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Death threat by prison officer in Maghaberry jail

From Saoirse

Statement from CIRA POWs in Maghaberry jail

We the Republican prisoners incarcerated in Maghaberry gaol are very concerned about the destructive elements within the prison. There has been of late a concerted campaign of victimisation levelled at the door of Republicanism via the prison staff and loyalists.

Recently CIRA prisoner Tommy Crossan came under a barrage of abuse and charges at the hands of high-ranking prison officer. This barrage of abuse and trumped up charges culminated in the transfer of a category "A" prisoner to a category "C" prison.

Still on the abuse of the prison staff towards Republican prisoners, it has come to our attention that a Republican prisoner has received yet another death threat, but what is more sinister about this threat is that it was issued by a prison officer. As a result of this threat the prisoner informed his legal advisors, they in turn informed the RUC.

This prisoner, who does not wish to be named, is not only fearing for his life but, those of his family.

We, the Republican POWs, now feel that the prison authority, the NIO and Brits are now concentrating this abuse at Republican POWs because of the recent revelations referring to the names of prison officers being found on a computer said to be in the hands of Republicans.

In recent searches of the prison, the prison search teams uncovered a large screwdriver hidden in the sentenced house. We strongly believe that this could have been used to attack Republican prisoners within this establishment.

We, the Republican prisoners strongly feel that this establishment will stand by and ignore our plight until a Republican POW is badly maimed or even murdered at the hands of loyalists.

The prison authority refuse to acknowledge that Republican POWs are being abused in this gaol even after the attempted murder of two Republicans and the assaults of numerous others.

We the Republican POWs demand segregation and recognition as political prisoners.
[~] OC CIRA Prisoners, Maghaberry jail

Last update: 11/15/02; 6:06:41 AM.