About the Hunger Strike campaign in Ireland

In Spring 2001 a number of activists in Ireland became concerned at the lack of information available on the hunger strikes and protests of political prisoners in Turkey opposing the isolation 'F-Type' prisons. We decided to hold a Public Meeting and invite relatives and friends of the hunger strikers, from the IKM group in London, to explain the situation to an Irish audience.

A meeting took place in Dublin in May 2001, followed by others in Belfast and Derry. In the weeks after these meetings support groups were set up with the following aims:

  • Raising awareness among Irish people of the Hunger Strikes in Turkey
  • Putting pressure on the Turkish Government internationally
  • Lobbying Irish politicians and publicising the issue in the media
  • Opposing Turkey's entry to the European Union
  • Encouraging the public to Boycott Turkish Holidays
  • Marking the death of each Hunger Striker by protesting at the Turkish Embassy in Dublin

The support groups currently active include:

Dublin - Solidarity with Hunger Strikers in Turkey can be contacted at turkishhungerstrike@ireland.com

Belfast - Turkish Hunger Strike Action Committee can be contacted at solidarity@ireland.com
They also have a website THSAC Website

Derry - Derry Committee of Solidarity with Hunger Strikers in Turkey can be contacted at turkishhungerstrike@hotmail.com
Postal Address: P.O.Box 1981, BT48 8GX, Derry City.

Omagh, Co Tyrone - The campaign is co-ordinated by Ogra Shinn Fein and the 1981 Committee. More information from:babylonexpress@yahoo.co.uk

Wicklow - Wicklow Turkish Hunger Strike Solidarity Committee. Contact via the Dublin address:turkishhungerstrike@ireland.com

If none of these groups are near you please e-mail the Dublin address for updates. New groups are in the process of being formed.

Ideas for other forms of protest action you can take can be found here
Reports of protests held are posted here
Upcoming events are posted here

A number of Irish people have travelled to Turkey meet hunger strikers and to see the situation for themselves. Reports from delegation members can be read here

The Turkish Hunger Strikes are taking place in the same year as the 20th anniversary of the H-Block Hunger Strikes in Ireland and Irish Republicans have a natural interest and support for other people struggling for justice in this manner. However in no way is the campaign confined to people of a Republican outlook, all activists and groups concerned with human rights and democracy and supportive of the fight against the 'F-type' prisons are welcome to become involved.

This website is maintained by the Dublin 'Solidarity with Hunger Strikers in Turkey' group.
Reports protests/meetings, notice of upcoming events and any press reports should be sent to turkishhungerstrike@ireland.com so that we can put them on the site.