September 15, 2003 'Implement Segregation Immediately.'
Press release from the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association.

The IRPWA welcome the fact that the British government have conceded that the segregation (separation) of republicans and loyalists within Maghaberry gaol is the only sensible course of action to take to resolve the current friction, however until segregation is implemented these concessions are only words. The dangers faced by republicans in Maghaberry are not any less because the British say they are going to separate, but will only diminish when words become deeds.

Republicans have learned from bitter experience the duplicity of the NIO and the British government and will take nothing for granted until it actually happens. It is the understanding of the IRPWA that the republican prisoners will continue the no wash/dirty protest until they are satisfied that segregation (separation) is fully implemented and that the British government and the NIO are not trying to hoodwink them as they did to the hunger strikers in 1980.

The IRPWA believe that it is in the interests of all concerned that segregation (separation) is implemented immediately. The ability to segregate large numbers of prisoners at short notice is a matter of record, as the protesting prisoners know only to well, and if this ability is matched by a willingness then this issue can be resolved quickly and with minimum disruption. The IRPWA urge the Prison Service, the NIO and the British government to act now to reassure republicans that this is not another of the false dawns that republican prisoners have had to endure throughout history, we also salute the continuing determination of the republican prisoners and are confident that this determination will enable them to achieve their ultimate objectives.

Contact: Marian Price/Martin Mulholland
Phone: 07801 729 412 or e-mail irpwa@hotmail.com