RSF Welcomes Release of Hunger Strikers

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Monday March 23, 2009 19:41 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin tiocfaidh at btinternet dot com c/- 223, Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland +44-7835 620 592 / +353-87 261 8603

Republican Sinn Féin welcomes the release of two men from Antrim Barracks today. The 31-year-old and 27-year-old men had been held since Monday, 16th March. Upon their arrest the two embarked on a hunger strike.

Republican Sinn Féin welcomes the release of two men from Antrim Barracks today. The 31-year-old and 27-year-old men had been held since Monday, 16th March. Upon their arrest the two embarked on a hunger strike.

One of the men became seriously ill and was brought to an undisclosed hospital on Saturday night before being returned to the Barracks for further interrogation.

Their unconditional release vindicates criticisms made by Republican Sinn Féin against the widescale raids and arrests conducted over the course of the past fortnight. It was clear that these were simply a propaganda exercise, and were not based on any investigations by the RUC.

Republican Sinn Féin reiterates its demand for the immediate release of all those remaining in Antrim RUC Barracks. Two of those still being held have now been in custody for nearly a fortnight. Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol are due to take part in a 24-hour fast in solidarity with those being held in Antrim for unprecedented periods of time tomorrow (Tuesday).

ENDS