17 September 1998 Edition
Release them now
The issue of political prisoners has been a central feature of the Peace Process since the beginning. Prisoners were instrumental in making the peace process a reality and in contributing towards the situation where ceasefires were put in place and maintained, underpinning the entire process.
The release of political prisoners formed a significant element of the Good Friday document and as a result an independent Prisoners Commission with international experience was established. This Commission has been doing its job well to date, and have recommended numerous prisoner releases.
However, the work of the Prisoners Commission seems to be frustrated by the Northern Ireland Office who have not acted according to the recommendations made. So far only a handful of prisoners have been released and no reasonable excuse has been forthcoming to explain why the other prisoners recommended for release by the Commission are still in jail.
It must be assumed that securocrats within the NIO are using their influence to minimise the number of prisoner realeases. This is having a severely detrimental effect within the community and undermining people's faith in the prospect of political progress. Such feelings are particularly acute in the wake of the speedy releases of the British army killers of Belfast teenager Peter McBride, which followed none of the agreed procedures.
The seriousness of the situation cannot be understated. This issue needs urgent attention and answers will have to be given as to what is holding up the process. There are no excuses for the delay. The prisoners must be released now.
The release of political prisoners formed a significant element of the Good Friday document and as a result an independent Prisoners Commission with international experience was established. This Commission has been doing its job well to date, and have recommended numerous prisoner releases.
However, the work of the Prisoners Commission seems to be frustrated by the Northern Ireland Office who have not acted according to the recommendations made. So far only a handful of prisoners have been released and no reasonable excuse has been forthcoming to explain why the other prisoners recommended for release by the Commission are still in jail.
It must be assumed that securocrats within the NIO are using their influence to minimise the number of prisoner realeases. This is having a severely detrimental effect within the community and undermining people's faith in the prospect of political progress. Such feelings are particularly acute in the wake of the speedy releases of the British army killers of Belfast teenager Peter McBride, which followed none of the agreed procedures.
The seriousness of the situation cannot be understated. This issue needs urgent attention and answers will have to be given as to what is holding up the process. There are no excuses for the delay. The prisoners must be released now.