On Easter Sunday 2010 and as a consequence of the inhumane and rapidly deteriorating conditions inside Maghaberry Prison, Republican Prisoners Of War, held an action in order to highlight the deplorable conditions under which they are detained.

While the prison authorities are well aware of the issues that are continuing to cause them concern, due to the fact that they have made repeated representations to them. 

For the benefit of the wider public and those charged with overseeing prison conditions and the inhumane treatment of prisoners, These issues are: 

a, Strip Searching
b, Control of Movement
c, Freedom of Association
d, Access to Academic and Vocational Education
e, Visiting Arrangements and Family Contact
f, General Prison Conditions

The above (and other issues) have been raised repeatedly with the prison authorities, however, due in no small part to the influence of the Prison Officers Association (POA) no progress whatsoever has been made. Indeed, since the POA successfully ousted the number one Governor, things have gotten progressively worse.  This being the case all Republican POWs despite coming from different back-grounds and affliliations agreed that there was no course left open to them other than this action.

In coming to this conclusion prisoners realise that it will cause further distress and concern to their families and friends and they have apologized for that.  However, they are determined to establish their fundamental rights to be treated in a humane and dignified fashion and they have called on all in the wider Republican Family to support them in this endeavour, especially former Prisoners of War and those in positions of influence.

In conclusion   Nothing short of the voice of Irish Republicans, demanding an end to the brutalization and inhumane and barbaric practices of the prison authorities, can resolve these issues.