NIO try to gag prisoners
On Wednesday 20 May, just two days before the referendum, the NIO
gave in to Unionist pressure and blocked home leave for prisoners
in the H-Blocks.
Republican prisoners were told that all applications for home
leave were being frozen and that the NIO would be responsible for
granting any future applications. This has usually been the
function of the Prison administration.
Gerry Kelly, Sinn Fein prisons spokesperson, has criticised this
move saying, ``Home leave is a statutory right and should not be
subjected to the whims of the political situation. I am calling
on the NIO to immediately end this policy of politically vetting
prisoners.''
Phoblacht has obtained a copy of the new rules being given to
prisoners being granted home leave. They include a ban on
prisoners attending public meetings or rallies and a ban on them
making any kind of public statement.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)