08/08/2003

Protest continues on prison roof

Four prisoners are continuing their protest on the roof of Maghaberry Prison today in protest in support of the segregation of paramilitary inmates at the Co Antrim jail.

The prisoners began their protest on Thursday night and at one point unfurled a large sheet with the words 'Segregation Now'. It follows a recent protest on top of the prison by loyalist, dissident republican and ordinary prisoners who want separate wings.

Army bomb disposal experts were called to deal with a number of suspect devices at the prison's numerous remand houses which turned out to be hoaxes.

Prison visits have also been suspended while the protest carries on.

Meanwhile, a man is being questioned by police after a standoff developed on top of a Belfast city centre building during the early hours of Friday morning.

A number of roads were closed and traffic affected as police tried to coax the man down.

It is believed the man was subsequently arrested in connection with an attempted robbery after negotiators eventually persuaded him to come down.

(MB)

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