Duffy family fury over prison visit problem

Colin Duffy was informed both his wife, Martine, and brother, Paul, were banned from visiting him in Maghaberry Prison. According to Colin Duffy’s campaign group no reason was given for the ban.

The Prison Service said concerns had been expressed about the behaviour of visitors to Mr Duffy, prompting a report to prison headquarters.

The Friends of Colin Duffy have strongly criticised the decision by the Prison Service.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the campaign group said: “No reasons were given for this arbitrary banning order.

“It is our understanding that the Duffy family are presently taking urgent legal advice with a view to challenging the prison authorities’ prohibition of visits by immediate family members. We expect that such a challenge will be mounted through the courts in the coming days.

“This banning of family members from prison visits represents a serious breach of a prisoner’s human and civil rights.

“This latest oppressive and provocative move by the authorities at Maghaberry Prison is clearly designed to increase tensions both inside and outside the jail. It also represents a pre-meditated escalation by the prison authorities of their efforts to break the resolve of republican POWs in the ongoing campaign to achieve freedom of association and end to strip searches.

“It is patently obvious that the prison authorities and, indeed, David Ford, as so-called Justice minister, are permitting the unionist-dominated Prison Officers Association with its a long history of acting as ‘a force within a sectarian force’ to dictate conditions within Maghaberry Prison.

“We fully condemn this deliberate provocation and targeting of prisoners’ families, and call on all those interested in upholding human and civil rights to demand that this latest authoritarian and oppressive measure be immediately rescinded."

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Following a domestic visit to Mr Colin Duffy, a remand prisoner at Maghaberry prison, last weekend concerns were expressed about the behaviour of a number of visitors towards staff.

“These individuals have been written to by the prison, advising them that a full report on the incident will be sent to Prison Service headquarters, who will make a decision on whether or not to impose visiting restrictions.

“In determining if or not restrictions will be imposed, the human rights of the prisoner, especially in respect of Article 8, will be taken into consideration.

“Headquarters are awaiting the report from the prison and no decision has yet been taken in relation to the incident."