NORTHERN IRELAND PRISON SERVICE
Room 321
Prison Service Headquarters
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
BELFAST BT4 3SU

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NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE
John Reid MP - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Adam Ingram MP - Minister of State
George Howarth MP - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Block B
Castle Buildings
Belfast BT4 3STGTN


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(SAMPLE LETTER)

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Mister John Reid MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Block B
Castle Buildings
Belfast BT4 3STGTN

(Today's Date)


Dear Mr. John Reid;

We are writing to express our growing concern for the treatment of Irish political prisoners at Maghaberry prison, and what are clearly highly unsafe conditions for this large group of men. 

We are aware that Republican political prisoners held at Maghaberry are being housed greatly outnumbered alongside Loyalist paramilitary prisoners, who have already viciously attacked a number of them. We are also aware that death warnings have been issued to the Republican prisoners at Maghaberry from inside the prison. We have read in recent news of the vicious attack on Ciaran McLaughlin, who was assaulted in his cell on Sunday April 7th as he lay sleeping, by a UDA-alligned prisoner. We recall the vicious and unprovoked attack in September of last year on John Martin Swift, who received 17 staples to his head, and 15 stitches to his face, following a brutal attack in which he was nearly killed by a gang of Loyalist paramilitary prisoners. We are certain that your offices do not wish to see such a dangerous situation go unchecked inside a government facility of your own jurisdiction.

We are also writing to express our grave concern over the treatment of the above-mentioned Republican prisoner Ciaran McLaughlin; who has made repeated applications for compassionate leave to visit his dying grandson, who doctors have said will die within the month. We are aware that Mr. McLaughlin and his wife raised this boy as if he was their own son. We know that his wife has offered to be incarcerated herself in his stead while he is visiting with his grandson, as security on his return. We are becoming concerned that Mr. McLaughlin will continue to be denied this brief opportunity to say goodbye to his beloved grandson until word is received that the little boy has died. We implore you to do your utmost to ensure that the dying wishes of a small boy are not victimized unnecessarily.

The favor of a reply is greatly appreciated.

Yours very sincerely;

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(Your Name, Address)