Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

€2 a Month €5 a Month One-off amount
Castlereagh

Torture, abuse and a suspect's death: An RUC holding centre used during the Troubles

Bobby Hanvey was the only photographer allowed to take pictures before the building was demolished.
7.00pm, 2 Jan 2015
15.2k
112

OVER TWO DECADES, thousands of paramilitaries were held and questioned at Castlereagh RUC barracks in Belfast.

The holding centre was the subject of controversy as allegations about the treatment by police of those suspected of terrorists acts. In 1978, a suspect died in a holding centre, stirring up allegations of torture and physical abuse and these allegations were backed up by reports in the 1990s.

Burns Library at the Boston College has this collection of photos from 2002, which shows the inside of the holding centre. Bobby Hanvey was the only photographer allowed into the building before it was demolished.

Torture, abuse and a suspect's death: An RUC holding centre used during the Troubles
1 / 12

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Outside view of RUC station, Castlereagh, Belfast.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Medical room at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Warden's recreation room at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Cell block at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Holding centre and disused sanger at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Files and prisoner medical records at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Cell bed and chair at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • 6119977305_50ab32229c_o

    Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Shelves of cassette tapes used to record prisoner interviews.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Exercise cage for prisoners.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Shower area for prisoners at the RUC station.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

  • Castlereagh RUC Barracks

    Shelves of prisoner records.Source: Burns Library, Boston College

Read: Former IRA officer: ‘Gardaí colluded with us during the Troubles’>

Victim of Enniskillen Bombing: ‘I remember running around as if it was a horror movie’>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal

Author
View 112 comments
Send Tip or Correction
Close
112 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds
    The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie