Loyalism in Development

Until 1972, those prisoners held for political reasons were held in the exact same conditions as those who were non-political prisoners – but after a hunger-strike in Crumlin Road jail to have their political status recognised, ‘Special Category’ status was introduced for those found guilty of a ‘terror’ related offence. Special Category status meant that political prisoners could wear their own clothes, were held in segregated compounds depending on their paramilitary attachment, the Prison Authorities recognised the leadership structure of the armed groups within the prison, and prisoners could also hold lectures, congregate, drill and have much freedom within their own space and own activity in prison (McEvoy, 1998). By the beginning of 1973, 60 ‘Special Category’ loyalist prisoners were sent to the new Long Kesh facility (Green, 1998). While there was little segregation between loyalist prisoners when they first arrived at Long Kesh, in 1973 the UDA prisoners moved into their own compound away from the UVF/RHC. By March 1974, there were 11 compounds in the prison housing approximately 1,200 prisoners (Green, 1998). The UVF/RHC had a strict leadership hierarchy in Long Kesh, with a Commanding Officer overall and Officer Commanding (OC) for each compound. Each compound also had welfare and education officers and quartermasters (Green, 1998). Disciple and routine were encouraged by the leadership. This is highlighted by the UVF/ RHC standing orders for their volunteers at Long Kesh: • Reveille (wake-up call) at 0800; • 0900 – tidy personal areas and ensure personal cleanliness; • 10-1200 – all personnel detailed to duties; • 12-1400 – Dinner and rest period, all cooking and cleaning utensils to be cleaned by 1400; • 1400-1600 – All personnel detailed to duties; • 1600 – beds may be made down; • Volunteers in respective huts at 2100 hours prompt and will stand by doors for a headcount. Noise in huts to be kept to a minimum; and • 2400 – lights out, no talking (see Green, 1998).

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