Irish Political Prisoners Tortured Aagain In Occupied Ireland
BrianClarkeNUJ | 15.02.2011 07:40 | Other Press | Repression | World
Irish Prisoner Of War (POW}s are once again being tortured in ireland by the British, who have broken the Belfast Agreement on several key issues, besides torture and blanket censorship. Even Peace activists who are trying to get the word out about the torture of Irish political prisoners, who have been interned after being tried by non-jury, kangaroo, courts and imprisoned by sectarian prison wardens.
Irish Prisoner Of War (POW}s are once again being tortured in ireland by the British, who have broken the Belfast Agreement on several key issues, besides torture and blanket censorship. Even Peace activists who are trying to get the word out about the torture of Irish political prisoners, who have been interned after being tried by non-jury, kangaroo, courts and imprisoned by sectarian prison wardens. The following is a press release, from one of the prisoners followed by a discussion on facebook of the matter. Comments are welcome....
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=189724124382910&id=1241886249
POW torture in Maghaberry –Letter from Damien Mc Laughlin-Emotive, upsetting & graphic-Please readby Derry Csm on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 9:25pm
Hello everyone. I’m just back from the court. I was twice subjected to forced strip searches today. That was my tenth forced strip in the last twelve weeks . I’m also out to court next Tuesday so that will be another two.
Today I was brought to the reception where the search team were waiting and forced into a 3ft x 3ft cubicle by two of them where I refused to strip. They laughed at me and said “He’s ready for it!”
I was then brought to a holding cell and kept in there for about 50 minutes with a governor coming in twice to tell me their so called prison rules. (He could talk all day, I wasn’t for stripping and won’t be at any stage while I’m incarcerated in this place)
All the while outside the cell the riot squad are getting ready. Suddenly the Cell door bursts open and in they come in full riot gear, Helmets, shields, body protection, the works.
They ram the shield into my face, 2 of them grab my arms, another grabs my head, I’m forced to the ground - Arms forced up my back, 2 knees forced into my head to hold it down , 2 knees in the back of my legs… Then another one of them starts to force off my shoes, socks and trousers off. I’m then moved into a forced position so that my boxers are ripped down and my frontal private parts can be seen by them. I’m then forced back into a position where my boxers are completely forced off me and a hand held metal detector is ran over my backside.
At this stage, it’s hard to breathe with their gloves covering my face and mouth. I’m still being held by four of them on the floor, my private parts exposed… Naked! Lying there!
They then grab my boxers and jeans and force them up, hurting me .. leaving my private parts still exposed – They then move me into another awkward position to take my t shirt off… I think my arms are about to break in two ! It’s agony at this stage.. My wrists are just numb... Being twisted the whole time this is going on.. My shirt is now off.. I’m lying now with both my arms are forced up my back towards the roof while the riot squad run out of the cell.. My arms just drop to the floor.. I try my best to get onto my feet using my elbows , trousers hanging off me, boxers still below my private parts.. I’m aching all over !
I try to get dressed as the riot squad stand smirking at me. I just stare back at them. I think of the other things they have done to me in the past.. Forced strips, cut my clothes off, broke my nose, stood on me, forced me into squat positions, forced my mouth open by trying to break my wrist… I could go on!
Well, that’s me on the way to court! As soon as I get to Laganside ( where I’m already an hour late because of the forced strip ) I’m brought straight to the court, cuffed, and haven’t seen my solicitor.. Adjourned again ! That’s me down now to a 6ft x 6ft cell to wait for a few hours.Then I’m brought back to the gaol where I go through the whole strip search ordeal again.
Sitting in my cell now – My wrists, knees, ankles, neck, back, head, shoulders are aching.. One image going through my head is the faces of my friends who were waiting patiently for me to come back.. Colly, Harry, Brendy, Gerard, Kevin … It’s hard to explain the look on their faces but I can tell you that it’s one of the worst feelings in gaol seeing one of your friends coming back from a forced strip search, seeing them in pain !
I would take all of their forced strip searches rather than see them in this agony.. pain .. and I know they would do the same for me.
That’s friendship that won’t be broken !
Well, slan for now, another Republican forcibly strip searched.
D.D McLaughlin, POW, Maghaberry gaol
Like · · Share
Rsf Limerick, James Mcmahon, Alison Mason and 15 others like this.
Shreen Trainor Oh my good god I was just sick reading that how in the year we live in can them bastards get away with this that is near enough rape wot there doing sick bastards my god look after all the prisionersSunday at 9:54pm · Like · 6 people
Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh My God. What has changed for the political prisoners? We need greater numbers of ordinary people 2b told what's really going on 'inside'. This statement will be a real eye-opener for many. I found it sad, shocking and emotionally moving. Agree or disagree with their politics, Irish prisoners should not be so brutally abused. Silence is deafening from certain quarters. Shame on them all, especially 'our' elected po£iticians, columnists and certain newspaper editors.Sunday at 9:54pm · Like · 11 people
Shreen Trainor Its a disgrace sumone should go on the news to tell there story the news r quick enough to act if an orange hall gets attacked or there's anything to do with the other side so I say name and shame them dirty filthy bastards now before god forbid its to late !!!Sunday at 9:59pm · Like · 3 people
Mary Clinton Just read this letter, it's heart breaking to read, how can human beings inflict this degrading treatment on another human being......the people who carry out this degrading and humiliating treatment are no better than Nazis. Victory to the P.O.W.sSunday at 10:16pm · Like · 2 people
Caroline Kelly I just emailed a copy of this letter to Link TV and asked them to report on this abuse situation. I don't know that it will do any good, but anything we can do to try to help them is worth the time.Sunday at 10:36pm · Like · 4 people
Frank Fealy May god bless, and look after all of you.Victory to thd POW's.TalSunday at 10:37pm · Like · 1 person
Jackie Mccooltoland they have been gettin away with it a very long time, 1983 to 86 i was stiped searched while on remand santry towels removed an all i just feel sick to the pit of my stomacSunday at 11:10pm · Like · 1 person
Ciara Canning just read this letter" how fuckin heart breaking"and that c*** of an uncle of mine"martin mc guiness"wants us 2 co.operate with the so called new P.S.N.I fucking joke,,,D.DMc Laughlin my prayers r goin out 2 u and ur comrads at this time..Stay Strong XXSunday at 11:41pm · Like · 2 people
Peter Fitzsimons Christ almighty RUC/PSNI SCUMBAGS I hope the lads are holding upSunday at 11:51pm · Like
Peter Fitzsimons IM emailing this to Manesty and International red Cross, and anybody else who I can get hold of an email addrs for its fucking sickeningSunday at 11:58pm · Like · 4 people
Tos Wilton It's a disgrace wat the P.O.W's ar putting up with i just read this letter myself and from wat i read if i was to do wat them RUC/PSNI basterds ar doing i would be sent forward for trial on rape charges because this is wat they are doing to ar fellow republicans insde these corrupte gaols they should be all strung up by the ankles and be giving a belt of a cattle prod every 3 or 4 minutes fucking scumbags keep up the fight lads we're all behind ye's,,,,,stay strongYesterday at 12:04am · Like · 4 people
Corrina Farrell This is absolutely disgusting, these searches violate international law and this is and continues to be a human rights catastrophe.....prayers of support, solidarity and strength are going out to all the lads and any poor person who has suffered these vicious, racist, ignorant RUC/PSNI bastards!!!!!!Yesterday at 12:47am · Like · 4 people
Mick Faver We need to mobilise people. I was at a POW benefit last night. There were a few people there but NOT ENOUGH. This guys are in prison and all of us should back them as much as we can until they are released and this injustice is addressed. They are suffering for our freedom.Yesterday at 12:59am · Like · 5 people
Joe Bhoy Kah Mccann dirty degrading bastards!!!!!Yesterday at 1:01am · Like · 1 person
Susan Geraghty OMG!! I have a good friend in there..This makes me ill..This is not right..Please if there is some way,I can do something anything tell me..Yesterday at 1:01am · Like · 1 person
Derry Csm Please everyone who reads this letter from DD..Copy it..put it on your profile..tag it..send it..Use whatever means you have at your disposal to get this out there..You are their conduit to the outside world to let know what conditions the...See MoreYesterday at 1:19am · Like · 5 people
Susan Geraghty It's already on mine..Yesterday at 1:21am · Like
Mick Faver @ Derry Csm - I want to do more! Instruct me! What help can I be?23 hours ago · Like · 2 people
Susan Geraghty I'm with Mick..23 hours ago · Like
Derry Csm Hi Mick..It's letting as many know as possible that this is going on,that this cannot be tolerated.The veneer has cracked and more and more can see that the state is as rotten to the core as ever.Drop Damien Mc Laughlin,Colly Duffy,Gerard M...See More23 hours ago · Like · 4 people
Susan Geraghty I will do this today..write this letter and get others to do it..23 hours ago · Like
Mick Faver @ Derry Csm Will happily do this tomorrow. Can you put me onto any fundraisers email lists - anywhere in the 6 counties - am happy to travel. It needs action and I find it a bit frustrating that there doesn't seem to be much co-ordination in mobilising people. The one I was at last night was at the Hole in the Wall in Belfast. I found out from an Italian friend who lives in Leicester! He flew in for it and I went along. The irony being that the Hole in the Wall is about 5 minutes walk from my house!!!!23 hours ago · Like · 2 people
Mick Faver Is there any stuff that I can send with the letters?23 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Aidan Stears After reading this letter my blood in boiling its like the H blocks all over again it makes me feel very sad but also makes me very proud of the POW's the strenght courage these brave man have it just shows us whats the brits are doing to t...See More23 hours ago · Like · 3 people
Mick Faver Well said Aidan. I have no idea how some republicans can just abandon these guys. Short memories indeed.22 hours ago · Like · 5 people
Sheila Mae Bitts how very horrifying--and to think the British take credit for being humanitarians such as ending wife burning in India20 hours ago · Like
Frank O'Brien I for one, though myself chronically ill, and a bit long in the tooth, would gladly lay my life down in an attempt to save these lads. I believe too that there are many here who would risk all to save these saintly lads.7 hours ago · Like · 5 people
Susan Geraghty GOD BLESS YOU FRANK....♥6 hours ago · Like
Eithne Butterly Its not so long ago that Sinn fein/M15 called all republicans traitors,shame on them.These brave men deserve all our support to restore Political status.Just because they crossed over to the other side does not mean that we will lie down an...See Moreabout an hour ago · Like · 1 person
Brian Clarkenuj A Chairde Gael,
I was talking to a Jewish person the other day about politics. Brendan Behan once said that the Irish and Jews had a psychosis about their nationality. I detest Zionism which alot of jews campaign against but from listening carefully to her and I've noticed it before with them. They argue and fight like hell among thems elves like us Irish but when it comes to certain issues the STICK TOGETHER !.
I feel that ALL Irish people who call themselves REPUBLICAN would do well to take stock and STICK TOGETHER behind ALL Irish republican prisoners in both scums states. They all have the same goal, targets and conditions as Irish Political prisoners always had. Anyone who tries to split the cause of the prisoners is not serving the interests of either the Political prisoners or the Republic.
Torture of Poitical prisoner , interned by j=kangaroo courts is a seriosu international matter and activists need to bring INTERNATIONAL attention on this matter.A the the time of the dirt protests before the Hunger Strikes activists in England would put a lot of half hearted Irish activist to shame with their commitment and energy.
ALL REPUBLICANS never mind who they support otherwise need to get stuck in together, on this issue NOW !
IRISH REPUBLICANS STICK TOGETHER BEHIND THE POWS !
beir bua,
boru17 minutes ago · Like
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POW torture in Maghaberry –Letter from Damien Mc Laughlin-Emotive, upsetting & graphic-Please readby Derry Csm on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 9:25pm
Hello everyone. I’m just back from the court. I was twice subjected to forced strip searches today. That was my tenth forced strip in the last twelve weeks . I’m also out to court next Tuesday so that will be another two.
Today I was brought to the reception where the search team were waiting and forced into a 3ft x 3ft cubicle by two of them where I refused to strip. They laughed at me and said “He’s ready for it!”
I was then brought to a holding cell and kept in there for about 50 minutes with a governor coming in twice to tell me their so called prison rules. (He could talk all day, I wasn’t for stripping and won’t be at any stage while I’m incarcerated in this place)
All the while outside the cell the riot squad are getting ready. Suddenly the Cell door bursts open and in they come in full riot gear, Helmets, shields, body protection, the works.
They ram the shield into my face, 2 of them grab my arms, another grabs my head, I’m forced to the ground - Arms forced up my back, 2 knees forced into my head to hold it down , 2 knees in the back of my legs… Then another one of them starts to force off my shoes, socks and trousers off. I’m then moved into a forced position so that my boxers are ripped down and my frontal private parts can be seen by them. I’m then forced back into a position where my boxers are completely forced off me and a hand held metal detector is ran over my backside.
At this stage, it’s hard to breathe with their gloves covering my face and mouth. I’m still being held by four of them on the floor, my private parts exposed… Naked! Lying there!
They then grab my boxers and jeans and force them up, hurting me .. leaving my private parts still exposed – They then move me into another awkward position to take my t shirt off… I think my arms are about to break in two ! It’s agony at this stage.. My wrists are just numb... Being twisted the whole time this is going on.. My shirt is now off.. I’m lying now with both my arms are forced up my back towards the roof while the riot squad run out of the cell.. My arms just drop to the floor.. I try my best to get onto my feet using my elbows , trousers hanging off me, boxers still below my private parts.. I’m aching all over !
I try to get dressed as the riot squad stand smirking at me. I just stare back at them. I think of the other things they have done to me in the past.. Forced strips, cut my clothes off, broke my nose, stood on me, forced me into squat positions, forced my mouth open by trying to break my wrist… I could go on!
Well, that’s me on the way to court! As soon as I get to Laganside ( where I’m already an hour late because of the forced strip ) I’m brought straight to the court, cuffed, and haven’t seen my solicitor.. Adjourned again ! That’s me down now to a 6ft x 6ft cell to wait for a few hours.Then I’m brought back to the gaol where I go through the whole strip search ordeal again.
Sitting in my cell now – My wrists, knees, ankles, neck, back, head, shoulders are aching.. One image going through my head is the faces of my friends who were waiting patiently for me to come back.. Colly, Harry, Brendy, Gerard, Kevin … It’s hard to explain the look on their faces but I can tell you that it’s one of the worst feelings in gaol seeing one of your friends coming back from a forced strip search, seeing them in pain !
I would take all of their forced strip searches rather than see them in this agony.. pain .. and I know they would do the same for me.
That’s friendship that won’t be broken !
Well, slan for now, another Republican forcibly strip searched.
D.D McLaughlin, POW, Maghaberry gaol
Like · · Share
Rsf Limerick, James Mcmahon, Alison Mason and 15 others like this.
Shreen Trainor Oh my good god I was just sick reading that how in the year we live in can them bastards get away with this that is near enough rape wot there doing sick bastards my god look after all the prisionersSunday at 9:54pm · Like · 6 people
Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh My God. What has changed for the political prisoners? We need greater numbers of ordinary people 2b told what's really going on 'inside'. This statement will be a real eye-opener for many. I found it sad, shocking and emotionally moving. Agree or disagree with their politics, Irish prisoners should not be so brutally abused. Silence is deafening from certain quarters. Shame on them all, especially 'our' elected po£iticians, columnists and certain newspaper editors.Sunday at 9:54pm · Like · 11 people
Shreen Trainor Its a disgrace sumone should go on the news to tell there story the news r quick enough to act if an orange hall gets attacked or there's anything to do with the other side so I say name and shame them dirty filthy bastards now before god forbid its to late !!!Sunday at 9:59pm · Like · 3 people
Mary Clinton Just read this letter, it's heart breaking to read, how can human beings inflict this degrading treatment on another human being......the people who carry out this degrading and humiliating treatment are no better than Nazis. Victory to the P.O.W.sSunday at 10:16pm · Like · 2 people
Caroline Kelly I just emailed a copy of this letter to Link TV and asked them to report on this abuse situation. I don't know that it will do any good, but anything we can do to try to help them is worth the time.Sunday at 10:36pm · Like · 4 people
Frank Fealy May god bless, and look after all of you.Victory to thd POW's.TalSunday at 10:37pm · Like · 1 person
Jackie Mccooltoland they have been gettin away with it a very long time, 1983 to 86 i was stiped searched while on remand santry towels removed an all i just feel sick to the pit of my stomacSunday at 11:10pm · Like · 1 person
Ciara Canning just read this letter" how fuckin heart breaking"and that c*** of an uncle of mine"martin mc guiness"wants us 2 co.operate with the so called new P.S.N.I fucking joke,,,D.DMc Laughlin my prayers r goin out 2 u and ur comrads at this time..Stay Strong XXSunday at 11:41pm · Like · 2 people
Peter Fitzsimons Christ almighty RUC/PSNI SCUMBAGS I hope the lads are holding upSunday at 11:51pm · Like
Peter Fitzsimons IM emailing this to Manesty and International red Cross, and anybody else who I can get hold of an email addrs for its fucking sickeningSunday at 11:58pm · Like · 4 people
Tos Wilton It's a disgrace wat the P.O.W's ar putting up with i just read this letter myself and from wat i read if i was to do wat them RUC/PSNI basterds ar doing i would be sent forward for trial on rape charges because this is wat they are doing to ar fellow republicans insde these corrupte gaols they should be all strung up by the ankles and be giving a belt of a cattle prod every 3 or 4 minutes fucking scumbags keep up the fight lads we're all behind ye's,,,,,stay strongYesterday at 12:04am · Like · 4 people
Corrina Farrell This is absolutely disgusting, these searches violate international law and this is and continues to be a human rights catastrophe.....prayers of support, solidarity and strength are going out to all the lads and any poor person who has suffered these vicious, racist, ignorant RUC/PSNI bastards!!!!!!Yesterday at 12:47am · Like · 4 people
Mick Faver We need to mobilise people. I was at a POW benefit last night. There were a few people there but NOT ENOUGH. This guys are in prison and all of us should back them as much as we can until they are released and this injustice is addressed. They are suffering for our freedom.Yesterday at 12:59am · Like · 5 people
Joe Bhoy Kah Mccann dirty degrading bastards!!!!!Yesterday at 1:01am · Like · 1 person
Susan Geraghty OMG!! I have a good friend in there..This makes me ill..This is not right..Please if there is some way,I can do something anything tell me..Yesterday at 1:01am · Like · 1 person
Derry Csm Please everyone who reads this letter from DD..Copy it..put it on your profile..tag it..send it..Use whatever means you have at your disposal to get this out there..You are their conduit to the outside world to let know what conditions the...See MoreYesterday at 1:19am · Like · 5 people
Susan Geraghty It's already on mine..Yesterday at 1:21am · Like
Mick Faver @ Derry Csm - I want to do more! Instruct me! What help can I be?23 hours ago · Like · 2 people
Susan Geraghty I'm with Mick..23 hours ago · Like
Derry Csm Hi Mick..It's letting as many know as possible that this is going on,that this cannot be tolerated.The veneer has cracked and more and more can see that the state is as rotten to the core as ever.Drop Damien Mc Laughlin,Colly Duffy,Gerard M...See More23 hours ago · Like · 4 people
Susan Geraghty I will do this today..write this letter and get others to do it..23 hours ago · Like
Mick Faver @ Derry Csm Will happily do this tomorrow. Can you put me onto any fundraisers email lists - anywhere in the 6 counties - am happy to travel. It needs action and I find it a bit frustrating that there doesn't seem to be much co-ordination in mobilising people. The one I was at last night was at the Hole in the Wall in Belfast. I found out from an Italian friend who lives in Leicester! He flew in for it and I went along. The irony being that the Hole in the Wall is about 5 minutes walk from my house!!!!23 hours ago · Like · 2 people
Mick Faver Is there any stuff that I can send with the letters?23 hours ago · Like · 1 person
Aidan Stears After reading this letter my blood in boiling its like the H blocks all over again it makes me feel very sad but also makes me very proud of the POW's the strenght courage these brave man have it just shows us whats the brits are doing to t...See More23 hours ago · Like · 3 people
Mick Faver Well said Aidan. I have no idea how some republicans can just abandon these guys. Short memories indeed.22 hours ago · Like · 5 people
Sheila Mae Bitts how very horrifying--and to think the British take credit for being humanitarians such as ending wife burning in India20 hours ago · Like
Frank O'Brien I for one, though myself chronically ill, and a bit long in the tooth, would gladly lay my life down in an attempt to save these lads. I believe too that there are many here who would risk all to save these saintly lads.7 hours ago · Like · 5 people
Susan Geraghty GOD BLESS YOU FRANK....♥6 hours ago · Like
Eithne Butterly Its not so long ago that Sinn fein/M15 called all republicans traitors,shame on them.These brave men deserve all our support to restore Political status.Just because they crossed over to the other side does not mean that we will lie down an...See Moreabout an hour ago · Like · 1 person
Brian Clarkenuj A Chairde Gael,
I was talking to a Jewish person the other day about politics. Brendan Behan once said that the Irish and Jews had a psychosis about their nationality. I detest Zionism which alot of jews campaign against but from listening carefully to her and I've noticed it before with them. They argue and fight like hell among thems elves like us Irish but when it comes to certain issues the STICK TOGETHER !.
I feel that ALL Irish people who call themselves REPUBLICAN would do well to take stock and STICK TOGETHER behind ALL Irish republican prisoners in both scums states. They all have the same goal, targets and conditions as Irish Political prisoners always had. Anyone who tries to split the cause of the prisoners is not serving the interests of either the Political prisoners or the Republic.
Torture of Poitical prisoner , interned by j=kangaroo courts is a seriosu international matter and activists need to bring INTERNATIONAL attention on this matter.A the the time of the dirt protests before the Hunger Strikes activists in England would put a lot of half hearted Irish activist to shame with their commitment and energy.
ALL REPUBLICANS never mind who they support otherwise need to get stuck in together, on this issue NOW !
IRISH REPUBLICANS STICK TOGETHER BEHIND THE POWS !
beir bua,
boru17 minutes ago · Like
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