and to FULLY IMPLEMENT the agreement and to end strip-searching in 2011.

Finally we call on everyone to get behind the prisoners who will need all of your support to push this agreement over the line.

Signed representative; Cogus POWs Roe house Maghaberry Prison

A chara

Thirty years ago Republicans were in the midst of a Hunger Strike which would claim the lives of ten heroic patriots. This protest of last resort followed years of “naked brutality”, in which the Blanket men and Armagh women were beaten and brutalized, often during mirror searches or strip-searches.


Many supporters of the H-Block Armagh prisoners, Cardinal O’Fiaich foremost among them, did not endorse the armed campaigns of the IRA or INLA. However, they unapologetically backed these prisoners on humanitarian grounds, and pointed out that Republican political prisoners had been charged under special laws, tried before special non-jury courts, and declared guilty by Diplock judges. Even hostile commentators acknowledged that most Republican prisoners would never have been imprisoned but for the age-old struggle against British rule in Ireland.


For many of us who supported the Hunger Strikers, it is deeply troubling today to see Republican prisoners in Maghaberry made suffer the very same tactics of “naked brutality”, which the British used in their failed attempt to criminalize Brendan Hughes, Bobby Sands and their fellow Republican prisoners.


Today’s Republican prisoners and their families must take little comfort that such vicious policies may be sourced in London, but are now relayed through a compromised justice minister, jointly picked by the DUP and Sinn Fein. David Ford’s Thatcher-like cries of “no concessions” are hardly softened by the fact that Sinn Fein gifted him with the post he now uses to renege on the settlement signed and agreed last August.


How can Sinn Fein, ---- especially party members, who personally suffered prison beatings and wrongful convictions, ---- show us less interest in safeguarding Republican prisoners from brutality, than the DUP or David Ford in brutalizing them?


It must be asked, is Sinn Fein, on the same humanitarian basis as Cardinal O’Fiaich among so many others backed the Blanket men, unwilling to halt strip-search brutality meted out to break Republican prisoners in Maghaberry? Worse, are they unable to do so, despite the Stormont posts they hold and their arrangement with Ford? Surely the legacy of the Hunger Strike and Blanket protest must come to more than this!


Sincerely,

MARTIN GALVIN

This friday the 8th July 2011 RNU will be holding a vigil at the old Andersonstown Barracks site at 7pm to remember the memory of Vol Joe McDonnell who died on hunger strike on this day 30 years ago, we call on all republicans to make the effort to attend.

Statement from RNU/Cogús POW's

Finally we call on everyone to get behind the prisoners who will need all of your support to push this agreement over the line.

Signed representative; CogUs POWs Roe House, Maghaberry Prison.

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THE REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY has expressed serious concerns about the situation facing Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol. "In spite of repeated warnings from RNU and others who represent Political Prisoners in the Gaol, the Stormont Executive and it's Justice Minister have completely ignored the suffering of Republican Prisoners in Roe House.

Rather than using their influence to have last August's Agreement implemented in full, Stormont Politicians have also ignored serious concerns about the situation facing Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry. In spite of numerous meetings, letters and statements from RNU and others who represent Political Prisoners in the Gaol, the Stormont Executive and it's Justice Minister have completely ignored the suffering of Republican Prisoners in Roe House.

Rather than using their influence to have last August's Agreement implemented in full, Stormont's Politicians have also ignored the continued harassment, ongoing intimidation and brutal attacks upon Political Prisoners in the Gaol. In spite of lengthy negotiations, between Republican Prisoners, RNU, other representative groups, Independent Facilitators and the Prison Service that led to last August's Agreement, it soon became clear to the POWs' that the Prison Administration and the Loyalist POA were not happy with the settlement and would do anything to undermine the entire agreement.

It was not long before, the belief and goodwill illustrated last August started to diminish due to the gradual mistreatment of Republican Prisoners. The Prison Service and LPOA soon placed obstacles in the way of prisoners, their families and representatives outside. It also seemed that the Stormont Justice Department had little interest in implementing the Agreement either. It was apparent that they too were being held hostage to the negative policies of the LPOA. Within months, the August Agreement had broken down and protest action by Republican Prisoners resumed".

Mr. Reilly concluded; "At present, over 30 Political Prisoners are locked in their cells 24/7 under 'Rule 32'. They have no access to education, adequate washing facilities or proper association. During the past few weeks, a number of POWs' have had to be transferred to an outside hospital for medical treatment because they were badly beaten by the Screws. A few days ago, Harry Fitzsimmons' cell was stormed by the Riot-Squad who smashed his glasses into his face and repeatedly punched and kicked the Belfastman to the floor. After a few minutes, they left Harry lying on the floor in pain. One of the Independent Facilitators and his family have since witnessed his many injuries. The current situation in Maghaberry is intolerable. RNU call on the Maghaberry Administration and Loyalist POA to end their failed criminalisation policy against Republican Prisoners and implement the August agreement in full. We urge Human Rights advocates and Politicians to ensure the dignity and respect for Political Prisoners in Roe House.

Finally, our Network ask everyone Republican or otherwise to assemble at Maghaberry for a Rally on Sunday 5th June, 2011 at 3pm to demonstrate unity against this crisis and demand the implementation of the August Agreement".

Speaking today following the latest assault on defenceless Political Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol. The REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY demanded that the Six County Prison Service pull back from the slow motion train crash that they are on.

His comments come after another night of brutality carried out by the Loyalist POA "Search Team" 21/05/11. The current situation that is developing on the Republican wing of Maghaberry prison is totally unacceptable. RNU's Cathaoirleach outlined the incident, At 7.12pm a Senior Prison Officer (SO) called on the POWs' "lock up", the pows refused to carry out this order as the agreed time of 8pm had been stipulated in last August's Agreement.

Within minutes, some forty Prison Staff dressed as "NINJAS" with dogs entered the exercise yard of the republican wing. The riot-clad Screws charged at the Peaceful Prisoners smashing shields into their faces and dragged them back to their cells. This resulted in two POWs' having to be taken to an outside Hospital for medical treatment. Upon their return to Maghaberry, one Republican Prisoner had his hand strapped up with tendon damage to his small and index finger, while his comrade was in a sling with soft tissue damage to his shoulder.

Despite the brutality inflicted on them, the POWs' are resolute in their determination to ensure that the Loyalist POA don't destroy the hard fought for agreement, RNU urge the Prison Service need to do likewise. Particularly given the third terrible suicide in Maghaberry inside a month. Carl also called on the Stormont 'Justice Department' to fully implement the August 2010 Agreement and to enter into sensible dialogue with ALL the Protesting POWs' about how best to end the potentially dangerous situation that now exists inside Maghaberry.

Mr. Reilly finally added; 'As a former Political Prisoner myself, I ask ALL Ex-Republican Prisoners to support to these men, irrespective of why they are behind bars. After all, very little has changed inside for Republicans since the tragic 1981 Hunger-Strike.

Below is a statement issued by RNU prisoner’s spokesperson Ciarán Cunningham on May 20th.

It is with increasing concern Republican Network for Unity / Cogus, announces that on Thursday 19th May, republican prisoners in Maghaberry were forced to engage in hand to hand fighting with the prison riot squad for the second time in a week.

Below is a statement issued by the RNU prisoners spokesperson, Ciarán Cunningham.

Republican Network for Unity wish to draw public attention to yet another breach of the August 12th agreement by the Maghaberry administration, and the subsequent recent assault of a number of POWs by the prison search team.

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Prisons Spokesperson, Ciaran Cunningham has been advised that the Six County Prison Service has refused allow Tyrone P.O.W, Gerry McGeough to attend his daughter’s First Communion.

Mr. Cunningham said; “Gerry McGeough applied for compassionate leave to attend his young daughter’s First Communion. He is a dedicated and loving father who wished to share in his daughter’s and family’s special day. In addition, Gerry also received letters supporting his application from the Archbishop of Armagh. Sean Brady, Parish Priest, Rev. John Connolly and Solicitors Kevin Winters & Co.

According to the British Prison Service, Gerry McGeough was; ‘engaged in habitual criminal behaviour which does not instill confidence that you would refrain from further criminal activity if you were granted release at this time. The safety of the public comes first”.

The RNU Ard Chomhairle continued; “The Tyrone Republican is not a criminal, he is a Political Prisoner. He is a qualified Teacher, Author, President of County Tyrone A.O.H. a committed Father, Husband and a deeply religious man. His recent conviction took place in a Non-Jury Diplock Court regarding an incident thirty years ago.

The unjustifiable refusal by the sectarian Prison Service flies in the face of the sentencing Judge who said Mr. McGeough was not a threat to the public’. It is clear that very little has changed inside for Republican Prisoners since Bobby Sands death on Hunger-Strike! RNU call for Gerry to be permitted to attend his little daughter’s First Communion this Saturday”.

The areas of progress:

• Prisoners continue to have freedom of movement within the recreation room and yard and access to education and related activities in the classrooms.
• The new search facility now operational adjacent to Roe House.
• External Smoking shelter in place
• New Door alarms - to be installed
• The NIPS review of the Searching of Prisoners Review finally completed and published March 2011
• Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service- Interim report by Dame Anne Owers completed February 2011
• Inter-cell association re-established (11 March 2011)

The areas of concern:

The tension within Roe House has increased considerably over recent months due to:

• The current practice of, and procedures for, full-body search on entering and exiting the prison.
• The infrequency of allowing 6 prisoners simultaneously onto the landing.  

The way forward 

The NIPS could and should demonstrate greater flexibility in full-body search procedures in order to achieve the ‘win-win’ solution originally envisaged; this would be in keeping with the spirit of the 12 August Agreement by installing a second Boss Chair system in the Prison reception area and by ensuring that the current Full Body Search (FBS) procedures on exiting and entering the prison are developed to accentuate prisoner dignity and any use of control and restraints techniques are only used in manner that can’t be described as inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment.

It is important that the procedure is proportionate and does not raise any issues of non- compliance (Article 3 Human Rights Act 1998) i.e. that the search is carried out in a way that is respectful and does not cause unnecessary pain.

This would be viewed as the correct and proportionate response – a reasonable alternative to the current impasse to full body searching exiting and entering the prison that meets the needs of the prison and avoids unnecessary contact has given rise to allegations of ill-treatment.

Increased use of new and existing technologies would remove the main grievance at the heart of the prisoners’ concerns; it would maintain – if not improve - prison security; it would help deliver a more humane search regime; and it would reduce the stress which arises, for staff and prisoners, from the current practice of full body searching.

Date Created - Thursday 12 August 10 @ 19:08
Phase 2 – commencing December 2010

The independent Prison Review Team is expected to report on the Maghaberry regime by December 2010 and, in the light of paragraph E1 above, it is expected that their report will include recommendations on less restrictive movement arrangements within Roe House. In addition to implementing the recommendations of the Prisoner Ombudsman’s report and this agreement, NIPS will take steps to implement agreed recommendations from the independent Review as quickly as possible.

PHASE 3

Beyond Phase 2 NIPS will continue to review and assess ways to further progress supervised free flow movement of prisoners. This will include implementing agreed recommendations – if any – contained in the final independent Prison Review Report of early 2011.

3. NIPS’s ability to progress, implement and maintain phased changes to movement procedures towards a lasting solution will be determined by adherence to the fundamental principles set out in section B above. Throughout this entire phased process independent assessments will be conducted by NIPS, JFG and the Minister’s representatives.

F. Next Steps
1. The protest in Roe House will cease immediately;
2. The prisoners commit to refrain from intimidating, threatening, or harming prison staff in carrying out their duties.
3. Continuous monitoring and evidencing of this agreement commences.
4. NIPS will begin infrastructural change linking the exercise yard with the astro-turf pitch.
5. NIPS will commence work to design and build an enhanced search facility for separated prisoners, in line with the proposals at section D.
6. An initial prisoners’ forum will be convened to address areas of mutual concern and to resolve grievances through dialogue within this Forum..
7. The “Separated Compact” will be revised to reflect changes from this agreement and the Prisoner Ombudsman’s report and also, in due course, to reflect changes arising from the recommendations in the independent Prison Review’s report.
8. Review of “full body searching” will report by end of September 2010 and agreed recommendations implemented as soon as possible.
9. Independent Prison Review’s report on the Maghaberry regime by December 2010.
10. Full compliance of all parties with this agreement is imperative to building confidence and achieving a lasting solution – one that delivers a safe, secure and humane prison regime

NOTICE TO Staff

H M P MAGHABERRY

The purpose of this notice is to inform staff that it has been agreed that Separated Republican Prisoner can have inter cell association from Friday 11 of March 2011.

• Inter cell association can take place between 09:00 and 12:00 hours. There will be no inter-cell association over lock up periods. Inter cell association can resume between the hours of 14:20 and 16:00. 

• A maximum of 3 prisoners are allowed in a cell at any one time  

• Once the cell door is opened the number of prisoners in the cell will be included in the number of prisoners allowed on the landing. 

• There will be no inter cell association during evenings or lock down periods. 

• The above is predicated on good behaviour and the Fundamental principles within the 12 August agreement  

• Operational constraints may also prohibit or suspend inter cell association  

Gary Mclean

Governor

03-29-2011

Republican Network for Unity (POW department) has learned that 26 year old republican prisoner Mark McGuigan from Omagh, has been denied medical attention to his arm and hand, having refused to comply with a strip search in the reception area of Maghaberry prison earlier today.

Marks' arm had been injured by the PSNI/RUC in the course of his arrest and now requires prolonged hospital treatment only available on the outside.

RNU alligned POWs recently decided to refuse to comply with strip searches in protest at the failure of the Maghaberry prison administration to honour the August 12th agreement.
This withdrawal of essential medical care can only be seen as a form of black mail intended to break the will of protesting prisoners.

Again RNU ask the republican community to back the POWs in their ongoing fight against strip searches and the renewal of Political Status! 

Republican Network for Unity (RNU) Spokesperson; MARTIN OG MEEHAN has expressed serious concerns regarding Prisoner Ombudsman Pauline McCabe's, 18-month investigation into Maghaberry Gaol Staff.

Mr. Meehan said; "Numerous monitoring reports such as that, overseen in 1999 by the EU Torture Committee, which highlighted abuse in Maghaberry, as well as another by the former Chief Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales, Anne Owers and the latest from Ombudsman, Pauline McCabe have all concluded that the entire system in Maghaberry Gaol is 'dysfunctional, weak and distrustful'. 

There are longstanding and fundemental problems within the North's Prison Service which have badly impacted Political Prisoners and their families, which can be evidenced by the chronic failure to implement last August's agreement and the planting of a sinister note in the cell of Republican Prisoner, Brendan McConville. The planting of the former Governor's personal details is just the tip of the iceberg and proves just how corrupt, dishonest and sectarian the P.O.A. is. 

Mr. Meehan concluded; "Political Prisoners in Maghaberry are still being subjected to brutal strip searches by the same Staff who have been repeatedly condemned by the above reports. This terrible situation cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged. 

The Republican Network for Unity utterly deplore the mistreatment of Republican Prisoners and again demand an immediate end to unjustifiable strip searches".

POWs in Maghaberry aligned to the RNU POW Department have been raising concerns about the slow implementation of the 12th August (2010) agreement in the background for some time now.

RNU's POW Department were in contact with a number of agencies and will continue to do so in regard to the agreements full implantation. The POWs allowed the "Prison forum" an opportunity to work and allowed the Facilitators on the outside the time and space necessary to try and use their positive influence also, sadly this time was wasted by sections of the NIPS who it seems are determined to use the perceived-division on the Republican wing as a means of stalling the agreement. 

The POWs informed us that they wouldn't allow that continue...They believe that the stance they took and continue to take is the correct one and believe that all isn't lost. The Republican Prisoners and the RNU POW Department call for the FULL implementation of the agreement and an end to strip-searches in Maghaberry Prison...

The POWs' took a decision last week to formally refuse the strip-search entering and leaving the prison, they are asking for the installment of the "boss-chair" which can offer a humane and dignified search without compromising prison security in the reception area immediately as agreed in the August deal!! 

Statement Ends

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Ard Chomhairle member, CARL REILLY has responded to the continuous denial of human rights of Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol.

Mr. Reilly commented; “It is becoming abundantly clear to the Nationalist and Republican community that the new British government, Six County Prison Service and Maghaberry Administration have failed to implement the agreement made last August between the Prisoners and Prison Service.

It was not surprising that Stormont’s newest DUP member, Paul Givan made a number of sensationalist claims regarding how much August’s resolution cost. Why did he make no comment concerning the huge amount of public money wasted on forcing his Orange colleagues through Ardoyne last July. 

Since August, prisoners and their families have continued to endure ongoing harassment and intimidation. The Prison Service has now added an oral examination which was not part of the Maghaberry agreement. Any person who refuses to comply with this humiliating exercise is forcibly held-down by riot-clad Screws who prize their jaws open and insert their fingers and torches into the POW’s mouth”. 

Mr. Reilly concluded; “RNU call on the North’s Prison Service and Maghaberry Administration to end their failed criminalisation policy against Republican Prisoners and implement the August agreement in full. We ask Human Rights advocates and Politicians to support the full implementation of the 12th August agreement in word and spirit.

As ever, the Republican Network for Unity offers our continuous support and solidarity to all Political Prisoners and their families”.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Spokesperson, MARTIN ÓG MEEHAN has demanded that Veteran Republican, Martin Corey be released immediately.

Mr. Meehan said; “Having served nineteen years in Long Kesh as a Political Prisoner Martin Corey was released in 1991. Even after such a lengthy period as a Political Hostage, Martin remained dedicated himself to Irish Republicanism and his community. 

Last April, the respected Lurgan Republican was wrongfully arrested by the rebranded RUC and interned in Maghaberry Gaol at the behest of the British Secret Service, MI5”. 

Mr. Meehan concluded; "After Terry McCafferty had his license revoked RNU pointed out that the British crown was adding internment by fiat or arbitrary revocation of license to its arsenal of repression and that such measures once introduced would be used against others. 

Clearly Martin Corey was the next victim and those within the Nationalist and Republican community who have taken up seats on constabulary boards and partnerships must ask themselves will they continue to be silent partners in these tactics of British repression."

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY, has criticised the manner in which Tyrone Republican, Gerry McGeough 'appeared' in a Diplock Court today.

Mr. Reilly said; "If Gerry had of been captured in 1975 on the membership charge, he would have been in the Cages of Long Kesh. If he had of been captured in 1981, he would have been in the H-Blocks during the Hunger-Strike with S/F leading protests outside for the five demands. Now as Irish Republicans prepare for the 30th anniversary of the Blanket/Hunger-Strikes. Another prison Administration answerable to a compromised S/F-DUP Justice Ministry presides over a corrupt Regime with strip-searching that are equally as brutal as the mirror searches and beatings of 1981".

He concluded; "RNU are astounded that Gerry McGeough could not appear in Court because his health could not withstand a brutal strip-search carried out by sectarian Screws in Maghaberry Gaol. Therefore, he had to be 'appear' by videolink".

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (R.N.U.) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, has described the recent show-trial of Lurgan Republican, Paul McCaugherty as the latest miscarriage of justice.

Mr. McBrearty said; “Many Stormont Politicians regularly suggest that the political situation in the Six County State has positively changed. One only needs to analyse the entrapment by British Intelligence of the, that British injustice in Ireland is still evident. 

At first, Paul McCaugherty believed he was helping a ‘friend’ sell a bar in Spain. However, it was part of an elaborate plot designed by British Intelligence to frame Paul. His so-called friend was indeed an Informer collaborating with MI5 to set him up. The same British agent also facilitated the wrongful imprisonment of South Armagh man, Turlough McAllister for possession of explosives in January.

MI5 used the proposed sale of the Pub to meet and record discussions with Mr. McCaugherty and later claim that he had attempted to acquire weapons. The fact that no money was exchanged and no weapons existed didn’t stop the RUC/PSNI arresting and charging Paul. Nor did it prevent the P.P.S. from facilitating a notorious Diplock Trial. Even though, the Crown’s ‘witness’ was paid £650,000 by MI5 and awarded a medal by the English Queen to give ‘evidence’. Despite the unsavoury nature of entrapment, McCaugherty was ‘convicted’ in a non-jury court and sentenced to twenty years behind bars.

The Republican Network for Unity is demanding an immediate appeal for Paul McCaugherty and asks those who value fairness to support our call. Unlike Stormont and Leinster House, R.N.U. is not oblivious to the insidious activities of MI5, and its cohorts in the RUC/PSNI who bolster British injustice in Ireland”.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Chairperson/ Cathaoirleach, CARL REILLY has expressed concern about the continued imprisonment of West Belfast man, Brendan Lillis. 

Mr. Reilly said; “Brendan remains in the prison hospital at Maghaberry Gaol where he suffers from a chronic medial condition called ankylosing spondylitis, which cause his spine to fuse. At present, he is confined to bed and his condition has taken a turn for the worst. His weight has plummeted to six stone and his rapidly deteriorating health is causing huge concern to his family and friends. 

Brendan is a former Political Prisoner who already served a lengthy sentence behind bars for Republican activities. Therefore, his continued incarceration is a clear demonstration of the shameful nature of British rule in Ireland”. 

Mr. Reilly concluded; “RNU urge everyone Republican or otherwise, to join our call for Brendan to be released immediately on humanitarian grounds so he can receive appropriate medical attention in a proper medical facility”.

RNU stage Human Rights/Republican Prisoners Protest

In Dublin’s busy city centre, activists staged a protest in solidarity with republican prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol.

The aim of the protest was to raise awareness and to highlight the human rights abuse of republican prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol, who are being persecuted at the hands of a brutal callous regime. 

Activists from North and South of the border joined together to display their disgust at the ill-treatment of the republican prisoners, and to let the prisoners know that their plight will not go unheeded. 

The Republican Network for Unity would also like to thank the high spirited activists who took part in today’s protest ‘in defiance of special Branch intimidation’ in solidarity with republican prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, responding to Easter Sunday’s conflict in Maghaberry Gaol has demanded the immediate restoration of Political Status. “Easter’s incident at Maghaberry has been the zenith of years of mistreatment of Republican Prisoners, visitors and families. Due to the maltreatment of Republicans in Roe House felt they had no option but protest to highlight the disgraceful conditions they endure. 

The focus of confrontation at Maghaberry, centre’s on the continued denial of political status by Britain and Stormont. It seems that despite the protracted campaign for Political Status that began in 1976 and culminated in the deaths of ten courageous Volunteers in 1981. British Crown Ministers learned nothing from repeated attempts to portray Political Prisoners as criminals. We also challenge Republicans to look at just how much has been given up to achieve so little. 

The use of Republican prisoners as pawns in a dispute between the prison regime and staff is shameful. RNU call upon the NIO and the POA to immediately end this sinister exploitation. 

Once again, we challenge all those with a genuine interest in human rights to investigate and expose the degrading mistreatment of Republicans in Maghaberry. The Republican Network for Unity offers our continuous support and solidarity to all Political Prisoners and their families”.

P.S.N.I./ R.U.C. and prison staff are carrying out extensive searchs of the gaol. This harassment of republicans is being executed under the guise of a planned search.

Prisoners have been locked in their cells and all domestic and legal visits have been suspended for the day. It is unclear how long this action will continue but it is the most invasive raid on republican accomodation in the last 10 years. The main focus of the current searches are at Roe House, which houses republican prisoners. 

Maghaberry high security prison has been described as one of the worst visited in 2009 by a team of inspectors. 

They have listed 200 ways to make the jail better and called for urgent action and better safety procedures. 

Inspectors who made a surprise visit to the jail in January called it one of the UK's worst performing prisons. 

The January inspection came six months after an inmate hanged himself while under supervision in a specialist unit. 

The report by Criminal Justice Inspection NI and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, which was published on Tuesday, said Maghaberry was one of three jails out of 169 inspected which was particularly poor in the area of safety. 

It said the jail failed to meet standards in all four of the internationally recognised tests for prisoner welfare. 

This is the third damning report on Maghaberry this year. A new governor took over the running of the prison on Monday. 

The report again pointed to poor working practices and tense industrial relations as holding back progress.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY has voiced concern about breaches of the agreement which resolved the protest by Republican political prisoners in Maghaberry and asked; “Does the failure to deliver on pledges made to Republican prisoners indicate bad faith by the British crown or the misconduct of its prison staff?”

Mr. McBrearty added, “After months of protest against conditions and a regime which reminded many of the no-wash days in the H-Blocks during the years which preceded the hunger strikes of 1980-81, Republican political prisoners through respected facilitators reached a reasonable and honourable settlement with the British administration. RNU together with many other Republican and human rights activists welcomed this agreement, which was witnessed and confirmed in writing. It now appears that little more than two weeks later these pledges are being clawed back by the prison administration. Republican prisoners are being denied promised access to classrooms, unlock periods are delayed, their representatives are not recognized, and specific promises about numbers allowed out on landings are breached”

Republicans are monitoring this situation closely. Will the British keep their word and honour their agreement? Are we seeing examples of bad faith by the crown, or are we instead witnessing violations due entirely to the sectarian bitterness of the prison staff? Republican prisoners have taken the mature and reasonable step of raising these violations under mechanisms and monitors set up as part of the agreement. The crown now has a clear opportunity to keep its word and honour its agreement and it cannot disclaim responsibility for the deeds of those they hire and pay to run Maghaberry.

The RNU Cathaoirleach concluded, “Thirty years ago the British government under Thatcher forced a no-wash protest upon Republican prisoners in Long Kesh and Armagh. Protests by human rights groups, clergy and Republicans were ignored, derided or dismissed. The British labeled these political prisoners criminals and said their suffering was self-inflicted. Gifted with opportunity upon opportunity to resolve the protest, the British instead blundered into the hunger strikes. Republicans do not want to see the British repeat their mistakes. This agreement must not become a revisit to the regime of broken promises and missed opportunities”.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, has welcomed the successful resolution in Maghaberry Gaol.

Mr. McBrearty said; ‘Since Easter, Political Prisoners in Maghaberry have rightly protested against a vindictive and degrading prison regime. Their families have not only had to live with the knowledge that their loved ones had to endure brutal treatment, but they themselves have been wrongly subjected to petty harassment.

RNU pay particular tribute to the bravery of the POWs’ for their determination and unity. That greatly benefited the republican community outside to highlight Maghaberry’s thatcherite policy against Political Prisoners. Our Network also thank the Concerned Families, Friends and Ex-POWs’ Group for exposing the veil of silence that once shrouded Maghaberry Gaol. Its unified structure undoubtedly advanced the way forward for Republicans’.

Mr. McBrearty concluded; ‘The Republican Network for Unity express our gratitude to everyone involved in finding a resolution. Although we must guard against the possibility of the British reneging on the agreement as they have done many times in the past. RNU also thank all those who supported the POWs’ over the course of the protest and offer our continuous support to all Political Prisoners and their families’.

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY Chairperson/Cathaoirleach, DANNY MCBREARTY expresses solidarity with Irish Political Prisoners and their families in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr. McBrearty said; “December has historically helped focus the minds of our people on those incarcerated as a result of the conflict. For centuries, the Irish people have rightly resisted British occupation and imperialism. Consequently, tens of thousands have been incarcerated in Irish, British, European, American and Australian prisons. 

Whenever Britain tried to label captured Republicans as criminal they protested. For Irish Political Prisoners captivity was another chapter in the struggle. Between 1920 and 1981 twenty-two POWs’ tragically died on various Hunger-Strikes campaigning for political status. Earlier this year, over 30 prisoners withstood a modern attempt to criminalise them in Maghaberry Gaol. The Republican Network for Unity commends their collective courage in continuing the long history of resistance." 

Mr. McBrearty concluded; “At present there are over eighty Republican Prisoners. RNU believe that while Britain continues to usurp our national sovereignty there will be Irish Political Prisoners. We urge you to make a donation, send a card and/or hold a picket in your area to demonstrate your solidarity."

As a former political prisoner, I’d like to express my sadness at the current situation faced by republican prisoners in Maghaberry. 

On Easter Sunday political prisoners in the gaol took part in a disciplined protest to highlight problems they were enduring. Ever since, republicans in Roe House have been denied proper medical, washing, association and exercise facilities. The refusal of these basic rights is another example of a vindictive prison regime. Who have been criticised in the past by the Human Rights Commission and Prisoner Ombudsman regarding serious irregularities and mismanagement. 

The families and friends of republican prisoners are also subjected to long delays and oppressive searches from prison staff during visits to the prison. These negative activities are totally unacceptable and must end immediately. 

Last week Harry Fitzsimmons was forcibly taken by the prison riot team to a solitary confinement block. Were he suffered a number of injuries from screws who remain wedded to draconian measures and the failed policies of the 1970’s. 

What the prisoners require is a reinstatement of the humane conditions which were implemented following the tragic hunger strikes of 1981. Were human rights and entitlements are safeguarded. Without addressing these concerns properly, the situation will deteriorate further. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us all to challenge what passes for ‘justice’ in Maghaberry!

REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (R.N.U.) Ard Chomhairle member, CARL REILLY, has expressed anger at the brutal treatment of Political Prisoner, Colin Duffy.

Mr. Reilly said; “Last August, RNU gave its guarded welcome to a resolution of a protracted dispute at Maghaberry Gaol. Yet, our Network qualified that approval given that historically British authorities renege on agreements between its Prison Service and Republican Prisoners. 

Alas, Political Prisoners in Maghaberry continue to be subjected to wicked assaults, degrading strip searches and vindictive harassment. On Tuesday Lurgan Republican, Colin Duffy was beaten by riot-clad members of the Loyalist P.O.A. before his clothes were brutally cut from his body. He was again beaten and was forced to endure another strip search the following day by bigoted Screws.

Mr. Reilly concluded; “Assaults on defenseless Political Prisoners must be resisted and exposed. RNU call upon all Irish Republicans, Socialists and Human Rights Activists, to unite once again and support our imprisoned comrades. 

Finally, the Republican Network for Unity demands that the prison Administration honour its pledges to Republican Prisoners, their Representatives and of course Mediators. Its failure to do so will merely increase tension both inside and outside the gaol”.

The REPUBLICAN NETWORK for UNITY (RNU) Cathaoirleach/Chairperson, DANNY MCBREARTY, has slammed the recent internment of Tyrone Republican, Conor Casey. 

Danny McBrearty said: “The imprisonment of Conor Casey at the behest of the RUC/PSNI is a travesty of justice and a clear demonstration of the corrupt nature of the Six County state. The rights of former Political Prisoners are being subordinated to the destructive interests of the British government, MI5 and its collaborators in the RUC/PSNI. 

Conor Casey’s only ‘crime’ was to attend the funeral of his friend, John Brady and to express solidarity with the Brady family. Like his fallen comrade, Conor refused to bend the knee to the British occupation in Ireland. It's a tragic state of affairs when a person cannot attend the funeral of a friend, only to be subjected to ridiculous and trumped up charges resulting in unjustified incarceration in Maghaberry prison, where he will endure horrendous conditions alongside other republicans. 

In spite of a number of similar cases dismissed by Courts the so-called justice system in the North continues to imprison Irish Republicans. Therefore, it is important that support is displayed to Conor and others who have faced similar treatment from the British state. 

It is clear that unless people get out on the streets the British State will continue to trample on the rights of Irish citizens. Justice needs to be served and Conor Casey must be released from prison immediately. RNU calls on republicans everywhere to support Conor and let people know that this shameful attempt to criminalise a man just for attending a funeral will not be tolerated. Mourning a friend is not a crime.''