Imprisonment of Mike Farreil and Tony Canavan of Peoples Democracy represents one of the most blatant examples of political victimisation which has taken place in the Six Counties since the internment of Mike Farrellin 1971, which did much to expose and discredit the Stormont The charges which led to their arrests arose out of a PD march in Beltast on 10 February this year. The PD led a demonstration down the Falls Road to protest at the lack of action by the British Army to stem the tide of sectarian murders, the march was stopped in Castle Street near the City Centre by a massive force of soldiers. When Mike attempted to address a crowd from the top of an Saraceo ne brutally knocked to the ground. Subsequently a decision must have been made to 'ger" Farrell and Canavun, because it was not until May that summonses WETCALTEL.
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NAME There is an unwritten agreement in the North, won through mass resistance by Republican prisoners, that prisoners sentenced to over nine months on charges arising out of the present situation will get "political treatment, They will be allowed to wear their own clothes, will be kept with other political prisoners, will have more visits, will be allowed more letters, and have facilities to read and study. Had the PD comrades been given nine months they would have served SIX months, three months remission) Since they will refuse to wear prison clothes. of to work in the prison, as a matter of principle, Farrell will serve his full eight month sentence and Canavan six months, under much more one rous conditions. Mike and Tony are now held for 23 hours a day in a basement cell in Crumin Road jail, where they are threats from the loyalist prisoners in the wing. Unless they are given political status they will be placed a mongst these loyalists. When the comrades pointed out the physical danger they faced, the Governor promised thei that they would be placed in protective custody bur only after they had been attacked!
Farreit and Cancian have now gone for political status has been granted.
Anti-Interment League has launched a campaign to support them. Last Monday delegation from the AlL spoke to Stan Orme and Jock Stallard at the House of Commons, and obtained promises of action from them. But much more is subjected to a constant barrage of required. The AIL is circulating a petition which has already been signed by large numbers of shop stewards trade union branch secretaries, etc. If the demand for political status is not met by next Tuesday, 17 July, there will be u picket of the Home Office in Whitchall at 8.00 p.mn. In the meantime letters bould be sent to Whitelaw, demanding political status for Mike and Tony, Labour MPs must be contacted, and pressure apon hunger strike until their demand plied to get them to take up the case with Whitelaw and in tbe House. Do not delay act now!
For petitions, statements etc. contact Robin MacGovern, cjo Red Weekly. (and N.I.C.R.A.L RALLY Assemble 2.30 Speakers" Corner, march to Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehalt. JULY 15th.
Sheffield and Rotherham Conferenc Repression, Picketing and the Law The right to picket is under attack how the working class to defund itself again repression? Heer Arthur Seagilt Preside Yorkshire NUM), John Lebor (Labour P Department) Jim Kemp (Londo Joint. Sires Committeel, and Des Warre Showsbury Defence Committeel spe on repression, pickelimg, and the law. Sheffield City Hall, 11.30 Sat. 43th July Organsed by Sheffield & Rotherha Shrewsbury Defence Committee Delegate credentials at the door. Visit walcome.
'CROMELL'S IRELAND': Central Londar
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