September 22, 2002 About Aidan Hulme in Belmarsh Prison
"The IRPWA totally condemns the latest torture of Irishman Aidan Hulme in Belmarsh Prison, England."

The IRPWA totally condemns the latest torture of Irishman Aidan Hulme in Belmarsh Prison, England. Aidan was granted three days bail some three weeks ago in order to have an urgent operation to save his leg from having to be amputated. One condition of his bail was that groups supporting him would stay silent about these arrangements.

Marian Price of the IRPWA stated, "We readily kept within these terms as our main concern is to get this young man the medical attention he so desperately needs. However we were contacted by Aidan’s family last night and told that the authorities informed them only yesterday that they were demanding £9000 before they would agree to bring him to hospital.

Belmarsh Prison and the Metropolitan Police are claiming costs to transport what they term a ‘high security prisoner’. We believe this to be an illegal move being used as a delaying tactic. It would appear that sinister elements are determined to see this young man loose his leg. At this rate they will soon be charging men for the 'privilege' of incarceration in English Gaols."

It must be remembered that this young man is on remand, innocent until and if proven guilty, the way he is being tortured both mentally and physically is a damning indictment of so-called English justice. We in IRPWA call on all right-thinking people to demand that Aidan gets the treatment he needs; it would be an absolute tragedy if this young man lost his leg through delay and neglect.