Distretto Nord

Ex prigioniere ritornano ad Armagh per ricordare gli scioperi della fame del 1980/1981

Former prisoners return to jail to recall the 1980 hunger strike

Upwards of 25 republican ex-prisoners returned to Armagh Women’s Gaol to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1980 Hunger Strike.

Ex prigioniere repubblicane ad ArmaghWomen from Belfast joined others from across the North werer reunited last Thursday to mark this historic event in Irish history. They were joined by former Armagh chaplain Fr Raymond Murray and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew and Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, MLA.

Speaking afterwards former hunger striker Mary Doyle said: “This is obviously an emotional time for republicans the length and breath of Ireland and beyond as we mark 30 years since the 1980/81 Hunger Strikes.

“It was a very humbling experience for the women POWs, who were imprisoned at the time, to come together here today and mark this important occasion.

“When political status was withdrawn from republican prisoners in 1976, republican women in Armagh Prison reacted with a work strike and other acts of resistance. Punishment included strip searches, raids, beatings and the loss of educational opportunities and remission.”

Mary said that in February 1980 the prison administration attacked the women prisoners, assaulting them and withdrawing toilet facilities forcing the women to embark on a no-wash protest.

“In response we were locked in our cells for 23 hours a day as punishment,” she said.

“After seven comrades in Long Kesh embarked on a hunger strike on October 27, 1980, they were joined by myself, Mairéad Nugent and Mairéad Farrell on December 1.

“We felt it vitally important to return here today to remember those times and the journey we have travelled on since then and to take the opportunity to remember those comrades and friends who took a stand during the darkest days of struggle and are no longer here with us.”

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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