1 July 2006
JAIL FOOD (sic) PROTEST ESCALATES
By Allison Morris
Daily Mirror
THE protest by republican prisoners in Maghaberry jail has escalated, it emerged yesterday.
Inmates with links to the Provisional IRA have now joined the action, refusing to eat meals in their cells as of this week.
Prisoners embarked on the tactic last week over conditions in the Roe House segregated wing where a restricted movement policy is operated by the prison service.
They said that by serving meals in their cells the Prison Service is flouting health regulations as cells are also fitted with toilets.
Initially only prisoners aligned with the Real IRA and Continuity IRA, were taking part.
They have also demanded more constructive education and association.
A spokesman for the Real IRA prisoners said: "The education programme is completely inadequate.
People who want to further their studies have no access to resources.
"By serving meals in our cells the idea is to keep us locked up and so increase the level of intimidation and degradation. It is not something we are prepared to accept.
"The paedophiles, rapists and child killers are given access to more facilities, education and freedom of movement than political prisoners."
