On Thursday, February 1st, I visited Maghaberry Prison just outside of Lisburn, County Antrim in the occupied six counties. Maghaberry is where Irish Republican political prisoners are currently held in the north of Ireland. It is a continuation of the same diplock system that imprisoned men such as Bobby Sands and Patsy O’Hara in Long Kesh. Since the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, Political Status has been denied to republican prisoners. Conditions have improved over the years as these men have fought for various concessions, notably in 2003 and 2010. Currently, the main issue revolves around the issue of forced strip searches of prisoners. However, this is not why I went to Maghaberry. I went because visiting the imprisoned is a corporal work of mercy. I went hoping to brighten someone’s day and to offer compassion and hope.
The person I visited in Maghaberry, was Brendan McConville. Brendan has spent the last 15 years in Maghaberry for something that he did not do. He is one of the now well-known “Craigavon 2.” He along with the then 17-year-old John Paul Wooton, were convicted of the killing of an RUC/PSNI officer in 2009. The evidence included the word of a supposed witness, who somehow despite his terrible eyesight, was able to see from an impressive distance in the dark and rain. In addition, the work of the campaign advocating for their release was interfered with by Mi5 informant Dennis McFadden who ran the campaign’s online presence.
The plight of these two men reminds us of cases such as the Gilford Four, Maguire Seven, and Birmingham Six, when being Irish was good enough rather than actual guilt. These two men have spent the last 15 years in horrible conditions in an institution that is hostile to their very existence. As a Christian and someone who has dedicated my life to the Truth, I am duty-bound to speak out on their behalf and call for this miscarriage of justice to finally be ended. Brendan should be at home with his wife and family. John Paul, who has spent his entire adult life incarcerated, should be at home in his community. I hope and pray that justice will finally prevail in this case and these two can walk out as free men and finally get on with their lives.
Fr. Colm Mitchell
AUI National Secretary
Americans for a United Ireland 