Republicans and loyalists ‘co-operate in campaign to segregate prisons’

REPUBLICAN and loyalist paramilitaries are working hand in hand in the campaign to have the North’s prisons segregated, prison officers claimed last night.

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has accused the warring groups of orchestrating the campaign, with loyalists attacking the homes of staff on the outside while republican prisoners hold dirty protests and rooftop protests.

Four prisoners last night continued their protest on the roofs of two remand blocks of Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim. A ‘Segregation Now’ banner was held up by the prisoners.