04/05/2006

Magilligan Prison rooftop protest ends

A rooftop protest at a Londonderry prison has come to an end.

Yesterday, two prisoners climbed onto the roof of a single story concrete building at Magilligan Prison after escaping after being moved across the prison yard.

It has been reported that during the 10-hour protest, the inmates started a fire, which prison wardens were able to extinguish and threw tiles from the roof.

The two men, who are both serving jail terms for robbery, demanded to speak with a Free Presbyterian Minister, and it is understood that they claimed to have been victimised by prison staff.

It has also emerged that the prisoners have requested to speak with the DUP's Gregory Campbell, who in turn has said that he is willing to meet with them.

However, Mr Campbell has admitted that he has no idea why the men wanted to speak with him.

He said: "One of the two prisoners, I understand, was due to be released in a few weeks. But I have no idea what the nature of any complaint might be."

The protest ended just after midnight and the pair were taken to the prison hospital for a full examination.

Visits to the jail were suspended yesterday but are expected to resume as normal today.

(EF/SP)

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