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A
republican prisoner from Strabane was attacked by
six loyalist youths on Sunday night past (7th Dec)
in Hydebank Young Offenders Centre outside Belfast.
17 Year old Joseph Barr was in his cell when the loyalist
youths attempted to hang him; luckily they were disturbed
before any serious damage was done.
The
IRPWA have consistently called for Joseph Barr's transfer
to the republican wing in Maghaberry where he will
be safe from attack but are told that this is against
the European convention of human rights for children
because of his age.
The
Northern Ireland Prison Service knows full well the
implications of leaving a single republican prisoner
surrounded by hostile loyalists and criminals and
we call on them to provide security for Joseph Barr
until he leaves the institution.
Joseph
Barr turns 18 at the end of December and any procrastination
on his transfer will be viewed as a deliberate attempt
to endanger his life further.
The
IRPWA are also wary of attempts to move two women
prisoners from Maghaberry to Hydebank. The two republican
women have stated their intention of staying put and
we demand they receive adequate protection and amenities
rather than the 23 hour lock up they are currently
forced to endure.
The
IRPWA believe that it would be a pity if after a protracted
prison struggle has just finished, another is embarked
upon for the same basic principals that the government
have already conceded.
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