The Irish Republican Socialist Party Ard Comhairle spokesperson Mr. John Hogan has condemned "French and Spanish authorities of collaboration with the arrest of seven in France stating "When has it become illegal to become a communist? - These people are communists, not terrorists!"

Following a packed public meeting in Derry, supporting hunger strikers and their relatives in Turkey Mr Hogan stated "The arrest of several members of the PCE(r) and GRAPO clearly demonstrates the true fascist nature of the Popular Party in Spain. The Franco-Spanish collaboration in this incident obviously indicates to a greater level of cooperation between European states.

"A united states of Europe does not merely begin and end with lucrative contracts of exports. This act speaks volumes to the working class throughout Europe, its business for some and prison for the rest of us!

Mr Hogan concluded by saying, "The Irish Republican Socialist Party add to the international demand for the immediate release of imprisoned communists. We call on every one, republicans and socialists, and to everyone involved in the fight against imperialism to unite against the continued incarceration of our comrades now being held both in France and in Spain."

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