On August 9th 2013, thousands of Irish Republicans joined together to highlight the ongoing Internment of POWs' and to commemorate those men & women held in Armagh, Crumlin Road and Long Kesh between 1971 - 1975. The huge numbers at the march was very heartening to witness and be part of and the unity of purpose experienced by all made a massive statement. I'm aware that S/F, Britain, the Media and Unionism attempted to water down the message of the march through lies, propaganda and smears. However, everyone who attended and watched know that the only issue in the minds of all was to demonstrate our opposition to the unjust use of Internment against Irish citizens.
Even though, they wheeled-out the usual Propagandists with their poison pens to issue lies against the Anti-Internment League and it's march. They not only failed to demonise the organisers, bands and marchers but also ignored the ongoing Internment of Lurgan Republican, Martin Corey. Who has been inside for over three years under the orders of successive British Secretaries of State. Prior to his arrest in 2010, Martin had already served 18 years in Long Kesh for IRA Activities. As with Marion Price, Martin's Life Sentence was revoked by the British & Stormont Governments. Thankfully, Marion is now free but her recent incarceration was costly to her health.
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It's not good enough to stand on the sidelines and remain silent whenever gross injustices against our fellow citizens take place. One must stand on the side of justice and advocate for the Human Rights of Ta, Martin and other POWs' held in Maghaberry. The situation of Michael Campbell from County Louth, currently imprisoned in Lithuania is yet another dubious case. As 'evidence' from British Intelligence Agents in MI6 ensured he was convicted. Michael's Appeal is due shortly and in the meantime he should be allowed to serve his sentence back to Ireland. .
If anyone wishes to send Ta McWilliams solidarity greetings to help and boost his morale. Please use the address below;
Even though, they wheeled-out the usual Propagandists with their poison pens to issue lies against the Anti-Internment League and it's march. They not only failed to demonise the organisers, bands and marchers but also ignored the ongoing Internment of Lurgan Republican, Martin Corey. Who has been inside for over three years under the orders of successive British Secretaries of State. Prior to his arrest in 2010, Martin had already served 18 years in Long Kesh for IRA Activities. As with Marion Price, Martin's Life Sentence was revoked by the British & Stormont Governments. Thankfully, Marion is now free but her recent incarceration was costly to her health.
Just this past Friday, the family of Ardoyne POW, Thomas (Ta) McWilliams was informed that his Life Sentence had like Martin Corey been revoked by the British Government. The respected Republican, had already served a lengthy prison sentence in the H-Blocks for IRA Activities. Since his political arrest last July by the RUC/PSNI, Ta has been held against his will on Roe 3. Separated from his Partner, Patricia, children and extended family. Over the past year, the British-Sponsored Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has did it's utmost to convict him of spurious charges but all their attempts have failed, due to no evidence. It is no coincidence that the 'charges' against him were about to be challenged in Court. Now, Ireland's enemies have opted to return him to prison on the grounds of his Life Sentence. Ensuring that he will now be held indefinitely at the 'mercy' of the British 'Judicial' System.
Having grown-up and spending time behind bars with Ta, I've no doubt he'll take his Internment as part and parcel of the Imperialist occupation of this part of Ireland. He is a very strong character and dedicated Republican. Although as a committed family-man, his concern will be for Patricia, his children and wider family. What the future holds, is anyone's guess. Sadly, as in Martin Corey's situation he could spend the next few years in Maghaberry. Unless that is, the numbers who turned out in Belfast against this type of injustice mobilise and demand his freedom and that of other Republicans also Interned! Without such a mobilisation, many more Irish citizens will be arrested, detained and incarcerated in British Prisons!
It's not good enough to stand on the sidelines and remain silent whenever gross injustices against our fellow citizens take place. One must stand on the side of justice and advocate for the Human Rights of Ta, Martin and other POWs' held in Maghaberry. The situation of Michael Campbell from County Louth, currently imprisoned in Lithuania is yet another dubious case. As 'evidence' from British Intelligence Agents in MI6 ensured he was convicted. Michael's Appeal is due shortly and in the meantime he should be allowed to serve his sentence back to Ireland. .
If anyone wishes to send Ta McWilliams solidarity greetings to help and boost his morale. Please use the address below;
Ta McWilliams
Republican Prisoner
Roe 3, Maghaberry Gaol,
17 Old Road
Ballinderry Upper
Lisburn
County Antrim
BT28 2PT.