RSF

                           Des Long unveiling of Hunger Strike Memorial Bundoran
       
                                                 Hunger Strike Statement

Dear Editor,
                     I  was shocked when, I became aware that on 14th August 2012 four well known Tyrone Republican prisoners were forced to undertake a Hunger Strike. This is because they are been denied access to Republican landings in Maghaberry prison. They are still on Hunger Strike as i write this letter.
These prisoners are on remand because they were arrested and charged by crown forces. Every aspect of there arrest questioning and detention points to the fact of a suspicion by the authorities as to a political offence.

I have also come aware that they are been denied political status Not by there captors, but by a minuscule political organisation with its headquarters at 223 Parnell street , Dublin.

As a life long Republican and former member of the National H-Block committee and chairman and founding member, I find it unbelievable that any one would deny these men political status. I know that some of those denying were at one time members of there local H-Block committees. I must ask have they forgotten this or are they ashamed of that part of their lives.

I would take this opportunity to remind them that one of the slogans of the National H-Block committee,
                   
                               POLITICAL STATUS IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE

Is mise,

Des Long