Move dissidents to republican wing: former hunger striker

The Londonderry MLA claims the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is mistaken in its belief that the prisoners are under threat and that they should be removed from the jail’s Care and Supervision Unit.

Four of the five men - all from Tyrone - have been convicted for offences related to dissident republican activity.

A fifth faces charges in connection with the same.

Mr McCartney said: “We met five prisoners who are currently held in isolation because the NIO believes they are under threat. It is our view that these prisoners meet the criteria for admittance into the segregated regime in Roe House.

“We are of the opinion that these alleged threats are spurious as there is no clear evidence. Their continued isolation is wrong.”

He said the NIO and Theresa Villiers should immediately ensure the prisoners are transferred to Roe House.

“It is our intention to seek a meeting with Theresa Villiers to highlight our concerns about the ongoing isolation of these prisoners,” he said.