Maze Prison: A Hidden Story of Chaos, Anarchy and Politics

The Maze Prison was a pawn in the partisan conflict in Northern Ireland, leading to a breakdown of norms, values, and control. This led to the killing of prison officers and countless allegations, denials, and obfuscations, as Prison Rules conflicted with claims to be treated as prisoners-of-war or given Special Category status.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 832 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2018
Publisher: Waterside Press

The Maze Prison, once a facility designed to incarcerate individuals involved in terrorism, atrocities, murder, and related crimes, found itself embroiled in the partisan conflict that engulfed Northern Ireland. This transformation resulted in a breakdown of norms, values, and control, as the authority shifted from Governors to Ministers, external officials, and even prisoners themselves. The consequences were devastating, leading to the (often arbitrary) killing of prison officers and a proliferation of allegations, denials, and obfuscations. The clash between Prison Rules and claims to be treated as prisoners-of-war or granted Special Category status created a complex web of conflicts. This poignant social document, offering a stark perspective on The Troubles and the Peace Process, cuts through the propaganda and base politics to unveil the truth about the H-Blocks, hunger strikes, escapes, and power struggles. Drawing from actual records and personal accounts, it challenges myths and legends, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential for a community to descend into what the author refers to as anomie. As an invaluable record of one of the most dangerous prisons in the world, The Maze Prison provides a crucial insight into the complexities of the conflict and its lasting impact on individuals and society.

Weight: 1332g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 63 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909976504