Derry councillor calls for intervention to 'remedy' jail tensions

Tensions in Maghaberry Prison are high as a result of republican inmates going without jail-issued meals for almost a week, a Derry councillor has said.

Gary Donnelly, an independent councillor on Derry City and Strabane District Council, has called on the Independent Assessment Team, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Prisoner Ombudsman to “urgently intervene” to "remedy the situation before it deteriorates."

Cllr Donnelly was speaking after visiting a republican prisoner from |Derry yesterday.

He said: “After attending a jail visit with a Republican Political Prisoner from Derry I was disturbed to learn that Irish Republican Prisoner Welfare Association supported prisoners on Roe 4, Maghaberry gaol have gone without jail-issued meals since Thursday 20th August 2015.

“This is particularly worrying given the current medical issues of some prisoners, such as diabetes. meals which republican prisoners depend on for sustenance and nutrition.

“Tensions were heightened last week when the jail administration decided to close the servery ‘hatch’ to the kitchen on Roe 4 landing without explanation.

“There has never been any issues with the hatch being opened before. The only effect it is having now is that it now restricts ventilation and access to the kitchen during meal times for RPPs.

“This further fuelling of conflict by the jail administration advances nothing for all parties involved.

“Republican prisoners over the years have been on record countless times calling for a conflict-free living environment within Roe House.

“The NIO/MI5/POA nexus which acts with virtual oversight and impunity must be challenged. I would further echo the call on the Independent Assessment Team, the International Committee Red Cross and the Prisoner Ombudsman to urgently intervene to remedy the situation before it deteriorates.”