Loyalist warning over Maze protest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Loyalist paramilitaries warned the Government last night that if riot squads were sent in to deal with protesting inmates at the Maze prison outside Belfast "a price would be paid".
The threat from the Ulster Freedom Fighters, who have a reputation for shooting and beating prison officers, was sent to a news organisation in Belfast using a recognised codeword. It will not be taken lightly.
Loyalist inmates at the Maze staged rooftop protests yesterday in the wake of a proposed security clampdown arising from the recent discovery of an IRA escape tunnel at the jail.
Prisoners affiliated to the Ulster Defence Association set fire to two observation posts and broke out on to the roof of two "H-blocks" to display banners. Staff were withdrawn from nearby for their own safety.
The disturbances followed the introduction of extra security measures in the wake of the IRA attempt to stage a large-scale break-out. The measures include more random searches, twice-daily lock-ups and more head-counts. Ironically, IRA prisoners have accepted the new regime without demur, and yesterday gave no trouble.
John White, prisons spokesman for the Ulster Democratic Party, said unrest could spread outside the jail. He said: "The prisoners are very angry. They feel very strongly about it and are prepared to protest to prevent it happening, and so are the organisations on the outside."
It later emerged that Billy Wright, the Portadown loyalist recently jailed for intimidation, had joined the protest. He is associated with a small but militant breakaway loyalist group.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments