Urgent action required as segregated wings fill up.

international | miscellaneous | press release Tuesday May 08, 2007 20:28 by Seán Ó Murchú - Republican Prisoners Action Group

The segregated wings in Maghaberry are quickly filling up, and regrettably a significant body of criminals have entered these wings. The Republican Prisoners' Action Group is concerned that Republican POWs may be forced to double-up with other prisoners in their cells, and if the Brits or those acting on their behalf in Maghaberry attempt to force the POWs to share cells with criminals they may be forced into taking some form of action in protest against such a distasteful policy.

We call on those concerned to ensure that there is no attempt to implement such a foolhardy policy within the gaol. The refusal on the part of the prison authorities to allow Republican prisoners to organise their own landings has led to this situation arising.

The prisoners have demonstrated generosity on their part in agreeing to a temporary suspension of of the latest phase of their protest for political status last week. However they also made it clear that the suspension should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, and that any foot-dragging on issues pertaining to better living conditions for the prisoners will not be tolerated.