Statement from the Family & Friends of Republican Prisoners Maghaberry. 10th April 2012

Family & Friends of Republican Prisoners Maghaberry strongly condemn the decision by Maghaberry prison to put Republican prisoners on 24 hour lock up for refusing to remove the Easter Lily.

Republican Prisoners were put on 24 hour lock-up on Saturday 7th April, visits were refused on Easter Sunday and the prisoners have lost their one hour access to the exercise yard and their five minute phone call, leaving family members concerned at the loss of contact.

Once again,Republican prisoners have been punished for wearing Ireland's traditional symbol of remembrance. However, no punishment by Maghaberry will deter them from honouring those who died in pursuit of Irish freedom.

We are reminded once again of the sectarian regime adopted by Maghaberry prison, a regime that punishes Republican prisoners for being Republicans.

Mandy Duffy PRO
Family & Friends of Republican Prisoners Maghaberry.