THE situation surrounding the treatment of political prisoners in Maghaberry jail and the failure to achieve a resolution featured again in the media recently.
In 2010 republican prisoners embarked on a dirty protest seeking basic and reasonable living conditions and a conflict free environment. An agreement was reached in August 2010 by all parties involved. This agreement was immediately reneged on resulting in a continuation of protest until November 2012. Republican prisoners ended the protest in good faith to create space for a process of engagement to resolve all issues. Despite our efforts we have been offered nothing but obstacles to progress. Indeed the Anne orr report and the CJINI reports and recommendations have consistently identified the jail administration's intransigence as the main obstacle to a resolution.
It is they who hold the key to removing the causes of conflict.
NATHAN HASTINGS
Maghaberry Prison
