A revolutionary New Year!

The Red Banner wishes all readers and political activists a healthy, successful and revolutionary 2013. Don’t forget that only our own struggle will bring the revolution and another world. Our slogan in 2013 remains; organise and hit back!

Progress seen in Bloody Sunday justice campaign

The Bloody Sunday families have welcomed news that former British soldiers may finally be questioned by the PSNI as part of a murder investigation into the killings. Relatives of the 14 people who died after British paratroopers opened fire on nationalist demonstrators in the city in 1972 were told of the development this week. Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie confirmed that a detective had finally been appointed to head a murder investigation into the Bloody Sunday killings.
A weekend of commemorative and protest events is due to take place next month to mark the 41st anniversary of the massacre and to demand 'an end to impunity'. A number of Bloody Sunday families had launched a campaign for justice following the release of the report of the Saville Inquiry in June 2010. That report forced a public apology from British Prime Minister David Cameron and an admission that those massacred had been innocent.

Efforts to bring to justice those responsible for ordering the killings are now finally underway. A wide range of witnesses are to be questioned, including the soldiers who carried out the shootings. A key focus of the investigation is likely to be the small number of soldiers directly involved in the gun attacks in Derry's Glenfada Park area. One soldier in particular, known as soldier F, is believed to have killed Bernard McGuigan, Patrick Doherty, Michael Kelly and possibly Michael McKinney.

The families were told that the investigation could be expanded if necessary. John Kelly, whose brother Michael was one of those killed, said the families were pleased with the outcome of the meeting. Bloody Sunday relative Joe McKinney, brother of murdered William, says he now has more faith in the process. “To be honest, I was starting to feel dejected after the events of 15 June 2010, to put it mildly. But police seem very positive and say they have to follow where their enquiries and the evidence lead. They say they have been relying heavily on the information contained within the Saville Report and they will now follow those key areas where Lord Saville pointed out there was murder committed. After today, I have more faith in the process.”

Sinn Féin assembly member Raymond McCartney welcomed the PSNI announcement that an investigation into the murders on Bloody Sunday has now begun. He said the families had been given a timeline on how the PSNI expect that investigation to progress, which would help the families monitor how the investigation is progressing. “Sinn Féin has supported the call by the families for a proper investigation to be carried out into the events of Bloody Sunday," he said. ”The announcement today that a full time team of PSNI officers have begun an investigation has to be welcomed as a step forward."

ANF / DERRY

Source: ANF NEWS AGENCY 24-12-2012

Hillsborough: justice is on its way

by Tony Patey

Campaigners hailed a "watershed" in the fight for truth and justice over the Hillsborough disaster today after the High Court threw out all of the original inquest verdicts from 1989. In a short hearing the verdict of accidental death for 96 Liverpool football fans who died in the crush at the Sheffield stadium were overturned and new inquests ordered. Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge and two other judges made the order after an application by the Attorney General Dominic Grieve who appeared in person - and families in the packed courtroom loudly applauded.

Lord Judge said there were "good grounds" for the application and described what happened on April 15 1989 as "catastrophic." He said there had been a "profound, almost palpable belief that justice has not been done and that it cannot be done until the full truth is revealed." He added: "We must record our admiration and respect for their determined search for the truth about the circumstances of the disaster and why and how it had occurred which, despite disappointments and setbacks, has continued for nearly a quarter of a century."

Lord Judge expressed regret that the process the families had gone through had been "so unbearingly dispiriting and prolonged." More than 40 relatives of the dead victims made the journey to London for the hearing, arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice by coach, while others watched by videolink from Liverpool. The application by Mr Grieve came in the wake of a damning Hillsborough Independent Panel report in September as well as new medical evidence revealing that 58 victims "definitely or probably" could have survived.

At the same time Home Secretary Theresa May announced a new police investigation into the disaster which will be led by former Durham chief constable Jon Stoddart. It will work closely with an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation launched in October into apparent police attempts to shift the blame for the tragedy onto those who died.  Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said: "This is a watershed moment on the road to justice for the families of the 96 and I share their overwhelming relief.

"We must all keep up the pressure that has driven the momentum over the last few months to make sure that the families get the justice they deserve." Michelle Carlile, 44, clutching a photograph of her brother Paul, 19, who died at Hillsborough, said: "It is bitter-sweet. We have known the truth for 23 years." Saunders Law managing director James Saunders, the solicitor representing the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: "After truth there must be justice." And Hillsborough Family Support Group chairman Trevor Hicks said: "Justice is on its way. Everything we've said has been proven to be correct. It's a huge step for the families of the loved ones, so it's a happier Christmas."

Source: The Morning Star  20-12-2012

The great cover-up continues

by Paddy McGuffin Home Affairs Reporter

A government report on collusion in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane which published its findings today was branded a sham and a whitewash by his widow. Mr Finucane was shot 14 times by loyalist paramilitaries in his home in 1989 just weeks after former Home Office minister Douglas Hogg claimed in the Commons that he had been briefed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) that some Northern Ireland solicitors were "unduly sympathetic to the cause of the IRA."

The murder has long been regarded as one of the most infamous of the Troubles and one of the clearest examples of security force collusion. The Finucane family have demanded a full independent inquiry into the killing. But the coalition reneged on a pledge by the previous administration and commissioned a review of the evidence by Sir Desmond de Silva QC instead - the report of which was published today.

Following the publication Prime Minister David Cameron rejected calls for an inquiry yet again, despite saying that Mr de Silva had presented evidence of "shocking" levels of collusion. Mr Cameron said the report clearly showed that British state agents had "actively furthered and facilitated the murder." But the report stopped short of laying any blame at the government's door and said that there was "no over-arching conspiracy."

Mr Finucane's widow Geraldine, who was injured in the attack, told a London press conference: "This report is not the truth." Ms Finucane renewed her call for a full public inquiry into the murder. She said the British government had suppressed the truth and tried to throw all blame on dead people and disbanded organisations while exonerating ministers, serving officers and existing security agencies. Ms Finucane said: "Yet another British government has engineered a suppression of the truth behind the murder of my husband Pat Finucane.

"At every turn it is clear that this report has done exactly what was required - to give the benefit of the doubt to the state, its Cabinet and ministers, to the army, to the intelligence services and to itself. "At every turn, dead witnesses have been blamed and defunct agencies found wanting. Serving personnel and active state departments appear to have been excused. "The dirt has been swept under the carpet without any serious attempt to lift the lid on what really happened to Pat and so many others.

"This report is a sham.  "This report is a whitewash. This report is a confidence trick dressed up as independent scrutiny and given invisible clothes of reliability.  "But most of all, most hurtful and insulting of all, this report is not the truth."

Source: The Morning Star 12-12-2012

Basque Country: Republican Sinn Féin condemn latest ETA move

Irish Republicans send message to Basque people

December 1, 2012

The latest ETA announcement to consider the disbanding of the organisation and the planned

decommissioning of the arsenals comes as no surprise, Republican Sinn Féin International
spokesperson Dieter Blumenfeld said.

Blumenfeld added: “Over the past years one could witness the ETA leadership trying to

follow in the footsteps of the Provisional leadership. Basque leader Otegi even went so far as
claiming there are no political prisoners in Ireland! The ETA leadership has been blinded
by Gerry Adams and company. Yet all the Provisional leadership gained by their reformist
and counterrevolutionary moves were a calm, luxury lifestyle and seats in a British
administration while true Irish Republicans are interned and harassed on a
daily basis.” “True Irish Republicans don’t give up their ideals for paid jobs and luxury lifestyle. True Irish Republicans continue to fight for a united Ireland, a democratic-socialist Republic and peace with justice.”

 “Neither the national question in the Basque country nor the question of the Basque political prisoners will be solved through disbanding and decommission of ETA. We know there are a big number of true Basque revolutionaries who fight for their people and their country and not for themselves and their careers as Adams, McGuiness and heir kitchen cabinet did. We of Republican Sinn Féin say to all Basque revolutionaries: Don’t let yourself be betrayed by a reformist leadership! The future of your children and the sacrifices of the martyrs are too important to give up the fight for a free and independent Basque Country!”

“Irish Republicans call on all true revolutionary forces in the Basque Country to study the true lessons of the Irish freedom struggle. Let’s join forces with the Irish revolutionaries and fight together for the liberation of our nations.” Republican Sinn Féin asks all true Basque revolutionaries to get in contact with the International Bureau of Republican Sinn Féin and establish links with Irish Republicans.

The International Bureau of Republican Sinn Féin can be contacted through:
international@rsf.ie and 0043 664 556 18 68.

Críoch/Ends.

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 03-12-2012

Statement from Continuity POWs, Roe 3, Maghaberry jail, Co Antrim

After a long period of deliberation, it has been decided that we the Continuity Irish Republican Army POWs will suspend our current phase of protest from Monday November 26, 2012 in order to give the prison regime another opportunity to acknowledge and implement the agreement all parties signed up to in August 2010.

As Republicans we undertook the agreement in good faith and committed to honour it, and as Republicans, at no time did we break our word. After a period of six months it became increasingly clear that in the tradition of Perfidious Albion the British Government had reneged on their word to implement that solution and so we resumed our protest.

Now after 18 months of this second phase of protest, we believe that we have shown the prison regime our resolve and determination to oppose conditions not befitting Republican Prisoners of War. We also believe we can afford them the opportunity at this juncture to implement the agreement. 

It is our hope that with this magnanimous gesture the prison regime will now honour their word. As Republicans we will not shirk our responsibility and we believe that it is now necessary for us to take this lead in bringing the agreement to its conclusion.

Like our Comrades on Roe 4, we assert that the resolving of this conflict lies squarely at the feet of David Ford and the British Government, despite Ford’s assertion to the contrary. Failure on the part of the British Government to implement the August 2010 Agreement in full, will result in a reemergence of conflict in the Jail

To all who have supported us up to this point, we ask for your continued support. We salute all people across the world who have worked on our behalf. We thank our families and our friends and CAHAIR who have given us unswerving support and assistance.

Signed O/C Maghaberry Prison

ENDS

http://www.iol.ie

    rsf.ie
Republican Sinn Fein

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 26-11-2012

Kurdish hunger strike stopped without results

The hunger strike by Kurdish prisoners in Turkish jails is over; 67 days after the action began on September 12. The end came after a call from the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, who is himself a prisoner on the island Imrali where he has been held since 1999. He made his call through his brother, Mehmet, who visited him in prison. Everyone who lived through the Irish hunger strikes of the 1980ties feels a sense of relief when a hunger strike ends without people dying. But we find it necessary to make some remarks with regard to this particular hunger strike, which could be important for future actions. At first we must take a good look at the words of Öcalan which ended the hunger strike.

Abdullah Öcalan said that he feels that the weapon of the hunger strike is not the right way to ensure that demands are met. He added that in his opinion hunger strikes should take place outside prisons en not behind bars. In his opinion the action could now be stopped because it had reached its goal. First of all it is strange that the Kurdish leader now rejects the hunger strike as a form of action, because since its foundation the PKK has made us of the hunger strike on many occasions. The hunger strikes in the past must have had the approval of Öcalan, because he has never acted to stop hunger strikes taking place. On the contrary. Furthermore it is ridiculous to say that hunger strikes must not take place in prisons, but outside. This is not a revolutionary way of looking at the issue.

A revolutionary who is not in prison tries to stay alive and fit as long as possible to continue the struggle against the enemy in the best possible way. You don’t try to undermine or weaken yourself, what clearly happens during a hunger strike. Going on hunger strike outside prison is wrong because you have many other ways to put pressure on your enemies or attack them. In prison it is a different story. There may be circumstances which make active resistance necessary and in such a case the hunger strike, as well as the uprising, are the only alternatives. You have no other weapons at your disposal. The only available weapon is your own body, and under special circumstances this weapons can be used. For example, when the prison regime is so inhuman that a struggle for improvement is the only way forward. The main demand in Ireland was that prisoners should be treated as prisoners of war, not criminals. That was a just demand, which in the end was met.

In the case of the Kurdish hunger strike you must ask yourself if the action was justified. The demands were very wide-ranging; Abdullah Öcalan should once again have the right to see his lawyers, the Kurdish language should become more accepted in Turkey and prison conditions must be improved. The third demand may justify a hunger strike, under certain conditions; the two other demands do not. Of these demands none has been met, so how Abdullah Öcalan can say that the goal has been reached is a complete mystery. Another point is that the first demand is not based on reality. The visit by his brother on November 17 was not the first time. Mehmet Öcalan was also on Imrali in September. So there was no question of total isolation.

To make one thing clear; it is good that the hunger strike is over and that no one has lost his or her life. But the question must be raised why all these sacrifices were necessary, if the action could so quickly be called off without any visible results. We must not forget that a long term hunger strike means terrible hardship, which is hard to understand by someone who has not experienced it from close by. Even now the hunger strike is over; many of the hunger strikers will have suffered enormous damage to their health. Organs are damaged and some of the damage becomes visible many years later. This is the bitter truth for everyone who has taken part in a long term hunger strike.   

We must note that the weapon of the hunger strike in the last few years have lost its sharpness. The authorities often ignore this form of action, and the press, both local as international, has little interest. It happens more often than not that the terrible sacrifices made by the hunger strikers are in vain. This is even more the case when the authorities suspect that a hunger strike will not be carried through until the end. For them this makes it easy to lean back en wait for the finish.

The conclusion must be that the weapon of the hunger strike must be used carefully and not too often. More ill-considered actions will make the damage only bigger and create more health problems to the people taking part. For the hunger strike the criteria is in fact the same as for the armed struggle in general. You don’t seek the direct confrontation unless you have at least a chance to score a victory. Without this chance it is just a waste of revolutionary lives.

Millions tell austerity-obsessed governments: stop the cuts

by Luke James

Millions of workers took to Europe's streets today to demand an end to economy-wrecking austerity. General strikes were held in Spain and Portugal, workers in Greece and Italy downed tools for several hours, rail workers walked out in Belgium and demonstrations were held across France. Hundreds protested outside the European Commission's building in London, one of 18 different solidarity demonstrations held in Britain. And thousands of others joined rallies all across Europe.

The historic strikes and demonstrations were called by the European Trade Union Confederation in response to the "social emergency." Spanish demonstrators came out in force on Tuesday night and unions said most of the country stayed away from work and joined one of the many huge rallies. Italian workers, furious at unelected technocrat Mario Monti's savage cuts, co-ordinated rolling strikes that brought air, sea and rail transport to a standstill. And thousands of Greek workers faced off with police outside the country's parliament in Athens.

Anti-poverty charity War on Want said one in four Greeks are now unemployed. Things are even worse for young people, three-fifths of whom are out of work. "Today is an important moment for the movement resisting savage austerity. Workers and communities across Europe and around the globe are paying a terrible price for a crisis they did not cause," War on Want campaigns director Ruth Tanner said. "(Britain's) government is continuing with failed economic policies which serve City bankers and tax-dodging corporations like Starbucks, Amazon and Google, rather than ordinary people."

Coalition of Resistance secretary Sam Fairbairn, whose group helped organise the London rally, said austerity had "unleashed misery" across Europe but it was "business as usual" for those who caused the crisis. TUC general secretary-designate Frances O'Grady also addressed today's rally. She said the government were allowing the "super-rich" to "snatch an ever larger share of the nation's wealth. "We need investment to grow greener industries and jobs, especially for young people - around a million of whom are still without work. "We need fair taxes to ensure big corporations pay their way and pay decent wages to all workers, not just to those at the top."

Source: The Morning Star Wednesday 14 November 2012

Obama stays in the White House

The media made it a close run race, but at the end of the day Obama got the votes he needed. He can stay in the White House for another 4 years. The previous 4 years have made little difference and it quickly became clear that too much had been expected of the first black American President in history. That he could not deliver everything he promised was a certain fact. But the feeling remains that he could have done more, much more. He now has a chance the make up for the opportunities he has thrown away. It is clear that we can expect very little from both big parties in de US. Both are tied to big business and both believe in capitalism. It is as simple as that.

It is said that the Democrats are moving to the left. Maybe that is the case and maybe this process will carry on. But the Americans have at present very little they can expect from politics. If there is something that makes watching the American elections worthwhile, it is that you get a view of what really is going on in the country. The US are usually just seen as a main player on the world stage, but what happens in their own backyard is mostly hidden from view. But when you do get a chance to see behind the curtains you are shocked by the poverty and the deprivation. This is supposed to be the richest nation in the world, but so many people are out of a job that you really can speak of an army of the unemployed. Another point is that thousands are losing their homes because the criminal banks gave them mortgages they could never repay.

Broken families, broken homes and broken hopes. That describes the United States of America in 2012. This is the country that Obama will lead for another 4 years. He has tried to help, especially by providing medical care. But it is not enough. It makes you wonder why the Americans put up with this. How can it be that millions of people are living in poverty? How can it be that many need to do 3 low paid jobs part-time and still not earn a living wage? How can it be that millions of youngsters have no prospects of a decent future? While all this is happening billions of dollars are spend on wars and weapons. With all these facts in mind you would expect the American people to rise up and take matters into their own hands. After all, the political parties have already shown that they can and will not help them. But there is no uprising, only some limited protests.

The reason is that the Americans have been brought up to see themselves as individuals. You solve your own problems and the problems of others are not you business. And if you cannot solve your own problems you’re a failure and that is your own fault. Solidarity and standing together to fight for the right things are commodities that rarely appear in the minds of the Americans. The system has done a good job. The old divide and rule game. It was not always like this. America used to have a strong Labour movement with trade unions that stood up for the rights of their members. They have been destroyed by corruption and being too close to the system. America is portrayed as the land of opportunities. But in fact there are opportunities for only a few, and poverty and hopelessness for the many.

This is the country which Obama will rule for another 4 years. Maybe in the coming years he will try to make more changes. He no longer has to worry about re-election, so he can take more risks. But that too will not be enough. If the American people want a real future, they will have to stand up for themselves. They have to learn the lessons from the battles of the past. And they have to learn once again that solidarity is the only way to beat the system. Individuals are easily picked off one by one. But when masses rise up, there is nothing the system can do. Maybe this will happen in a few years time.

They say that in 2018 the minorities in America will be the majority for the first time. Maybe than something will change forever. The old saying goes; united we stand, divided we fall. That should once again become the main slogan of the American working class. When that uprising comes America will in reality become the land of opportunities, and this time opportunities for the many, not the few.

RUC attack nationalists at bonfire in Newry

Press release from Joe Conway/Brendan Watters Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin, Newry on November 1, 2012:

IT has been brought to our attention that the activities of the renamed RUC, the PSNI, were totally over the top and irresponsibly provocative towards the nationalist residents of the Dromalane Quayside Close estates on the night of October 31. A family fun entertaining night was had by all down at the bonfire until four armoured RUC vehicles arrived and drove aggressively towards those who were standing watching the fire burn out.

The RUC/PSNI jumped from their vehicles pointing their weapons menacingly at children and ordering them to put their hands up while they get searched. Not surprisingly this got a response from those who were enjoying the Halloween festivities which soon turned to heated confrontations between the parents of those who were being subjected to the measures deployed by the armed police.

At one stage the parent of one local lad was handcuffed by the RUC personnel for simply taking his son away from the melee that was unfolding. The local resident was then un-cuffed when the neighbours all came to his assistance; by this time the police had tried to extinguish the bonfire, further infuriating the residents of the area who contacted us.

They told us that up to them there had been a great night of craic with everyone well behaved. However things took a turn for the worst when up to 50 riot squad members descended into the area armed with batons and shields and started to attack the youth of the area. By now upwards of 30 armoured land-rovers had sealed of the entire area and 50 baton wielding thugs with their faces covered were running amok with the inevitable results.

The youth of the area moblised themselves and fought back against the heavily armed militia for several hours; unfortunately several locals had their cars damage in the battle the raged for more than two hours. The residents of Dromalane are in no doubt were the blame for last nights trouble lies and that's with the RUC/PSNI who obviously had pre-planned this incursion into the area given the number of personnel and resources they put into the operation.

Would they RUC/PSNI not be better of trying to put resources into catching those who are robbing and violently attacking vulnerable pensioners in their homes rather than send their militia into areas such as Dromalane to use it as some kind of training ground exercise against those who have no faith nor support for the British backed RUC/PSNI.

We in Republican Sinn Féin commend the local youth in defending their area against the British armed forces and we unashamedly denounce and condemn those who support and work with them in anyway

Pro Joe Conway/Brendan Watters Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin, Newry.

World Action Day Republican Prisoners – Update

Republican Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member arrested at POW picket

At a POW picket in Lurgan, Co Armagh on the International Day of Action for Irish Republican POWs, October 27, Cáit Trainor, Ard Chomhairle member, Republican Sinn Féin, Armagh was arrested and taken to Lurgan barracks where she will be held until Monday. From there she will be taken to Hydebank jail in Belfast to serve a two-week sentence imposed in March this year at Craigavon courthouse. Cait was fined for ‘participating in and organising’ a march through Lurgan in January 2011 in support of Martin Corey, interned without trial in Maghaberry jail, Co Antrim, since his licence was revoked by the British secretary of state in 2010. Cáit refused to pay the fine of €700 imposed on her and so today was arrested after once again highlighting the plight of the POWs interned without charge or trial, and also by remand, in Maghaberry jail.  Pickets took place throughout Europe, in Canada and in the US on October 27 to bring awareness to the plight of the POWs. The ongoing protest in Maghaberry jail will continue to bring people onto the streets until full political status is restored, strip searching and controlled movement ended and freedom of association granted to the men.

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 27-10-2012

RSF condemns repression against protesters in Germany

Hamburg vigil on International POW-Day 2012 broken up by police

Vienna/Hamburg – German police forces broke up a vigil outside the Lithuanian Consulate on Saturday, October 27. The vigil was organised by Irish republicans of the “Maghaberry Awareness Group St. Pauli” to demand the release of Irish republican Michael Campbell who is held in a Lithuanian jail. October 27 was the International Day of Action for Irish republican prisoners 2012. About 50 local anarchists and Chechen socialists joined Irish republicans at a candlelight vigil at the Lithuanian Consulate at Grosse Bahnstrasse in the Altona district of Hamburg, Germany. The vigil lasted less than 30 minutes when it was broken up by German police forces threatening the arrest of all participants. The police said the protest is threatening property of the Lithuanian Consulate.

Republican Sinn Féin International spokesperson Dieter Blumenfeld condemned the repressive actions by German police forces against Irish republicans. He said: “October 27 was the International Day for Irish political prisoners. The arrest of Cáit Trainor at a protest in Lurgan and the breaking up of a peaceful picket in support of Michael Campbell in Germany shows that the reactionary and imperialist forces want to silence Irish republicanism.” “We commend all those taking part in the vigil for Michael Campbell in Hamburg, Germany. Every man and woman has a right to protest against injustice. On October 27 the German state has once again shown that they are the closest allies of the most undemocratic and repressive governments.” “The International Day for Irish republican prisoners 2012 was the most coordinate and broadest action for a free, united and democratic Ireland on an international level in decades. Irish republicans will not be deterred by any repression from their support for the POWs.” RSF International spokesperson Dieter Blumenfeld said.

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 28-10-2012

October 27 World Action Day Republican Prisoners

The following statement was received from the O/C of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol, Co Antrim, in October 2012:

“Greetings from the Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry jail to the activists, supporters and participants of the International Day of Action for Irish Republican Prisoners of War 2012.
 “We, the Republican Prisoners of War incarcerated in Maghaberry prison camp, wish to send greetings to those assembled all over the world today protesting on our behalf. “At present we are engaged in a ‘dirty protest’ to end the archaic practice of strip searching and 23-hour lock-down, and to secure conditions befitting of Prisoners of War.

The age-old British policy of criminalisation of Irish Republican prisoners is in full swing in
Maghaberry and as always we, as Republicans, will oppose this in anyway we can.
“We have been on this current phase of protest now for over 18 months and we see little movement from our captors. The conditions we endure are far from humane or acceptable, yet we will continue in ourstruggle until our demands are met. We have a duty to all Republicans and to those prisoners who may follow us.

“We find ourselves incarcerated due to British rule in Ireland and are part of the broader struggle for Irish independence. We take heart from gatherings such as this, that Irish Republicanism is alive and vibrant, kept alive by people like you. As Republican Prisoners of War we will not shy away from our duty and we salute all those in Ireland and abroad who work towards the independence of Ireland by any means necessary.“The support we have received from those across the world makes us more determined and resolute, we are indeed grateful for such support, and ask for your continued support and activism on our behalf.

“We applaud those of you who take to the streets all over the world in protest at the detention of true Republicans. “We will continue to resist all attempts by the British government to criminalise us and our struggle and with your continued support we are confident of victory.
“Onwards to the Republic! 

“Signed O/C Maghaberry Gaol,
“October 2012”

International Coordination Committee
'Support the POWs!'
For the support of the Irish Republican Prisoners held in Irish, English and Lithuanian jails...
web: http://supportthepows.irish-solidarity.net/
e-mail: supportthepows@irish-solidarity.net
tel: 0043 556 18 68

Irish Republican News

Martin Corey supporter jailed

A Lurgan man who took part in a protest in January 2011 demanding the release of interned Republican Martin Corey from Maghaberry Jail, was arrested at his home and taken to Maghaberry jail on Saturday October 13, 2012. Martin Duffy attended the rally in Lurgan, which was supported by up to 300 people at times, was subsequently arrested and charged with ‘participating and organising’ what the PSNI/RUC claimed was an illegal march. The march was a peaceful one throughout and the only illegal act pertaining to this is the illegal way in which Martin Corey is being held in jail on with no recourse to justice. 

Martin was one of many who were fined for taking part in the march and because he refused to pay the fine he spent a week in jail He was also fined for taking part in an Easter Commemoration in Lurgan last year, a fine he also refused to pay. The fines in total came to £1,200.  Martin was locked-down in what in commonly called the committal wing, well away from Roe House where Martin Corey is incarcerated, for 23-hours a day, with just one hour exercise in the yard. It took three days to organise phone call facilities and he was unable to shower for the whole week.  Martin Corey is still interned in Maghaberry jail despite a court ordering his release in July.

Full details on: http://www.releasemartincorey.com/

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 20-10-2012

UVF bomb bid on RSF Belfast office foiled

REPUBLICAN Sinn Féin was warned on Thursday, October 18 that the UVF was planning to attack its office on the Falls Road, Belfast. While this is not the first time the Republican Sinn Féin has been warned of impending attacks by loyalist death squads, it makes it none the less worrying.

It was reported on October 20 that the RUC/PSNI had discovered a viable pipe bomb during a house search at Kitchener Street in the Donegal Road area of South Belfast and that the that the “Sandy Row UVF were planning an attack on dissident (sic) republicans in west Belfast” namely the office of Republican Sinn Féin and one other target. 

The Sunday World said that the Republican Sinn Fein Offices on the Falls Road were one of two targets discussed. The other was a bar in the west of the city where it was alleged members of a so-called dissident group were working as doormen.

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 24-10-2012

Nobel Peace Prize for Europe – a joke

You must wonder if there is a need for something like the Nobel prize for peace. In fact, it’s everyone’s duty to do everything possible to maintain peace and prevent war. There is no need to have a special award for something like this. Usually a prize like this is no more than a bit of backslapping by the rich and powerful who have little better to do. But sometimes this goes just too far. Last week Norway announced that Europe as a whole had been awarded the Nobel prize for peace. Apparently this was done because Europe has managed to maintain peace since the Second World War.

This is the biggest lie that has ever come out of the Nobel committee. It is true that since 1945 a third world war has been avoided. But that does not mean that the countries of the European Union have only been involved in peaceful activities. First of all there was the cold war against the Soviet Union and other countries of the Warsaw Pact. For decades the European countries, especially Germany, did everything possible to destabilize the Soviet Union, and they were involved in every American threat made against the Warsaw Pact.

American nuclear weapons are still littering Europe, even though the cold war has been over for years. Then, what to think of the way Europe destroyed the former Yugoslavia? Again it was Germany who started the conflict on the Balkan by recognizing Croatia, which was illegally breaking away. This was the start of a bloody war in which NATO planes bombed Serbia at random. Thousands of people died as a result. Apparently the Nobel committee has forgotten this war on European soil. We can make a long list of interventions by Europe in the Middle East, sometimes open en sometimes in a more hidden way. But the results were always the same. More people killed, more destruction, and intervening in the affairs of other countries far beyond international laws.

If this is keeping the peace, it makes you wonder what war would look like. It is also said that the prize has been awarded to boost the European idea. It is this idea that has started the current financial crisis and which has plunged millions of people, especially in southern Europe, in poverty and unemployment. While the European idea is turning Europe more and more into a field of destruction, the clutter brains in Norway paint a picture of Europe that makes paradise look like a neglected backyard.

So why has this prize been awarded? We have already seen that it has nothing to do with peace. The answer is simple. The European leaders needed a boost to hide their panic and confusion over de Euro crisis. They were desperate for some good news while their system is collapsing with increasing pace. The peoples of Europe are rightly associating Europe en the EU with cutbacks, financial chaos and increasing police repression. That picture is right and in accordance with reality. But the European leaders want to show another side. A side which in reality does not exist. The Nobel committee has let itself be used for this unrealistic European propaganda. Propaganda, which hides the truth and paints a rosy picture of a bankrupt system.

We all know that the European leaders and the truth are a combination which does not match. It is logic that they try to draw others into this murky game. You cannot even blame them. But you can blame the Nobel committee which let itself be used in such an obvious way. The European leaders can now congratulate themselves with this so-called achievement. But they will not fool anybody. The peoples of Europe have taken a long time to see the truth about the EU and open their eyes. But now they know a propaganda lie when they see one. So in the end no one will benefit from this distasteful charade.

If the committee in Norway wanted to give a prize, they should have given it to the European peace movement which has fought for years against higher defence spending, war preparations, nuclear arms and foreign interventions. The millions who demonstrated and stood on picket lines. Who withstood police attacks and condemnation through the rightwing and establishment press.

They deserve this peace prize every year. But instead of getting a prize they are seen as troublemakers, traitors or the enemy within. This goes to show how serious the Oslo committee is when it comes to real peace. After this debacle the best thing is to abolish the prize altogether and have done with it. Before anymore sickening awards are made. It degrades prizes such as these and ignores the people who really care about peace. End of story, we would say.

Chavez sweeps to landslide win

Venezuela shows cuts-obsessed Europe how it's done with ringing endorsement of socialism and a welfare state. Socialist Hugo Chavez turned the tables dramatically on international right-wing propaganda yesterday to power his way to victory and retain his presidency in the Venezuelan elections. Fireworks exploded over the capital Caracas and supporters jumped for joy as Mr Chavez grabbed 54 per cent of a historic 80 per cent turnout for a fourth term after almost 14 years in office. As the president began another six-year term, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey welcomed the result as a "clear endorsement" of Mr Chavez's "progressive social policies."

The 58-year-old has been carrying out a self-styled socialist revolution - including building up a welfare state. This is in sharp contrast to the Westminster government's vicious hatchet job where Chancellor George Osborne has just announced billions worth of more cuts to benefits. Mr McCluskey congratulated the Venezuelan people on "holding another free and fair election." He added: "Once again Venezuela has shown why former US president Jimmy Carter has said it has the best election process in the world.  "There should be no support from our government to those extremist movements in Venezuela calling for the results to be rejected.

"Those people refusing to accept the views of the Venezuelan majority are the very same people who backed the coup against Hugo Chavez in 2002. They are certainly not democrats." He said: "Venezuela shows governments that put the needs of ordinary working people first can expect strong support at the ballot box. "Rather than making ordinary people bear the brunt of an economic crisis, governments in Europe might want to learn the obvious lessons from Venezuela." Mr McCluskey was a signatory to a letter to Foreign Secretary William Hague, along with MPs and leading figures from civil society, urging the British government to respect Venezuela's democratic processes.

His victory confirms Mr Chavez as one of Latin America's most commanding political figures. He left rival Henrique Capriles trailing at 45 per cent. He recently underwent three cancer surgeries. His supporters were chanting: "Chavez, the people are with you." On the cards could now be nationalisation plans for the banking, food and health industries. After his landslide win in 2006 he ordered takeovers in the telecoms, electricity and oil sectors.

Ahead of the elections the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign published an open letter from a group of leading British academics calling on sections of the media to end "misrepresentation" about polls in Venezuela. They were concerned much of the reporting of the polls was just reflecting the spin coming from the right-wing candidates' camp that the race was tight. Venezuela Solidarity Campaign co-ordinator Matt Willgress said: "Despite the negative media onslaught against President Chavez's electoral prospects he won a very convincing victory of nearly two million votes over his right-wing rival.

"This represents a fantastic further step forward for democracy and inclusion in Venezuela. It also represents a robust victory for those pursuing an agenda of social progress across Latin America. "We should demand an end to US hostility and that Venezuelans be left free to determine their own destiny."

Source: The Morning Star 09-10-2012

The West is looking for war

The reports in the media allow no room for doubt; the West is once again beating the war drums. And as usual the targets are in the Middle East. Not only Iran, but Syria too is in the sights of the NATO generals. The question is why all of this is happening now? To find an answer we must look at the recent history of the region. For years now the Americans have said that they want a completely new Middle East. And when they say such things we know that they mean that they want a Middle East which observes the orders from Washington. To create such a situation the Americans could go it alone. But they are hesitant about that. They always need partners to drag into the murky war business. It does not matter if they are called Blair or Merkel, Cameron or Rutte. The important thing is that there flag is there next to the stars and stripes.  

In the past the European nations were happy to take part. They liked showing off a little on the world stage, some still do. But after the lies that surrounded the Iraq war most heads of state are less eager to become involved. Their peoples are totally fed up with the losses and the high costs of yet another so-called humanitarian intervention. So finding partners is less easy for Washington. But the conflicts still happen and the pattern is always the same. They pick a country, recently it was Libya, and they start destabilising it. Out of nothing a rebel opposition appears and before you know it a new war has been created. At first this is seen as an internal conflict. A people that rises up against a dictator or a regime. But when we look at the so-called opposition forces or militias, we see a very different picture.

Most of the time they are build up out of Islamic militants, criminals, and hired soldiers. They have very little to with the people who make up the majority in such a country. We saw such a picture in Libya, for example. The rebels there would never have won if they did not have support from the West, mostly the Americans. The procedure is always the same. All of a sudden the rebels have weapons which they would normally never get their hands on. They also get other supplies and intelligence. To back them up further special forces, again mostly American or British, carry out secret operations in the country to sabotage and destabilise. When this is not enough the intervening powers create a so-called humanitarian disaster. There are reports of bloodbaths against civilians, there is lack of food and shelter, and naturally, they create a refugee problem. All these problems are blamed on the sitting regime, while it is in fact the West which creates these conditions.

When this stage has been reached things move forward quickly. The civilians need help, so the matter is taken to the United Nations. There must be sanctions and naturally a no-fly zone. To the uninformed observer a no-fly zone seems a good option. It should mean that the regime can no longer use air power to attack civilians and rebels. You would say that it is a good humanitarian measure. But no-fly zone is a term which does not means what it seems. In fact it is a license for NATO to carry out unlimited bombings in the country. That was very visible, first in Iraq and recently in Libya. The raids kill many civilians, but that is never mentioned. Without these measures the rebels would never have a chance, because they do not represent the majority of the people.

We now see a similar picture appearing in Syria. The rebels there are a similar mix as in Libya and most of the procedure has already been played out. The no-fly zone has already been discussed, but it is not yet in place because Russia is opposed. But it will come sooner or later and then the trigger happy Americans can start blasting away again. In the meantime, it has become clear that many people in Syria still back the regime. These pictures are naturally never or rarely shown on Western TV. They would undermine the picture the generals and politicians want to create.

How the confrontation in Syria will finish will depend on how long Russia can hold out against more Western aggression. The same goes for China which also backs Syria. But the next problem is already there; Iran and its nuclear program. Israel wants quick action to prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb, but the Americans hesitate. Not because they don’t want war, but because they are in the middle of an election year. They all know that Iran will not be an easy war, and they are afraid that the possible chaos will have a huge influence on the possible reelection of Obama.

We must ask ourselves if it is necessary to destroy the Iranian nuclear capability. The regime in Iran consisting of mad Mullahs and fascist militants deserves to be ousted as soon as possible. And it is certainly not a pleasant thought to see nuclear weapons in their hands. But even if they have the bomb, what can they do with it? Israel has its own nuclear weapons and the American arsenal can blow up the whole world many times over, let alone Iran. So even if the Iranian bomb becomes a reality they will never be able to use it. When they would try, their own country would be totally destroyed. So, in fact, the bomb is useless. It will only be of use to show off, just like the Iranian rockets which can hit European capitals. They have them, but cannot use them, even for blackmail, because there are thousands of rockets standing against them.

So what is the use of destroying the Iranian nuclear industry? It will destabilise the country and make the way free for the new Middle East which the Americans are so keen on. That is the only reason for all these conflicts, the increase of American power. Never believe the lies that it is for democracy or humanitarian purposes. Look at the countries where such interventions have already taken place or are ongoing. They are in total chaos and thousands of people have lost their lives. They have not become more democratic either. Usually Islamic hardliners start playing a leading role. For the Americans this is no problem. They are now creating the enemies for the future. Madness, you would say. But they are clever. The Americans need enemies all the time to keep their weapons industry going. Without this industry the American economy would collapse. If there were no new enemies the American people would never tolerate such a huge defence budget. So Washington is planning ahead and lining up new enemies for tomorrow.           

All this makes it essential that we oppose new wars and interventions. Not because we support regimes like in Syria or Iran. These regimes have no right to keep their own peoples in chains. But they must be destroyed by the peoples, not through Western intervention. Some on the left blindly support these regimes because they claim that they are anti imperialist. This is total nonsense, and we distance ourselves from such a point of view. We want to see a socialist Middle East where the people are in charge, not the Americans and not the Islamic fundamentalists. That is the only right stand to take. The view that the enemy of your enemy is automatically your friend does not work and is naïve to say the least.

So oppose all Western intervention in the Middle East or elsewhere and support every people who are trying to do away with their local tyrants. A new world can only emerge out of our own power. Every other way is a roadway to disaster.

Derry march charges re-instated in Marian Price case

Marian Price's lawyer said she was severely depressed and may not be fit to appear in court
ON September 5 charges against four people including former hunger striker Marian Price have been re-instated by the British Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

In May, a district judge said he would not return the four for trial as there were "no papers in front of him" and the charges were not proceeded with. However, the decision by the PPS means that the four will now face the original charges again. The three Derry men were freed but Marian Price continued to be held in custody because her licence had been revoked.

Marian Price (57) who appeared in court under her married name of Marian McGlinchey, from Stockman's Avenue in Belfast, was charged along with Paddy McDaid, 42, of Sackville Court, Frank Quigley, 29, of Elmwood Road and Marvin Canning, 50, of Glendara, all in Derry, in connection with managing and taking part in a meeting in support of a proscribed organisation.

They are due to appear at a preliminary enquiry at the city's Magistrate's Court on September 27. At the time of her first appearance on this charge in May 2011, it was announced that the British Secretary of Sate had revoked Marian Price's licence and she has remained in custody ever since. There are increasing concerns about the health of Marian Price.

Source: Republican Sinn Fein 22-09-2012