Book Ban Lifted in Northern Irish Prison

A prison in Northern Ireland has lifted its ban on books, specifically books relating to terrorism, after a review by the Northern Ireland Prison Service decided the ban was “not proportionate” and ordered a change in policy. This change followed after The Guardian reported that Maghaberry prison was not allowing inmates to read Unfinished Business: the Politics of ‘Dissident’ Irish Republicanism, which was written by Marisa McGlinchey, who works a research fellow in political science at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University.

The prison originally stated the book was banned in order to keep the prison as a “neutral environment” but this was later changed after the public and prison inmates argued against the ban. In an interview with the BBC, the service’s director general, Ronnie Armour, said a review in policy had prompted the change. The prison released a statement saying it was a “changing organisation and learning organisation” and that new rules would be made.

“Books and other reading material will now be permitted unless they overtly promote or encourage the commissioning of criminal acts or otherwise break the law. Decisions will be taken on behalf of the governor of each prison, with a review process available at headquarters.”

The book Unfinished Business was published earlier this year and examines the radical republicans who accuse Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA of accepting partition and for apparently selling out the movement. The book includes interviews with around 90 republicans, some of whom are inmates at Maghaberry.

Interactions between prison staff and the republican inmates has often been violent. The New IRA murdered two prison guards in recent years and, following their deaths, the inmates reportedly smoked cigars in celebration.