THE annual Prisoners' Day returned to the Felons Club on Friday as part of Féile an Phobail.
Organised by republican ex-prisoner support group, Coiste Na nIarchimi, the focus this year was on the 50th anniversary of the ending of political status and the beginning of the prison protests.
Danny Morrison opened proceedings by outlining the political context surrounding the change in policy and its significance in March 1976.
A series of panel discussions then examined the experiences of those directly affected.
Eileen Morgan, Finlay McCauley, Jaz McCann and Fergus Ó hÍr reflected on the atmosphere and conditions in Crumlin Road Gaol and Armagh Gaol following the withdrawal of political status; the opening of the H-Blocks; the increasingly repressive regime in Armagh; and the conditions that endured as the situation deteriorated and protests escalated.
The event concluded with North Belfast MLA and former prisoner Carál Ní Chuilín speaking about the wider impact of the prison protests and hunger strikes, including their significance within the broader struggle, the emergence of Sinn Féin’s electoral strategy and the enduring legacy of the prison protests for future generations.
Michael Culbert from Coiste said: "Today was all about the narrative from the republican perspective. We reflected on many issues including internment, H Blocks and political status.
"The struggle has led to Sinn Féin becoming the largest party in Ireland.
"It is important to remind people that things didn't just happen. We heard from people involved in the struggle including ex-prisoners and it is important to hear first-hand from them.
"The narrative is very different from what you will hear in the dominant mainstream media.
"People need to understand the purpose of actions taken by republicans during the 1970s and 80s.
"It was great to be part of Féile once again."
