Irish Republican Prisoners James and Cillian McCormack

The Irish Republican Prisoner Welfare Association (IRPWA) reported that the political prisoners James and Cillian McCormack have now been transferred to Portlaoise prison where they are together with fellow political prisoners, based on pressure both from inside and outside the prisons. We hereby share the IRPWA solidarity declaration that demanded this transfer:

Saoradh and the IRPWA express our full support to Republican activists Cillian and James McCormack and their families following their recent remanding in the 26 counties.

It has transpired that both men were brought before a District Court rather than the Special Court, a development that raises serious questions about the subsequent arrangements for their imprisonment.

As a consequence, both Republicans have been remanded to Wheatfield, Cloverhill prison rather than Portlaoise Prison, where they would be accommodated alongside fellow Republican prisoners.

We view this development with deep concern and regard the separation of these men from their fellow Republican prisoners as a deliberate ploy by the Free State establishment. At a time when both men are facing serious charges, the circumstances of their detention and the decision to hold them outside the Republican prison community warrant scrutiny.

The prison system must not be used to isolate Republican prisoners or undermine the bonds of solidarity and mutual support that exist between them. The ability of prisoners to maintain contact with their comrades and access appropriate support is an important issue that must not be overlooked.

The IRPWA, working on the outside in conjunction with Republican prisoners in Portlaoise, is actively working in the background to secure the immediate transfer of both men. Every effort is being made to address this situation and ensure that James and Cillian are transferred to Portlaoise without further delay.

We commend those working to resolve this matter and reaffirm that neither man nor their families will be left to navigate these circumstances without support. The impact of imprisonment extends well beyond prison walls, placing considerable emotional and practical burdens on families who are already enduring a difficult and uncertain period.

We call for the immediate transfer of both men to Portlaoise Prison and for their rights, dignity and welfare to be respected throughout their detention.

The Free State authorities must be held accountable for decisions that affect the treatment, placement and welfare of Republican prisoners. We will continue to raise concerns wherever we believe prisoners are being subjected to unnecessary isolation or unfair treatment.

We reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside Republican activists and their families when they find themselves confronting the prison system and its consequences. Our solidarity must extend beyond words, through continued support, friendship and a willingness to assist those experiencing the effects of imprisonment.

At times of uncertainty and hardship, the strength of our communities is measured by our willingness to stand by those facing difficult circumstances and to support the families who carry so much of that burden.

Saoradh and the IRPWA send solidarity to James McCormack, Cillian McCormack and their families. They are in our thoughts at this time, and we urge the wider Republican community to remember the families affected and offer support wherever possible.