Martin Rafferty: “they will not break us”

Interview with Martin Rafferty 

Martin Rafferty, 32Csm, speaks openly on the internment of Marian Price. A timetravel inside the Republican Movement and what prospect for a united Ireland

 

How’s Marian Price? 

Gerry – Marian’s husband – was visiting yesterday, and said her spirits are high, but he could see strain on her. Given the fact the all studies show how solitary confinement is the worse form of torture within jail, this is not surprising. But Marian is strong and an inspiration to us all and we know no matter what they try they will not break her.

Republicans took to the streets all over Ireland with passion and dignified protests. What are the next initiative to support the immediate release of Marian Price? 

At the moment a lot of our energies have been putting into wider protest within Maghaberry but we plant to incorporate the protest for Marian within her framework. Obviously we do not want to go into much detail. But along with the white line pickets and poster campaigns, we will be embarking on other actions.

The only female detainee in a male prison in Europe. Is there any jurisprudential action to bring her case to the international European human rights court (EcthR) ? 

Giving the response from Hillary Clinton, the British administrations and Church leaders to the incarceration of an Iranian woman in an all male jail in Iran, last year, you would think that morally, never mind legally, the case would be won, meaning that is totally wrong to have any woman held in these conditions. But Marian’s legal team are exploring the legality of the British actions. Not just holding her in an all males jail, but also the circumstances of her arrest and the revoking of her license.

Marian has declared that “the ongoing policy of criminalization of the republican struggle has intensified in the last few years; as it is always the case, the republican prisoners in Maghaberry jail being at the coal face of this; well tried but failed policy’’ (see letter on the picture). How would you comment?
In 1981 Thatcher tried a criminalization policy implying that all republican actions where deemed to be a crime and all us republicans where nothing more than criminals.
The policy failed then, and today the Brits feel that if they get former comrades to criminalize the republican struggle today, they may somehow succeed where Thatcher failed. No matter who is pronouncing the words: Thatcher, Cameron, Ford, McGuinness or Kelly; Republicans never were criminals and today it remains the same. As long as there is an occupied part of Ireland there will be Republicans willing to oppose it and given that 75% of Irish people voted for a United Ireland and the British responded by creating a Six Counties State, it is not surprising that today there are still republicans willing to stand and defend the right of Irish people to self-determination.

Her license immediately revoked despite a pardon conferred in the 1981. Can you see the possibility that the pardon she received for her offences prior to 1974 could be restored during next month hearing? 

The toll the British State is using at the moment is one of fear and intimidation against all republicans, active and no-active; the no-active republicans, most of whom have life sentences hanging over their heads, in the form licenses, have been warned not to re-engage in any form of republican activity or they too will have their license suspended. In this context the British will do everything in their power to keep Marian in jail. Not because she is a threat to society or is engaging in any activity to justify the treatment she’s receiving, but as a warning to others to keep their heads down.

Interned, marginalized and criminalized. How far is the battle in order to restore the political status? 

As it happened in 1981, the British have miscalculated the mood of Republican community. In ‘81 they were told by constitutional nationalists and securocrats that the republican movement was on its knees and almost defeated. At that time they thought the criminalization policy would defeat the republican movement: they were wrong then, and today, as in ’81, the Brits have been told that the Republican Movement is almost defeated and they are again trying to roll out the policy of criminalization inside and outside the jail. But instead to having the effect of demoralizing and breaking the Republican Movement, it has once again galvanized and spurred the Republican Movement on.

During a recent commemoration of Brendan Hughes in County Louth, Martin Galvin prayed Republicans, all Republicans today, to forge a unity and strategy which can break through once more, and get the struggle back on the path of the united and free Ireland which “unrepentant Fenians and so many others sacrificed for and so much to win for us”. Can you see today that opportunity for a shared or a single platform with Republican Network for Unity? 

Throughout history of Ireland, and further afield, the British have engaged in a tactic of “divide and conquer”, and today a lot of energy has been put into this tactic. In 1974, during the Sinn Fein split, there were running battle in the streets between former comrades and lives were lost. The Brits and their agents, have been trying to create a similar situation today by releasing misinformation and trying to foment confrontation between different groups. We all acknowledge we are struggling for the same goal and we will not be manipulated by anyone, British or former comrades, into any kind of confrontation with each other. Today we see the hemorrhaging of Sinn Fein and understandably a lot of the people leaving the party do not feel confortable joining with other groupings just yet. We understand and respect this but we are able to have a working relationship with them on matters relating to the jails and other issues. We also have a good working relationship with Republican Network for Unity and we have learnt that if you impose people to accept your interpretation and position on issues, then we will always be divided.

Do you believe in a referendum? And in the perspective of a referendum on national unity, how will the Irish Republican strategies change? 

In my view we cannot trust either the British or Government in the free State regarding any form of referendum at the moment. Giving the Irish Government attitude to the Maastricht treaty, when they held the referendum and did not get the answer they wanted the first time, subsequently engaged in an vicious campaign of lies and threats in order to achieve they outcome they wanted. I do not think they have any credibility in organizing a referendum that would remove them from well paid jobs and powerful influences.

Some republicans are asking the “equality of arrests” in regard to the case of recent riots in loyalists and republican areas as well as the use of plastic bullets in England, in line with the “50/50 formula” that can be considered the dorsal spine of nationalist revisionism. Dup’s Nigel Dodds, in the aftermath of Ardoyne ‘s riots, called the people opposing the Orange Order parade through the district as Republicans, while Sinn Fein called them “thugs”.  

How do you see the issue in the wider Republican Movement and what are the differences today between being a Republican and a Nationalist and when does it become a thug? 

Regarding the recent events of the marching season, and the actions of the police, it is a fact that no matter how hard they try to paper over the cracks, the cracks will always come through. James Connolly said that until the constitutional question has been addressed there will never be equality. Be it in housing, employment, administration of justice, or any other area of a “normal society”, the things will never be dealt with until the outside interference has been removed. In the Six Counties, sectarianism, equality and injustice are all symptoms of the problem and not the problem itself. People tend to forget that the police role here is to uphold the State and we expect nothing else from them but what we have seen over the marching season. As regarding Kelly and Dodds, as long as there will be Republicans, there will also be people trying to criminalize them. Michael Collins said of the De Valera that he was an illegitimate republican, De Valera said the same of Tom Barry and Gerry Kelly says it of today Republicans. In order to hide the fact that Sinn Fein has now become a constitutional nationalist party, they have to try and discredit Republicans who are engaged to opposing the British presence, be it in Westminster or Stormont.

Sometimes it seems a war under the pillows with Republicans absolutely protagonists over their divisions. “An Irish disease” has been called this chronically split. Unrolled by intelligence and counterintelligence, it appears that the only defeated are Republicans themselves. Are “dossieraggio” and agitprop activities influencing this moment in time of the Irish Question? 

The British have always used the tool of informers not only to gather intelligence but also to lead the republican movement in the direction of their liking. As can be seen today through the cases of Stakeknife and Denis Donaldson, they have perfected this art and they are continuing with this strategy. The recent building of the new MI5 headquarters just outside Belfast (Holywood) shows their intent. It is estimated that have hundreds of plain-clothes agents working flat out trying to recruit informers into the ranks. I myself have been approached three times in the recent past with offers of money or threats to my life and my family to make me become an informer. I am more than confident that this practice is widespread and unfortunately some people are giving in to the threats. I spent three years in jail due to a paid informer who engaged in the activities of the State provocateur.

Pearse said- “If we today are fighting for something either greater than or less than the thing our fathers fought for, either our fathers did not fight for freedom at all or we are not fighting for freedom”. 

Martin Rafferty, who owns today that inheritance? 

Today Republicans, from wherever organization or grouping, are Republicans. We all identified that the problem is the same today as it was seven hundred years ago and until the foreign interference has been removed from our country all the other problems cannot be addressed. As a republican, if you believe this, then it doesn’t matter who holds the mantra as long as the ideal stays the same.

http://thefivedemands.org/2011/08/22...-not-break-us/

Newry & Mourne District Council Maghaberry Delegation Refused

éirígí in Newry have expressed their deep disappointment and anger at the decision by the British prison service to decline a request by Newry & Mourne District Council to send a delegation to visit republican prisoners currently on protest.

In July the council unanimously agreed to send a delegation to Maghaberry to investigate the prisoners’ concerns, the instigator of the successful motion was Independent republican Councillor Davy Hyland who has expressed his disappointment at the decision.

Davy said “It’s disgraceful that the NIPS, under the auspices of the so-called “Justice” minister, have refused the councils request with no reason being given. It would have been an important opportunity for councillors and council officials to hear at first hand what republican prisoners have to endure. I will continue to highlight the situation in Maghaberry and promise to do everything in my power to make people aware of the human rights abuses being carried out against republican prisoners in the gaol on a daily basis”

His sentiments were echoed by éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney.

“When it was first announced that Davy’s motion was passed we, and the families of the prisoners, were jubilant, and were of the opinion that this would bring more attention to the issue as well as more pressure on British minister Ford. However it soon became clear that David Fords office were dragging their heels on the issue and didn’t want the council delegation to go to Maghaberry.”

“The British prison service didn’t even give a reason for refusing the councils request. I would personally like to commend Councillor Davy Hyland and also former Councillor Martin Connolly who both raised the issue in the chamber. If it wasn’t for them it would most likely have never been mentioned in the council chamber”Stephen said.

Stephen concluded “éirígí extends its solidarity to the protesting prisoners in Maghaberry and pledges to continue supporting their struggle and that of their families until political status is secured. All those with an interest in human rights should do likewise.”

Tony Taylor POW

Tony Taylor from Derry , 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 adujaction for refusing to strip at the SSU 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 anymore 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 Gov 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 Gov 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.

*UPDATE*   Tony has now been moved onto Roe house, were he has begun a protest with his comrades, he was also refused bail yesterday    

Successful Information Stall in Newry

Latest news from éirígí Newry

éirígí held a very successful information stall in Newry city centre yesterday [September 3].

The stall was in place for several hours in Hill Street and attracted much attention from many people on this busy shopping day.

Several éirígí activists manned the stall and distributed almost 2,000 éirígí publications highlighting a number of issues including the socio-economic situation, the unchanged nature of Britain’s locally recruited militia, the PSNI, and the blight of sectarian intimidation and harassment endured by the people of Newry in recent times. Badges, flags, stickers, proclamations and posters were also available on the stall.



Speaking at the stall éirígí’s Stephen Murney commended the local activists for holding the event.

Stephen said, “We are here today to engage with the people of Newry at a grassroots level, on the streets. Many of them are deeply angered and worried about the draconian cuts being imposed on them by the Tories through the Stormont administration as well as the impeding rise in electricity and coal prices.

“It was very heartening to see both young and old showing an interest in éirígí. Several relatives of fallen volunteers also approached us and commended us for the great work we have been doing.



“Today we showed working class people that there is an alternative and that it doesn’t have to be this way. The wealth of this country belongs, of right, to the people of this country, not to the British government, their accomplices in Stormont, multinational companies or a small class of native capitalists. It is time to recognise what has failed the working class people of Ireland. Capitalism has failed, British rule has failed, partition has failed and Stormont has failed. It is time to start laying the foundation stones of a new society, a society based on socialism and national independence.

“The starting point is fighting back. Fighting to defend the public services and workers’ wages and conditions; fighting against unemployment and British government-Stormont cutbacks.”

Stephen concluded, “We would like to thank the people of Newry for the warm welcome we received. Such was the success of this community engagement initiative we are now exploring the possibility of making this a regular event.”

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest040911.html

Hyland Slams Onslaught Against the Working Class

The savage onslaught against the disadvantaged and vulnerable continues unabated according to independent councillor Davy Hyland.

This comes after it was announced there would be an increase of 18.6% in electricity prices from October 1st.

If that’s not bad enough it also been revealed that coal prices will rise between 4-10% next month

Ordinary people are already suffering immense hardship and with fuel poverty on the rise this means it is only going to get worse.

Figures released earlier this year show that more than 44% of people in the Six Counties are already living in fuel poverty and simply cannot afford to heat their homes properly. With the introduction of these new increases in electricity and coal prices, it is patently obvious that even more homes and families are going to fall into the bracket of being 'fuel poor'.

As usual it’s the poorest and most vulnerable in our society who will suffer while the Stormont politicians are powerless to do anything about it.

Indeed, under the Stormont administration, fuel poverty has actually worsened. In 2004, it was estimated that around 24% of all households in the North were experiencing fuel poverty. Seven years later that figure has almost doubled. That shocking statistic is a scathing indictment of the failure of the Stormont administration to effect real and meaningful change to the everyday lives of the less well-off in our society.

In contrast, the political parties at Stormont are united in protecting the wealth of the most affluent in this society by seeking a reduction in the level of corporation tax paid by large businesses and multi-national companies.

It’s ridiculous that, at a time when working class people have to pay such vast amounts for basic household essentials and when many are already struggling to make ends meet, the Stormont adminstration prefers to protect the rich and ignore the plight of the poor.

The reality is that those very people who are struggling to survive will end up using less fuel to heat their homes. The result of this will mean increased fuel poverty and the inevitable increase in cold related illnesses and deaths.

Slum Landlords We Don't Need You !!!

I see the capitalist loving constitutionals found themselves in quite an embarassing debacle recently over the removal of a republican mural in West Belfast.

The mural was removed to make way for an advertisement for landlords, this was placed ( in very bad taste) above the mural of socialist republican icon James Connolly.

Indeed Connolly once proclaimed "We are out for Ireland for the Irish. But who are the Irish? Not the rack-renting, slum owning landlord; not the sweating, profit-grinding capitalist; not the sleek and oily lawyer; not the prostitute pressman - the hired liars of the enemy . . . but the Irish working class . . . The cause of labour is the cause of Ireland. The cause of Ireland is the cause of labour. They cannot be dissevered . . . Therefore, on Sunday, April 16th, the Green Flag of Ireland will be solemnly hoisted over Liberty Hall." James Connolly, Commander of the Citizen Army

The company that owns the sign seems to have a very close relationship with Sinn Fein, advertising in their papers and attending fancy fundraising events. Sure why wouldn't they have a good relationship considering the many senior members of "the movement" who own numerous properties, holiday homes etc, including the MP Pat Sheehan who owns several houses.

After a very public backlash in which a number of former POWs and blanketmen expressed their outrage at the replacement of the mural, it has now been restored to its former glory.

Let's not forget they are also bottling and selling Irelands natural rescources to make profits.

And to top it off calling for people to boycott Israeli goods but at the same time meeting with the Israeli ambassador to discuss the sending of trade delegations to Israel!

It seems that the constitutionals have abandoned socialist republicanism completely, in favour of wealth, power and greed.

I think Connolly was right when he said that "Ruling by fooling is a great British art, with great Irish fools to practice on"

Newry Handed Over To The Bigots, Again

latest from the éirígí Newry blog

Sectarian bigotry has once again graced the streets of Newry as tens of thousands of unionist bandsmen and supporters were bussed into the area two days in a row.

On Friday night [August 26] over 50 bands and over 2,000 supporters descended on the city which is almost 90 per cent nationalist.
In an almost routine example of bigotry, intimidation and disruption, Newry was brought to a standstill with severe traffic disruption; unionists drinking openly in the street, actually outside Ardmore PSNI barracks; the playing of sectarian songs; bands displaying the emblems and flags of unionist paramilitary death squads.
It was also reported that in the run up to this “bigotfest” event the PSNI had sealed roads and stopped traffic to facilitate the erecting of loyalist flags.
éirígí’s Stephen Murney was at the scene to observe these sectarian coat-trailing exercises on Friday and Saturday.

Stephen said, “I was standing watching on Friday evening when I was immediately targeted by heavily armed members of the PSNI, one of which was a notorious thug called Sgt Wright. He made reference to the fact that we recently exposed their true nature and seemed quite annoyed about it. A TSG gunman standing beside me then quipped, “At least I get paid to watch the parade.”
“It’s unreal that citizens of Newry are being targeted by this militia who are facilitating a sectarian parade through a nationalist area. It’s bad enough being on the receiving end of sectarian intimidation without having to be subjected to PSNI harassment too.”
On Saturday it was much worse. It was reported that an estimated 110 bands many of which were displaying UVF and YCV flags, 115 preceptories and 50,000 “supporters” were on the streets of Newry as well as a massive British “security operation” to facilitate the bigots.
Widespread disruption lasted for two full days, affecting businesses, shoppers, resulting in the harassment and intimidation of local people as well as costing thousands of pounds. Anyone Walking down Hill Street on Saturday afternoon would have noticed many shops were closed and many restaurants were empty on what should be one of their busiest days of the week.
At one point an ambulance responding to an emergency call was stuck in traffic due to the disruption.
It’s high time the people of Newry took to the streets to oppose this blatant naked sectarian intimidation.
éirígí will continue to campaign for the right for everyone to live free from sectarian harassment and intimidation.
http://eiriginewry.blogspot.com/

éirígí Information Stall in Newry

éirígí in Newry will be setting up an information stall in Hill Street on Saturday 3rd September.

There will be various publications available to shoppers highlighting a number of issues such as the “Stormont isn’t working” leaflets which focus on the how Stormont has failed society, “Different Name, Same Aim” leaflets highlighting the unchanged nature of British policing in Ireland, and the latest issue of Poblacht na nOibrithe, the monthly éirígí newsletter which highlights issues that éirígí are actively involved in locally.
Local independent republican Councillor Davy Hyland along with local éirígí activists will be at hand to engage with the community in Newry and address any queries or concerns people might have.
This initiative will give local people the chance to engage with socialist republicans at a grassroots level, on the streets where the fight back will begin.
The information stall will be in place from 12pm-3pm on Saturday 3rd September and will be situated across from Newry Credit Union (weather permitting).
http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest250811.html

End the Brutality in Maghaberry! POW Letter on the forced strip search.

The 1981 Hunger strike saw 10 brave men fast to the death to end the process undertaken by the then British Tory government in their attempt to criminalise Republican POWs with their removal of Political status.

The sacrifice of the 10 and the impact around the world brought about a U Turn by the British government who  reintroducted political status thus removing the criminal tag with which they had wanted to brand the Republican volunteers.

Some 30 years later,the status which had been so hard won, has been sold down the river whilst the British take carte blanche in allowing and actively encouraging the brutalisation and violation of Republican POWs within Maghaberry gaol while subtly reintroducing Internment through license revocation.

POWs in Maghaberry are involved in an ongoing protest at the removal of political status and face daily beatings at the hand of sectarian screws in Maghaberry while remand prisoners face 2 forced searches every time they have to make a court appearance.

The forced strip search is a wholly brutal practise designed solely to humiliate the POWs and the agreement reached in August 2010 which was designed to end the practises has been reneged on by the regime and now lies in tatters.

We ask that people who were opposed to the ritual humiliation and brutalisation of Republican POWs while last opposing the removal of political status to lend your voice to the campaign to reinstate it and end the Brutality by the sectarian regime on Irish Republican prisoners.

What follows here is a letter written by Damien "DD" McLaughlin which describes the brutality which is part and parcel of the forced strip search.

Support the Republican POWs on Protest!

Beir Bua!

POW torture in Maghaberry –Letter from D.D Mc Laughlin-Emotive, upsetting & graphic

Hello everyone. I’m just back from the court. I was twice subjected to forced strip searches today. That was my tenth forced strip in the last twelve weeks . I’m also out to court next Tuesday so that will be another two.

Today I was brought to the reception where the search team were waiting and forced into a 3ft x 3ft cubicle by two of them where I refused to strip. They laughed at me and said “He’s ready for it!”
I was then brought to a holding cell and kept in there for about 50 minutes with a governor coming in twice to tell me their so called prison rules. (He could talk all day, I wasn’t for stripping and won’t be at any stage while I’m incarcerated in this place)

All the while outside the cell the riot squad are getting ready. Suddenly the Cell door bursts open and in they come in full riot gear, Helmets, shields, body protection, the works.

They ram the shield into my face, 2 of them grab my arms, another grabs my head, I’m forced to the ground - Arms forced up my back, 2 knees forced into my head to hold it down , 2 knees in the back of my legs… Then another one of them starts to force off my shoes, socks and trousers off. I’m then moved into a forced position so that my boxers are ripped down and my frontal private parts can be seen by them. I’m then forced back into a position where my boxers are completely forced off me and a hand held metal detector is ran over my backside.

At this stage, it’s hard to breathe with their gloves covering my face and mouth. I’m still being held by four of them on the floor, my private parts exposed… Naked! Lying there!

They then grab my boxers and jeans and force them up, hurting me .. leaving my private parts still exposed – They then move me into another awkward position to take my t shirt off… I think my arms are about to break in two ! It’s agony at this stage.. My wrists are just numb... Being twisted the whole time this is going on.. My shirt is now off.. I’m lying now with both my arms are forced up my back towards the roof while the riot squad run out of the cell.. My arms just drop to the floor.. I try my best to get onto my feet using my elbows , trousers hanging off me, boxers still below my private parts.. I’m aching all over !

I try to get dressed as the riot squad stand smirking at me. I just stare back at them. I think of the other things they have done to me in the past.. Forced strips, cut my clothes off, broke my nose, stood on me, forced me into squat positions, forced my mouth open by trying to break my wrist… I could go on!

Well, that’s me on the way to court! As soon as I get to Laganside ( where I’m already an hour late because of the forced strip ) I’m brought straight to the court, cuffed, and haven’t seen my solicitor.. Adjourned again ! That’s me down now to a 6ft x 6ft cell to wait for a few hours.Then I’m brought back to the gaol where I go through the whole strip search ordeal again.

Sitting in my cell now – My wrists, knees, ankles, neck, back, head, shoulders are aching.. One image going through my head is the faces of my friends who were waiting patiently for me to come back.. Colly, Harry, Brendy, Gerard, Kevin … It’s hard to explain the look on their faces but I can tell you that it’s one of the worst feelings in gaol seeing one of your friends coming back from a forced strip search, seeing them in pain !

I would take all of their forced strip searches rather than see them in this agony.. pain .. and I know they would do the same for me.
That’s friendship that won’t be broken !

Well, slan for now, another Republican forcibly strip searched.
D.D McLaughlin, POW, Maghaberry gaol

Raids ‘putting safety of local Republicans at risk’ - Monteith

You'll recall this incident occurred a few weeks ago when the republican community in East Tyrone and South Derry were placed under siege by over 200 members of the British forces. You will also recall that at the time Martin McGuinness came straight out and defended the PSNI and offered them his full support, within 24 hrs Martin "changed his mind" and condemned the PSNI operation. Obviously he learnt that the republican community in Tyrone didn't share the same view as he did and were rightly very angry. It seems the Stormonteers will ony condcemn raids and harassment when it suits them and their anti-republican agenda.

Its great to see that there are sound republican elected reps who don't suffer from foot in mouth syndrome (unique condition for those in supposed positions of power)



Also great that he dosent use selective condemnation ie. good raids Vs bad raids


Maith Thú Barry Montieth

DUNGANNON Independent Republican Councillor, Barry Monteith, has strongly criticised what he called the “unacceptable harassment of Republicans by the PSNI/RUC” in recent weeks.


Questioning the purpose of the raids, which included homes in the Coalisland area, Cllr Monteith said: “The raids which took place recently in the East Tyrone/South Derry area involving over 200 armed militia are not isolated incidents. These raids have rightly been publicly challenged.

“They are not, however, as a result of misinformation or lapses in judgement. They took place in the context of British policing policy to intimidate, criminalise and marginalise Republicans. Unfortunately sections of Irish society aid and endorse this felon-setting of Republicans. Other Republicans have been similarly targeted in recent times yet those who talk of heavy handedness now, were strangely silent then.”

Pointing to the presence of media at one address in Coalisland, the local councillor also said the safety of some of those whose homes were visited by police.

“These raids follow a pattern”, claimed Cllr Monteith. “They take place in blaze of publicity. The media are undoubtedly tipped off by the Crown Forces. Indeed on one occasion in East Tyrone the Media arrived at the house to be raided before the PSNI!

“I would call into question the relationship between the media and the PSNI. Are there similar underhand exchanges of information like those recently uncovered in London between police and media.

“This has the added sinister aspect of setting Republicans up for Loyalist attack. A number of Republicans targeted in the East Tyrone area by these Propaganda Raids have subsequently received Loyalist death threats. During the raids, people’s homes are declared a Scene of Crime in order to prevent access by family and friends who want help those in distress.

“As part of the raid it is now standard procedure to remove ALL clothing from the house and ALL mobile phones and computers from the house. This includes phones and computers belonging to any children in the house. Despite the fact these computers hold important school work they are not returned for months, even years.

“I know of some people who have not had their property returned after several years having gone by and no charges brought. These raids combined with the continued stop and search harassment and MI5 harassment by the Crown Forces are all part of the British policing strategy in Ireland.

“This harassment is totally unacceptable, yet it is unfortunately not surprising. The legacy of British Policing in Ireland is one of repression, discrimination, abuse and victimisation against the Irish people. Someone claimed these raids are like a return to the bad old days as if they were a bolt from the blue. When in reality they are a continuation of British policing policy in Ireland. For grass roots Republicans the bad old days never went away.”

Henry Joy McCracken/ William Drennan Commemoration

King Cuckoo

From the Pensive Quill

I wonder if Martin McGuinness ever casts an eye back over the devastation he helped to wreak in the North and further afield that culminated in his appointment to the British administration that now assists London in running the place.

The British state might be home to a strange lot but it sure does know how to co-opt and neutralise an erstwhile dangerous adversary. It can even use that one time aggressor as a stalking horse to draw the invective from republicans that would in other circumstances be lobbed directly at the British themselves.

A visitor to the country with little in the way of knowledge about its turbulent political history would be excused for believing that throughout the years of political violence Martin McGuinness was a colleague of David Ford in the Alliance Party. The visitor may even conclude that the partnership between the two has lasted to this day culminating in an active policy aimed at repressing republicanism.

McGuinness is nothing if not outlandish. He has labelled those currently engaged in armed republican activity against the British as ‘living in cloud cuckoo land … the disgraceful ongoing activities of those people that believe the use of guns and bombs brings solutions to problems.’ He called on the people involved to ‘go away and recognise, not only are they not making a contribution to making life better for our people, they're actually damaging it.’

It seems self-evident that armed republicanism is on the road to nowhere and that its guns and bombs are not solutions to the type of problems that republicans feel exist. But they never were. Armed republicanism failed because, while it may have been the answer to some things including British repression, it could never hope to effectively answer the question of British sovereignty over the North. But Martin McGuinness fails to address any of this and behaves as if guns and bombs were something that he was never associated with. He refuses to acknowledge that guns and bombs catapulted his political career if not much else.

Those of us who have lived in the country and are not subject to visitor’s unfamiliarity nor press amnesia will take a different view. We can recall him castigating a previous republican leadership on the basis that it wanted peace and was willing to stop the war. He encouraged the anti-peace lobby with the promise of more war; a war that would never, never, never stop until British rule was ended. A year after that speech one of the actions in the war that would never end took the lives of many innocent people at Enniskillen.

In his recent outbursts McGuinness, without seeming cognisant of it, passes a damning judgement on the violent campaign he directed. His criticism of current armed republicans could as accurately be applied to his own band. The Provisional IRA’s armed struggle failed lamentably in its core objective. It produced an outcome that few republicans – apart from those who willed and helped secure it - envisaged and certainly none professed to desire while the war was in full swing. The disparity between aims and outcome has never been addressed by Sinn Fein. Until it is done so with the bluntness it requires, current armed republicans are always going to feel they were cheated rather than defeated, and will carry on in the hope that somehow things can be turned around militarily.

The Provisional IRA volunteers who died trying to bring solutions to problems with guns and bombs have now been posthumously awarded the order of the cuckoo by their one time chief of staff.

http://thepensivequill.am/2011/08/king-cuckoo.html

éirígí - PSNI Harassment on the Rise

Latest news from éirígí

Saturday, August 6, was a busy day for the British militia in Newry who went into overdrive harassing, assaulting and arresting numerous republicans in what can only be described as an harassment spree.

Within the space of an hour the PSNI had stopped and searched at least 15 republicans in the centre of Newry.

Amongst those targeted included a 14-year-old child, at least 5 éirígí activists and supporters along with local independent republican councillor Davy Hyland.

This comes just a few weeks after éirígí took to the streets at Ardmore barracks with over 70 people opposing the PSNI and their repressive tactics.

We also predicted that éirígí’s campaign to confront British policing would be met with a fierce response from the PSNI; that prediction has become reality.

One of those stopped & searched on Saturday was éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney.

“I was stopped and searched just after two of my comrades suffered similar treatment including Cllr Davy Hyland. They were particularly aggressive and were demanding my details despite not notifying me which legislation they were using.”

“They then proceeded to search me and attempted to take my mobile phone and wallet from me. I protested against this, explaining that they were personal property and they had no right to take them unless they had a warrant, I also pointed out that under section 21 and 24 it does not state that they can remove personal items,” Stephen said.

“I was then physically grabbed by two PSNI thugs who twisted my arms and bent my wrists with such force that i had to let go of my wallet and phone. They then went through my personal items and threatened me with arrest for “assault” and being “aggressive” despite me remaining calm and peaceful with numerous witnesses.”

A few hours later another republican was assaulted and arrested by the same patrol, who used the exact same tactics of trying to take his personal property during a stop and search. This republican is now facing several trumped up charges.

It’s clear that the PSNI area commander Davy Beck is sticking to his recent promise that they will continue to target republicans.

We urge anyone on the receiving end of such harassment to contact their solicitor to have the incidents recorded.”

Stephen continued, “I have a message for Davy Beck and his band of PSNI thugs. If they think they can harass and intimidate republicans without provoking a reaction from us then they can think again.

“They can beat us, harass us and arrest us but they better get used to republicans openly challenging and resisting them because we won't be going anywhere.

“We are in it for the long haul.”
http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest090811.html

Policing Problems : The Fault Lines Exposed

The past few months have not been good ones for the PSNI. One PR disaster after another has followed, each one decreasing public confidence in the force as either an impartial one or even a competent one. However it is no longer republicans voicing their discontent to the silence of those unaffected by the actions of the PSNI. The scale of their errors have now brought the debate about policing back into the mainstream media. This is a welcome development but it must be understood in its context by republicans if we are to capitalize on it. The debate must be framed by republicans and engaged with ideologically.
Post GFA policing remained a major problem for those pushing the normalization process. The provisional movement recognized that trust in the “reformed” service was nowhere near the levels required for it to be effective. They refused to engage with the new policing structures. PSNI, it was declared stood for “Patten Still Not Implemented”. Murals highlighted the widespread view that the PSNI were merely the RUC in new uniforms. There was a rational analysis behind this objection. Aside from the republican standpoint of refusing to be policed by an occupational force the PSNI was and is full of RUC veterans. Given that the reputation of the RUC was atrocious in every nationalist area after 30 years of harassment and state sponsored intimidation it became imperative for a rebrand.

However the Provisional movement was forced by events to speed up its long term plans. St Andrews was to be the death knell of provisional resistance to total acquiescence to British plans. The acceptance of policing was no longer a choice. Adams and co duly delivered albeit losing many activists who went on to form eirigi. Republicans had never enjoyed any honeymoon period with the rebranded RUC and from 1998 onwards had been treated in the same fashion as they had prior to the signing of the agreement. However the provisional movement had been content to label those who opposed the sell out as fringe groups, thugs and criminals. The republican political opposition was not engaged with. A problem now emerged. There were many who supported Sinn Fein but were not so keen on the PSNI. They were willing to give the benefit of the doubt but it was not clear would they hold their tongue.

This dynamic produced a twin track process. Republicans were consistently vilified personally and politically. This was then used as the justification for PSNI harassment against them. The PSNI were also held up as a totally new, shiny, equal opportunity and fun for all the family force. They even hired Catholics and some of them spoke Irish! The retreat into sectarian justification for support of policing was ultimately to backfire. However the death of Ronan Kerr highlighted the approach that Sinn Fein took to policing and politics. The furore over the execution of a police officer became imbued with a sickening sectarian slant. He was described constantly as a “Catholic officer, GAA player, nationalist” as if those terms precluded the fact that he was a serving police officer in an occupational force. In short the arguments brought forward by Sinn Fein and their supporters was that he shouldn’t have been targeted because he “was one of us”. identity politics had reached its zenith!

It is within this context that recent developments have created a major headache for Sinn Fein. The recent cycle of raiding in republicans area, the handling of rioting and the stances of the PSNI towards loyalists have caused a schism within the ranks of nationalists supporting the force. First there was the orchestrated attacks by the UVF on the short strand. The PSNI stood by and allowed loyalists to invade and attack a republican area. Their response to hundreds of masked loyalist rioters was tame and muted. The residents were by no means anti agreement hardliners. They were simply people being attacked by mobs. The condemnations of the PSNI response began to trickle out of Sinn Fein as the anger of their constituents was relayed.

The loyalists were placated and the UVF was thrown a few crumbs from the executive. In the run up to the 12th things became even more blatant. After loyalists rioted over the PSNI removing flags they had illegally erected the PSNI apologized to the loyalists. This enraged even moderate nationalists who pointed to the total disparity in response from the PSNI to loyalists and republicans. However it was not the apology that was most telling. It was the lack of arrests following the rioting. Without fail the PSNI had followed up any rioting from republicans with mass arrests and swamping republican communities with land rovers and police. There was no such response to the loyalists.

In Derry the scale of abuse of residents in the Creggan area resulted in independent community groups holding a meeting to discuss the abuse suffered at the hands of the PSNI. Over 200 residents, community groups and even an SDLP councillor attended. Yet Sinn Fein sent no representative, nor condemned any of the atrocious antics of the PSNI that prompted the meeting to be held. This was because the area was perceived by Sinn Fein to be a “dissident stronghold” . The stance was made clear. When the actions of the PSNI affected Sinn Fein supporters they would be challenged. When they affected republicans still challenging the occupation they would be brushed over.

The PSNI highlighted their biased approach even further when they invaded Ardoyne on the night of the 12th of July. After hours of attacking residents with plastic bullets and water cannons they sent in land rovers and hundreds of their baton wielding thugs. Residents were terrified as the invasion swept through the area attacking anyone suspected of defending their community. In the days following dozens of arrests were made and continue to be made. To date there have been no arrests over the rioting by loyalists in Ballyclare and elsewhere in South Antrim. Pictures were released of the rioters in Ardoyne. No pictures have been released of Loyalists.

Gerry “these dissidents are outsiders” Kelly was forced to condemn the PSNI and their shocking treatment of Ardoyne residents. The complaints were coming thick and fast about the behaviour of the police and no longer could they be brushed aside as the howls of dissenters refusing to move on. Sinn Fein were becoming increasingly exasperated with the openly sectarian displays by their police force. Rather than give the poor shinners a breathing space the PSNI promptly created a fresh headache for the party in Tyrone.

Amid massive publicity the PSNI launched a series of massive raids in Tyrone. Over 200 of their thugs tore apart family homes across the county. All of this was “intelligence led policing”. Martin MacGuinness was tripping over himself to welcome the raids as a response to the execution of Ronan Kerr. Martin really should have learned to choose his words carefully but enthused by the supposed arrest of republicans he had no problem welcoming the arrests and stated “we must support the police in their investigations”. Now unfortunately for Martin the police had arrested nobody remotely linked to militant republicanism. Worse again the local Sinn Fein councillor began condemning the raids. Francie Molloy condemned them also. Martin got the familiar feeling of having firmly shoved his foot in his mouth and started back pedalling furiously. Now the arrests were wrong. Martin didn’t even need to await the police investigation, despite having welcomed it 24 hours earlier he now demanded the release of one of the men arrested. The familiar whiff of hypocrisy emanated from Martin but this time it wasn’t republicans pointing it out. A furious row began between the PSNI and Sinn Fein. Matt Baggot and his minions don’t like being criticized. Neither does Martin or his bearded cheerleader in Leinster house! An impasse has now been reached between Sinn Fein and their police force. Having accepted, endorsed, promoted and cheer leaded them they have had a falling out.

Republicans are no doubt tempted to sit back, laugh and say well we told you so. Now is not the time for that. What these incidents really show is an ideological fault line being exposed within the provisional movement. They may have abandoned republican principles but many of their grassroots supporters have held onto the hope that progress has really been made. Two strands of this trust are the judicial system and the police. The ongoing horrific treatment of the POWs in Maghaberry and the internment of veteran republicans has raised question marks for many of them. The PSNI over the past few months have managed to undo a considerable amount of the work that the Sinn Fein leadership put into presenting them as a impartial force. Sinn Fein cannot withdraw their support for the PSNI, they hold no cards in this dispute and they know it. They are being kept on a tighter and tighter leash. Increasingly the antagonisms between their day to day actions and the aspirations of their traditional support base are being exasperated. It is up to republicans to make our case against policing firmly and more importantly publicly.

Debate and dialogue must be encouraged independently of republican groups. There is an uneasiness amongst many Sinn Fein supporters who are disillusioned with what the GFA has delivered but are wary of being left in the wilderness, rejected by those they have opposed. This is why republicans must organize meetings, debates and events to make our case against British policing. It must be made apparent that the problem with the PSNI is not how many of them carry rosary beads or can kick a decent point but the fact that they wear the uniform of the occupation. We must link the anger that many supporters of the agreement feel about their recent actions to its historical context. They are not impartial, they are not acceptable and they are not welcome in republican communities. We must spread this message and do it quickly!

Beir Bua
Frank Ryan society

Successful POW Picket

Roughly 100 people attended Saturdays POW picket in Monghan St, Newry, organised by the Newry/South Armagh Republican Prisoners Support Group. Despite the harsh weather people from all walks of life took to the streets including many ex-prisoners.

This picket was organised to highlight the continued suffering and injustices inflicted upon republican prisoners in Maghaberry at the hands of the prison administration.

Assaults are a regular occurrence, degrading strip searches are rife, harassment of the families of the POWs is never ending and republican prisoners are being subjected to physical and psychological torture on a daily basis.

We call on all republicans to rally behind republican prisoners in Maghaberry. Remember the 10 men who gave their lives 30 years ago to remove the label of criminalisation.

Republican prisoners are not criminals. they are political prisoners. These men would not even be in jail if it wasn't for the ongoing British presence in Ireland. They are clearly political prisoners and they should be treated as such.

The British government needs to realise that the 12th August agreement of last year presents the basis for resolving the conflict in the prison and face down the Prison Officers Association.

The only way the conflict in Maghaberry will be resolved is for the 12th August agreement to be fully implemented, for political status to be restored for republican prisoners and for the harassment and degrading treatment of prisoners and their families to be ended immediately.

Victory to the POWs

POW Whiteline Picket, Newry 6th August

Newry and South Armagh Republican Prisoners Support Group will be holding a whiteline picket on Monaghan street Newry on Saturday 6th August at 3pm, meet at Iceland carpark. This is an Independent event and is open to all Republicans.

 

Hundreds March for the POWs

Several hundred people attended Saturdays march for the POWs in Repubican West Belfast. The march commenced from Dunville Park on the Falls road and made its way to the Busy Bee carpark on the Andersonstown road

Republicans from all over Ireland took part in the rally in which several flute bands took part along with a large section comprising of the Tyrone Independent Societies.

Local republicans also took part in the with local Independent Republican Councillor, Davy Hyland, being one of the speakers.

Other speakers included former hunger-striker Tommy Mc Kearney, Roisin Lynch partner of Brendan Lillis and civil rights activist Fionnbarra O'Dochartaigh. Colin Duffy's brother Paul Duffy chaired the meeting which also heard messages of solidarity from Sweden, France, Italy and Germany being read out.

Many former hungerstrikers, ex-POWs and blanket men took part in the march and its clear that support is growing for the POWs

Here are a few videos and photos:

Frankie Quinn from Tyrone from the independent societies

POW Rally 30th July

The family and friends group who are organising this rally are calling on everyone to make the effort to attend.


They are asking that all banners be non party political with no group logos and on the theme of political prisoners.

Seven bands are attending from England, Scotland and Ireland

Maghaberry Discussion a Huge Success

The Truth about Maghaberry discussion last night was a huge success. The room was filled to capacity with people having to stand at the back or sit on the steps to accommodate the large numbers in attendance. Every area of the republican prison struggle form 76 to the present struggle was covered...All the speakers were excellent and the Family and Friends group who organised the event would like to thank all those who spoke or helped in anyway but especially all those who took the time to attend. It is very clear to everyone that support for the POWs on protest is growing !! Go Raibh Maith Agat.

Below is a short video of the large crowd, one of Eamonn McCann speaking which i have to say he spoke extremely well, and another of an ex-POW speaking. The last video is of Roisin Lynch speaking, Roisin is the partner of Brendan Lillis

PSNI absent as Drumcree Orangemen attempt illegal march

In a statement last night, the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition has accused the PSNI of colluding with the Orange Order in Portadown in an attempt to create a confrontation with nationalist residents. A spokesperson for the GRRC said:

"Last week, the Parades Commission issued a determination in respect of a proposed march by members of the Orange Order from Drumcree which was planned for yesterday evening (Wednesday). Despite the PSNI being aware of that determination which ruled that the Orangemen could not proceed beyond the bridge at Drumcree, no PSNI personnel were present to enforce the Commission's ruling.

"As result, over 30 members of Portadown LOL No.1 were able to make their way for over 300 yards from Drumcree church before 8.00pm to the edge of the nearby nationalist Ballyoran estate before stopping to block traffic.

"It was only as nationalist residents came from their homes that the PSNI arrived on the scene.

"One is forced to conclude that, although being aware of the planned Orange protest march and the Parades Commission ruling in respect of the same, the PSNI deliberately choose to ignore both the Orange protest march and the restrictions placed upon it. The only explanation for this is that both the PSNI and the Orange Order had hoped to draw nationalist residents into physical confrontation,

" The Parades Commission, who have been made aware of other breaches of its determinations in respect of other loyal order parades in recent weeks in Portadown, must ask for a clear explanation as to why the PSNI choose to ignore or enforce a legally binding determination last night in Portadown"

ENDS

The Truth about Maghaberry

Thursday 28th July,

St Mary's Training college, Falls Road, Belfast. 7.30 pm

Discussion around the POWs on protest in Maghaberry,

Speakers:

John Finnucane,

Eamonn Mc Cann,

Brendan Conway,

Kevin Murphy,

Roisin Lynch,

Chairperson, Maura Mc Crory

After this event there will be a function in the Red Devil with Ray McAreavey.

Tickets are available but you can pay at the door. £5.00

Derrybeg Supports the POWs

The following was painted by republican activists and is situated on Sandys Hill in the Derrybeg estate.

It measures 80ft x 60ft and draws attention to the horrific forced strip searches that republican prisoners have to endure in Maghaberry

Davy Hyland Demands Immediate Release of Brendan Lillis‏

Independent Republican councillor Davy Hyland has expressed his deep concern at the condition of Brendan Lillis and has called for his immediate release from Maghaberry prison.
Brendan Lillis is a former blanketman and IRA POW. He served around 16 years for possession of explosives and firearms. In 1992 BL, as he was known to his friends and comrades, was released on license. Brendan is now a Prisoner in Maghaberry Gaol after the British secretary of state revoked his license which means he is once again a lifer serving time for IRA actions carried out in the 1970s.

Brendan suffers from the debilitating arthritic illness ankylosing spondylitis and his family say he is close to death, weighing only 5.5 stone and having only weeks to live. His partner has pleaded for support as she watches Brendan slowly die. He can no longer speak or move, and is confined to his bed, in a prison cell with no windows.

Hyland said: “The British Justice Minister and David Ford and British secretary of state Owen Paterson have adopted an almost “Thatcherite” approach when it comes to prisoners in Maghaberry. David Ford refuses to budge over the implementation of the agreement reached last August and the British secretary of state has revoked the licences of various republicans such as Marian Price, Martin Corey and Brendan Lillis”

“It’s ironic that exactly 30 years ago 10 Republicans died on Hunger strike because of the British government’s refusal to recognise their basic rights and today Republican prisoners in Maghaberry find themselves in the same situation”

“Brendan Lillis has been in bed for over 600 days and for the British to claim he is a threat to anyone is totally absurd. This man is a threat to no-one and should be immediately released.”

On Saturday 23rd July Davy Hyland along with fellow republicans from Newry travelled to Belfast to show their support for Brendan Lillis, his partner Roisin and family by attending a protest at the former Andersonstown barracks site. The protest consisted of Brendan’s partner, former Blanketmen, ex-POWs and supporters taking part in a 3 day hunger strike.

Davy concluded: “I would call on everyone with an interest in human rights to support the campaign to have Brendan released immediately. I urge everyone to attend protests, pickets, sign petitions, and follow Brendan’s campaign on Facebook. Families of those involved in the 1981 hunger strike, including the family of Bobby Sands, have called for the immediate release of Brendan. At this difficult time let’s remember Bobby’s famous words “everyone republican or otherwise has their own particular part to play, no part is too great and no part is too small”.

Press Release on behalf of Families of 1981 Hunger Strikes

Great to see the families of the hungerstrikers supporting the Republican POWs in Maghaberry

“On 20th August 1981, Michael Devine died in prison, the last of ten republican prisoners to die in the Hunger Strike.

Today, nearly thirty years later, another republican, Brendan Lillis is dying in Maghaberry Prison because of the same refusal of government authorities to govern with humanity, compassion, respect for human dignity and in compliance with International Human Rights standards and obligations. Brendan is not on hunger strike. He is being denied appropriate medical care he needs to survive.

Marian Price is also in Maghaberry, in solitary confinement in a Male prison despite being granted bail. Other prisoners are routinely humiliated and violated by strip searching. Once again, Human Rights don’t apply to ‘these’ people.

The 1998 Agreement promised a Human Rights framework and Bill of Rights to ensure people here would never again be deemed ineligible for protection of their rights because of their politics or actions.

Confronted with a humanitarian crisis in Maghaberry prison, as families of those who died in prison on the 1981 Hunger Strikes, and as members of the H-Block Campaign who supported them at that time, we call upon the conscience of the people to urgently support:

* Roisin Lynch in her demand for the immediate release of her life partner, Brendan.

* The Price family in their demand for Marian Price to be released on Bail

We further call upon the N. I. Executive and Minister of Justice at Stormont to bring an immediate end to strip-searching in the prisons and the continued tolerance of humiliation and violation of the basic human rights of political prisoners.

ENDS

(Editor note: The statement is fully endorsed on behalf of the Sands, Devine, Hurson, McDonnell and O’Hara families, and supported by Bernadette McAliskey, (formerly National H-Block Committee), Tommy McKearney( 1980 Hunger Strike) & Sean McGlinchey (former political prisoner). Further signatures will be sought

The Felons club refuse entry for a collecton for BL

This is currently doing the rounds on a number of websites, very sad state of affairs if you ask me

"The Felons club and the PD have refused the Brendan Lillis campaigners permission to collect for his cause on their premises.

These clubs have traded off the backs of the armed struggle for decades and now turn their backs on a former 'dog' and blanket man facing death, just to protect the ego of their precious leader. I ask all republicans and performers of conscience to stay away from these anti republican hovels!"

Release Brendan Lillis Now

Rúnaí ginearálta éirígí Breandán Mac Cionnaith has called for the immediate release of Brendan Lillis as the Belfast man’s partner yesterday [Thursday] began a hunger strike in protest against his continued incarceration.
Lillis, who previously served 16 years as a political prisoner, has been held in Maghaberry jail since 2009 when the British secretary of state revoked his release license after he appeared in court on unrelated charges. Despite the fact that these charges have not been proceeded with and that Lillis is seriously ill, he has not been given a release date.

Lillis is suffering from the debilitating arthritic illness ankylosing spondylitis which, his partner – Roisin Lynch – says, has left him with possibly only weeks to live.

Lynch today began a hunger strike in protest at Lillis’ continued imprisonment at the Andersonstown barracks site in west Belfast.

Mac Cionnaith said: “The continued imprisonment of Brendan Lillis, a seriously ill man who may have only weeks left to live, is callous in the extreme.

“Brendan has consistently been denied adequate medical attention by the prison authorities in Maghaberry, while the distress for both him and his family has been heightened by the conditions he is forced to endure.

“The initial charge against Brendan was not proceeded with due to his illness. It is ridiculous therefore that he is held in prison because of a political offence he was charged with in the 1970s – an alleged offence for which he already served a long, long time.”

Mac Cionnaith added: “The plight of Brendan Lillis raises the wider issue of the British secretary of state’s ability to incarcerate republican ex-prisoners who have been released on license. At present, Belfast woman Marion Price and Lurgan man Martin Corey are also being held in Maghaberry on the whim of Owen Paterson.

“This situation is intolerable and an effective opposition must be built against it.”

Mac Cionnaith concluded: “At this difficult time, éirígí extends its solidarity to Brendan, to his courageous partner Roisin and to all his family.

“Brendan Lillis must not be allowed to die in jail. The British government and David Ford must take the only humane course of action and release him immediately.”

http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest220711.html

Newry Irish Night in Aid of Maghaberry POWs

All groups and individuals welcome to this independent event

GARC Video

Here's another video of the GARC civil rights march. Some people wrongly claim that GARC are made up of  "dissident micro-groups" that have have no support. Nothing could be further than the truth

PSNI failed to address core issues of concern to Portadown nationalists

The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition (GRRC) has described as “defensive PR spin” a media statement issued by PSNI Superintendent Jason Murphy in relation to Friday night’s loyalist violence in Portadown.

A spokesperson for the GRRC said, “Supt Murphy’s statement issued at Saturday’s press conference in Portadown’s Mahon Road base was a defensive PR spin aimed downplaying the organised nature of Friday night’s violent events in the town.

“Supt Murphy stated that ‘No homes within the Nationalist community were directly attacked although we (the PSNI) are aware of some damage being caused from missiles thrown into the area of Obins Street.’

“Residents, living adjacent to the peaceline/interface, can confirm that their homes did come under attack from an organised loyalist mob throwing bricks, bottles, paint-bombs, fireworks and, more sinisterly, at least one blast bomb.

“Supt Murphy’s statement noticeably does not address several core questions of concern:

• Why was an openly intimidatory gathering of masked loyalists permitted to be held immediately adjacent to the main peace-line/interface in Portadown?

• Given the previous violent history of so-called loyalist ‘peaceful protests’ at the Corcrain Road/Charles St/Craigwell Avenue/Obins Drive and Avenue interface, how did the PSNI conclude that a gathering of masked loyalists immediately beside that interface could in anyway be deemed either wise, acceptable or justifiable under Public Order legislation?

• Why has there been no acknowledgement by the PSNI that at least one blast-bomb type device was thrown by those same masked men towards homes in Obins Drive and Obins Avenue?

• Why is the PSNI reluctant to confirm the widely-held view within the nationalist community in Portadown that Friday’s so-called ‘peaceful protest’ was organised by the Mid-Ulster UVF?

• Why PSNI officers were clearly observed by nationalist residents to be engaging in either conversation, or negotiations, with three masked, and one unmasked, leaders of that loyalist mob?

“Previous loyalist protests held adjacent to Craigwell Avenue some years ago, and which were also deemed ‘peaceful’ by the police, resulted in almost one third of the nationalist families in that street fleeing their homes permanently. Since then, a number of Portuguese-speaking families have moved into Craigwell bringing a new vitality to it. However, those families have now also fallen victim to loyalist intimidation, as demonstrated on July 12th and July 15th.

“Unfortunately, Supt Murphy’s statement would appear to demonstrate a policy appeasement towards, and a denial of, loyalist intimidation and violence directed towards those living within nationalist areas of Portadown.”