Death in Maghaberry prison of republican socialist

by Barry Sat Jun 09, 2007 16:28

This is the only section of Maghaberry with a policy of no closed circuit cameras . In the same week the files disappear from the Billy Wright enquiry i find this quite a disturbing development
I knew John well and am stunned at the news of his death . Deepest condolences to his family

by finn Sat Jun 09, 2007 18:44

Condolences to Johns family at this sad time for them.

have you a link to an mp3 of hte song anti social on that myspace page, please?

by for finn Sat Jun 09, 2007 19:33

www.myspace.com/ciaranabc

by jimmy Sat Jun 09, 2007 19:43

The statement below was issued by a spokesperson for 'teach na failte' the republican socialist prisoner support committee regarding Johns death.

Although John has not been a member of the RSM since his earlier release from Long Kesh since he had his sentence re-imposed I, on behalf of Teach na Failte and the RSM have been making representations on his behalf. A Teach na Failte delegation had met with the N.I.O. minister David Hanson and later met with high ranking officials of the Prison Service. Our objectives during these meetings was to break the deadlock within Maghaberry and specifically the conditions endured by the republican POW's. It was at our comrade Gerard Murray's Mothers funeral a few weeks ago that I became aware of the conditions endured by John, he was on Rule 32 in the notorious SSu and the screws were exacting a vengeance om him, continually torturing him. This was having a detrimental effect on his mental well-being, isolated and alone, at the mercy of sadistic screws. I immediately set about contacting officials from the N.I.O. I impressedd upon them the serious nature of Johns fragile mental condition and pressed for his transfer to the republican wings. John should have been on the republican wing as of right, he was in prison for an operation carried out by INLA which resulted in the execution of mass murderer British agent Billy Wright. I was told that John did not meet the criteria and that the PSNI had blocked his move to the republican wings. I pointed out the absurdity of this decision and reminded the prison Service and NIO of a Strabane former provo prisoner Kevin Murray who was put on the republican wing having received 6 months for a driving whilst dis-qualified. I continually pressed the N.I.O. and Prison service demanding John's transfer to the republican wing, I pointed out more than once that the republican socialist community will hold them responsible for any harm that may come John's way as a result of his treatment. At 9.30pm yesterday Alan Smith the senior Prison Service official telephoned me to pass on his condolences, I reminded him that I had made him more than aware to John's state of mind, he could offer no excuses but gave the customary excuse of 'I passed it on'. I told Alan Smith that it was the opinion of the RSM that they were reponsible for John's death and had exacted their revenge for the killing of brit agent Billy Wright, I then told him to f*ck away off as it was turning my stomach listening to him. It was a calculated decision to refuse John entrance to the republican wing, there are many ways in which to kill a man and the British used Rule 32 continual isolation to break John's spirit. They are reponsible for his death. RIP John.

by reibiliun Sat Jun 09, 2007 23:30

Just a thought..

The death of John Kennaway just as other deaths in custody... Roseanne Irvine & Terence Wheelock etc.

The possible extradition of Roisin McAliskey, imprisonment of others such as Noel Maguire and John Brady.

The imprisonment of Rossport 5 & the possible imprisonment of the Raytheon 9, NEW anti-terrorism laws of Brown look more like the introduction of "internment" again seems more possible. Criminalisation of Political Prisoners, Political Status etc.

Criminal Justice Bill legislation on Bail laws will introduce changes to the bail, to the right to silence, and reduce judge's discretion on mandatory sentencing. Stop and Search.. Immagration laws.. The list is endless.

Surely there needs to be a unified acknowlegement of these continued repressive state measures shows clearly no signs of changing.

A unified collective voice made up of concerned relatives/activists, support groups and other interested bodies is required now to issue support, information and protest on this continuing wave of injustice by the state.

RIP John

by Joe Sun Jun 10, 2007 00:26

RIP

by Black Guard Detachment - Libertarian / Anarchist Sun Jun 10, 2007 02:46

I had my differences with John but most sincere and deepest condolences on behalf of many in the libertarian / anarchist movement... The role of BW and others in the loyalist death squads has been underestimated and under-reported. If John had any role in what happened to BW it is to his lasting credit. As Durruti said 'There is a time to act.' Deep sadness for the loss to his own family. Go n´eirí an bothár leat.

by gan ainm - Belfast ABC Mon Jun 11, 2007 18:38

The word in west Belfast is that John Kenneways body has been removed from the wake house by the PSNI to facilitate further investigation into the cause of death.

by gary - gary Thu Jun 14, 2007 13:31

to all the people who dies in da prisons rest in peace ;)

by Mary Kelly Thu Jun 14, 2007 17:02

Last Easter sunday there was a report from Maghaberry of very aggressive treatment of republican prisoners. I wrote to the NIO & Governor about this, and no response.
Deepest sympathy to John 's family. I hope they are supported to get justice. The Irish Human Rights Commission should be investigating this case, and the severe conditions affecting prisoners & their families.

by Pete B Thu Jun 14, 2007 18:04

There you have it; so called Republicans in Government and The torture of Republican Prisoners still continues in the prisons.
No change from De Valera's time.

by fenianbandit - ballymena sons of eire Tue Jan 08, 2008 22:16

what a terrible thing to hear the untimely death of a dear comrade, remember mo chara, the laughter of our children will be our greatest revenge.R.I.P john