Prison warders accused of seeking confrontation

Posted by Jim on October 13, 2018

 

Maghaberry prisoners aligned to Republican Sinn Fein have condemned what
it said were attempts to provoke tension at the jail by prison warders.

A statement by the prisoners said they believe there are being harassed
in order to provide an excuse for overtime payments and bonuses for
staff at the high security jail.

“Over the last number of nights Republican prisoners have been awoken in
the early hours of the morning by screws banging each cell door
individually,” they said.

“This is a deliberate act of sleep deprivation and designed to raise
tension in the jail once again. It is clear to all PoWs that in order to
justify their high wages, overtime allowances and other payments some
screws are more than willing to aggravate the situation in Maghaberry.”

Prison officials have said such “body checks” are a mandatory procedure
at the jail, but prisoners have said the harassment is selective and
clearly being used as a provocation.

“The screws have escalated their actions by opening cell doors, shouting
and physically waking prisoners,” they said.

“There has been no reason or explanation given as to why this is
happening. It is clear these actions are sectarian, biased and shows
there is still a sectarian mindset against republicans in Maghaberry
jail.

“Republicans will resist these attempts to provoke and will take the
necessary actions if and when required.”

Meanwhile, Saoradh is holding a protest at Hydebank women’s jail to
highlight the conditions being faced by north Belfast republican
Christine Connor in her isolation at the prison and to demand her
transfer.

The is being subjected to increasingly oppressive measures, including
being deliberately left vulnerable to attack by hostile elements and
being denied education, healthcare and adequate legal communication,
Saoradh said.

“Christine’s basic human rights are being attacked, and Saoradh will not
stand by whilst this continues,” they said. “This is also in the
knowledge that conditions affecting Christine now will be forced upon
any woman who may be imprisoned in Hydebank in future.”