Action needed on Political Prisoners
Ahead of the Saoirse conference in the Felons club, Belfast on 1
November four Saoirse activists were in Belfast Magistrate's
Court on Tuesday 27 October on charges relating to a high profile
protest on the rooftop of the Waterfront Hall situated across
from Belfast's Crown court during the appeal hearing of British
soldier Lee Clegg.
Speaking AP/RN, Saoirse activist Robert McClenaghan said: ``There
are still so many issues surrounding the release of POWs that it
is crucial that people keep focused and don't leave it up to
Stormont. People still need to mobilise.''
He highlighted the problems faced by many political prisoners who
have been or are awaiting repatriation. McClenaghan said: ``The
British Home Office is controlling the release and licences of
POWs who have been repatriated. This situation, for instance,
leaves the prospect of Geraldine Ferrity remaining as the last
and only remaining female republican POW in Maghaberry.
``Political prisoners abroad are also having their applications
for the early release scheme knocked back and being told it
doesn't apply to them.''
McClenaghan added: ``The British are also digging in their heels
on repatriation and demanding cast-iron guarantees from the
Dublin government that they serve at least 2 years. This, we
feel, is a breach of the Good Friday Agreement.''
McClenaghan also said that employment restrictions placed on
former political prisoners released on license is also an issue
of great importance.
Saoirse national organiser, Martin Meehan, speaking to AP/RN
said: ``The aim of the conference is to look back over the last
four years and assess the impact of our campaigns and
mobilisations, and then to look forward to the how the issues
relating to our POWs will develop and asking what we need to be
doing five years down the line''
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)