Maghaberry POWs' Assaulted - RNU

national | crime and justice | press release Friday May 20, 2011 10:08 by RNU PRO - Republican Network for Unity (RNU)

Preas Ráiteas ó RNU/RNU Press Release

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

Date: May 20, 2011 Area: National Embargo: None

Contact: Martin Óg Meehan – PRO

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

As we understand, on Tuesday night last the prison authorities again
attempted to call evening lock up at 7.30pm, half an hour before the
8.00 lock up time guaranteed to Republican POWs in the August 12th
agreement.
The administration has persistently attempted to reverse this
particular element of the agreement since the beginning of May this
year.
When RNU represented prisoners refused to lock up as ordered to do so
by wing officers, the prison riot squad was mobilised and stormed the
recreational area of Roe House, wielding shields and accompanied by
dogs.
POWs were then ordered to face the wall which they refused to do,
prompting the riot squad to draw batons, beat their shields
aggressively and issue a series of threats.
Having declared their refusal several times, individual prisoners were
then attacked and a fight ensued between POWs and members of the riot
squad until the republican prisoners made the collective decision to
leave the room at 8.00.
Several prisoners may now face subsequent charges for the stance they took.
RNU represented prisoners have however announced that they will not
henceforth be recognising the new 7.30 lock up time.
The POWs believe that backtracking on the issue of lock up times is
just another example of how a portion the Maghaberry administration
are attempting to claw back any gains made by the POWs on August 12th.
They assure both the public and the prison administration that they
will not be found wanting should the Agreement be undermined
indefinitely, and that perceived divisions should not be interpreted
as a sign of weakness on their part.
RNU call on all interested parties to work to secure the full
implementation of the August agreement, we fear that continuous bad
faith on behalf of the prison administration may herald inevitable and
disastrous consequences for all.