| Subject: Report on FSNC |
Author:
The Blanket
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Date Posted: 19:37:27 09/19/02 Thu
>
>Civil Rights Vets Launch Status Campaign
>
>In August, the October Fifth (1968 Civil Rights
>Veterans & Supporters) Association, (OFA), based on
>previous discussions and activity, pledged to
>establish a FULL STATUS NOW CAMPAIGN (FSNC).
>
>Le Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh
>
>This project was rooted in long-standing concern for
>the plight of republican prisoners in various jails.
>It gained even deeper significance as a result of the
>recent controversy surrounding the terms for
>compassionate parole granted to Mr. Ciaran McLaughlin,
>(serving 18 years at Maghaberry), to attend his two
>and a half year-old grandson's funeral. This case
>figured prominently in the media, and in this
>publication, soon afterwards. Such was mainly due to
>the fact that Mr. McLaughlin did not return to the
>prison, and remained at large for almost 72 hours. He
>insisted, as did many others including the civil
>rights' veterans, that this was the normal period
>associated with the death of a close relative.
>
>The OFA communicated directly on a number of occasions
>with the Prison Service and the NIO, on diverse issues
>and cases. The group worked closely with both families
>directly involved, over an extended period. During
>that time the condition of the child, Kyle McMonagle,
>steadily declined. Protest activities, some organized
>by the Irish Republican Prisoners' Welfare
>Association, included a joint families & OFA
>presentation to Derry City Council, various press
>releases / TV interviews, and a public advert
>supported by numerous community groups. The families
>believe that Ciaran would not have obtained two
>periods of compassionate parole, but for that
>high-profile campaign. However, when the child was at
>death's door, this prisoner and grandfather was not
>granted leave to join the families at Kyle's hospital
>bedside.
>
>Over the period of campaigning on this one case, the
>veterans became enlightened as to many facts that
>largely are not in the public domain. It was felt that
>their practical solidarity should be extended to
>include all republican and socialist prisoners, on
>both sides of the border, and in English gaols. This
>was viewed as a matter of great urgency.
>
>The OFA, which is not affiliated to any political
>party or militant grouping, feels that its
>independence may help to bring together diverse
>elements on the basis of humanitarian concerns. Above
>all, at this time, they argue, the focus should be on
>health, establishing rights on compassionate parole,
>education and physical safety. The latter factor is
>foremost in the minds of the families of prisoners
>held at Maghaberry, where, as a result of
>non-segregation, and being greatly outnumbered,
>republican prisoners have been subjected to a number
>of vicious, life-threatening attacks.
>
>A document drafted by Maghaberry prisoners on the
>issue of 'Human Rights', real or imagined, has been
>sent out to the OFA in recent days for its
>consideration, amendment and possible recommendations.
>Although the veterans are critical of the current
>state of affairs within the Human Rights Commission,
>they have opened up dialogue with that body on the
>question of prisoners' rights, and intend to highlight
>further the urgent need for segregation, especially
>within Maghaberry. In the week ending September 14th
>two high-profile commissioners, resigned from the HRC
>- a drastic action, publicly supported by the CR Vets.
>
>The CR veterans have stated that they are prepared to
>sponsor meetings of concerned relatives and their
>supporters, initially in the NorthWest. That
>initiative has been conveyed to other interested
>individuals and groups. However, it is noteworthy that
>the document now in circulation, which contained the
>proposal to establish the FSNC, did not sound over
>optimistic. It stated:
>
>"It is the belief of many that such a campaign is
>long overdue, but can only be built from the grass
>roots, upon whom its success or failure will depend.
>The relatives, we believe, should form the vanguard of
>any mobilization or organizational structure. All we
>can do at this stage is to act as a springboard, to
>promote, and lobby for, the FSNC project. "
>
>In a follow-up communication , the OFA's
>sub-committee, set up to spearhead the FSNC, clearly
>spelt out a stark reality:
>
>"We cordially invite your response, for without some
>measure of support from those directly or indirectly
>concerned, the FSNC is unlikely to make any further
>progress."
>
>The veterans' carefully-chosen words reveal that they
>are fully conscious of their limited strength and
>resources. They, nor others inside or out, can no
>longer anticipate the support of a mass movement, as
>in the days of NICRA, People's Democracy or the Derry
>Citizens' Action Committee.
>
>But there is something about the FSNC's initial
>documents that evoke more than an echo of Duke Street,
>Burntollet or Bloody Sunday, and struggles going even
>further back.
>
>The letter to the gaols bears the signature of one of
>the last surviving spouses of the veterans of the War
>for Independence (1916-23). This elderly woman is also
>the FSNC's first patron, and a central contact point.
>In recent years, and in spite of her age, she remains
>the assistant secretary to the civil rights veterans
>association.
>
>The OFA has formulated its own independent pro-active
>ideas which are now in circulation. Some were
>implemented within a few days of establishing the FSNC
>steering group.
>
>The CR veterans continue to debate their "Strategy
>2003+ " document, but published all of an "Action
>List." The lattert includes the following items:
>
>1. Create an Internet forum as a matter of urgency.
>2. Produce an inexpensive periodic newsletter.
>3. Agree on a logo for a Full Status Now badge/button
>ASAP.
>4. Write to all known political prisoners
[affiliated, 'abandoned' and/or 'independent' ]. This
>direct communication would invite the views of
>prisoners themselves, seek reports from each gaol, and
>any other matters deemed relevant by relatives or
>supporters.
>5. Issue an invitation, publicly and/or on a
>one-to-one basis, to like-minded individuals and
>mutually concerned groups to join the FSNCampaign's
>Patrons List.
>
>Those wishing to put forward other ideas, or send
>messages of support to the FSNC steering group have
>been cordially invited to communicate via
>
>fsncampaign@hotmail.com
>OR
>oct5th_vets68@hotmail.com ASAP.
>
>
>UPDATE
>
>The FSNC have agreed a logo and is circulating a
>'business card' bearing such. Plans for a
>badge/button, with the logo as its centrepiece, are
>going ahead with the help of supporters in the U.S.
>The letter to non-remand prisoners in Belmarsh, Full
>Sutton, Maghaberry, Portlaoise, Whitefield and
>Whitemoor has been agreed and individually signed.
>Delivery of such, to between 50-60 sentenced
>prisoners, is anticipated before the end of September.
>
>Probably, the most significant step taken at such a
>formative stage in the FSNCampaign was the speedy
>creation of an Internet forum. Being the first item on
>the released OFA "Action List" , such reveals an
>understanding of the need for international exposure,
>communication and solidarity. Appropriately October
>5th has been chosen as the official launch date.
>However, readers of The Blanket can access it now via
>http://www.voy.com/102812/
>
>
>
>Fionnbarra Ó Dochartaigh was a Co-founder of NICRA
>(Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association) (1967)
>
>
>
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