We have lessons to learn from the failed policy of internment despite the passing of 50 years

This week marks the 50th anniversary of internment without trial in the North. To mark its anniversary Cahal McLaughlin looks back at the origins of the notorious legislation, the impact it had and its ongoing legacy in terms of the ongoing fight for truth, justice and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Long Kesh prison camp as it was in 1971 at the start of internment. Reproduced with permission of Prisons Memory Archive.

Fifty years ago - on August 9, 1971, to be exact - the newly appointed Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Brian Faulkner, introduced a policy of internment without trial.

Faulkner had been part of the cabinet that had previously introduced the controversial policy during the 1950s, regarding it as part of the process that ended the IRA’s border campaign of that era.