Maze cells unlocked in easier regime
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.TERRORIST prisoners at Northern Ireland's top-security Maze jail are to be allowed to leave and enter their cells 24 hours a day.
The privilege is among a raft of new rules designed to ease the strict regime at the prison, 12 miles from Belfast.
The Northern Ireland Office would not comment today on reports that all 530 republican and loyalist inmates would be allowed keys to their cells. But a spokesman said: 'Prisoners will now have access to the sanitation block at all times.'
Inter-wing visits are to be allowed and prisoners will also be given an extended range of goods at the tuck shop and greater access to prescribed medicines.
The changes follow recommendations in a major report published in February by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Judge Stephen Tumim. The Nothern Ireland Office spokesman said: 'This is a major step forward in improving the relationship between inmates and prison officers. But the changes do not compromise security in any way.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments