Hunger strikes by IRA prisoners, including Bobby Sands, in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

a group of Irish Republican Army (IRA) prisoners in Northern Ireland, led by Bobby Sands, initiated a series of hunger strikes to protest against the British government's refusal to grant them political prisoner status. The prisoners demanded to be treated as prisoners of war rather than criminals. Bobby Sands, a member of the IRA, began his hunger strike on behalf of the group. The hunger strikes garnered international attention and stirred up emotions both in Northern Ireland and abroad. Sands' deteriorating health became a focal point, attracting widespread support for the prisoners' cause. Despite various appeals for intervention, Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike, sparking outrage and further protests. The death of Bobby Sands and nine other hunger strikers had a significant impact on the political landscape of Northern Ireland. It fueled tensions and reignited the debate surrounding the rights of IRA prisoners. The British government eventually made some concessions to the prisoners' demands following the deaths, but the legacy of the hunger strikes continued to shape the conflict in Northern Ireland for years to come. #IRA #NorthernIreland #HungerStrikes #BobbySands #PoliticalPrisoners #Conflict