Shattering the Myth of Impenetrability
Many prisoners see attempting escape as a political duty. No matter the success, an escape operation allows prisoners to continue their struggle on the inside, regain control over their lives as political subjects, and reject the captor’s attempts at silencing their revolutionary movement in a major counter-propaganda narrative that the prisoners themselves create.
These operations send a message of warning to colonial and imperialist jailers that prisoners remain unbroken and undeterred in gaining their freedom on their own terms, by any means necessary.
Sean “Shibby” Middleborough
Palestine Action actionist Shibby of the Filton25 had been a political prisoner for almost two years before he escaped the U.K. criminal injustice system.
In October 2025, he was granted temporary bail to attend his brother’s wedding and used this as an opportunity to escape the clutches of imperialist captivity to live underground.
Since then, Shibby has interviewed with journalists about his experience and continues to advocate to Abolish the Terror Law and free his comrades in the Filton25.
Freedom Tunnel
In 2021, six Palestinian prisoners shattered the illusion of unbreakable Zionist captivity during their escape from the maximum-security Gilboa prison.
Political prisoners and freedom fighters Zakaria Zubeidi, Mahmoud Ardah, Yaqoub Qadri, Mohamed Ardah, Munadil Nfeiat, and Ayham Kmanji dug a tunnel using nothing but spoons. The men evaded capture for two weeks.
The Palestinian Resistance has since secured the release of Zakaria, Mahmoud, Ayham, and Mohamed in the Toufan Al-Ahrar prisoner exchange.
The Great Escape
In 1983 in occupied Northern Ireland, 38 members of the Irish Republican Army escaped from prison using smuggled weapons and hijacking a food delivery truck.
Despite half of the prisoners being recaptured within a few days, the other half ended up crossing into an IRA stronghold with some rejoining the struggle and others living underground for decades.
Many jail breaks by IRA political prisoners preceded this, but this was the biggest prison escape in UK history.
Assata Shakur
In 1979, incarcerated Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur was broken out of prison by her comrades.
Before her escape, Assata was inside for six years enduring torture at the hands of American prison guards and even gave birth to her daughter while in shackles.
After many years of living underground, Assata eventually emerged into the public in Cuba after the government granted her political asylum.
In September 2025, Assata transitioned to be with the ancestors. Rest in Power, Assata!
Attempted Escapes
In 1970, Jonathan P. Jackson attempted to liberate the Soledad Brothers, including his brother George, through a hostage mission which resulted in his martyrdom. Just one year later, Black Panther Field Marshal and politicized prisoner George Jackson attempted an escape that resulted in his own martyrdom. We now commemorate these fallen comrades during Black August
Ed Mead of the Seattle-based George Jackson Brigade also attempted to escape prison multiple times during his 35 years of incarceration.
We honour our martyrs and we honour the revolutionary steadfastness of those who are still inside today. This is a struggle of victory or martyrdom!
