Sir, - On September 15th last, over 8,000 signatures calling for the release of Josephine Hayden were handed into the 26-county Department of Justice. The signatures were collected on the streets of Ireland, England, the US and through an Internet appeal worldwide.
For the past three-and-a-half years Josephine Hayden has been denied political status, while being held in what can only be described as Dickensian conditions in Limerick prison; this despite the fact that the male prisoners arrested with her have been accommodated in Portlaoise prison with special status.
In addition to this she has suffered from an on-going heart condition but has been denied release or parole on humanitarian grounds. She has also been denied visits with her partner, currently held in Portlaoise prison.
The Josephine Hayden Support Committee continues to campaign for Josephine's release on humanitarian grounds. Pending her release, Josephine Hayden should be accorded the same status as her comrades in Portlaoise prison. - Is mise,
Des Dalton, Runai, Josephine Hayden Support Committee, Parnell Street, Dublin 1.