FIFTEEN Loyalist Volunteer Force inmates have begun a hunger strike in protest at conditions in the Maze Prison. The men are claiming that unfair restrictions are being placed on their freedom of movement in the jail.
The LVF group is led by the dissident Portadown loyalist, Billy Wright, who is serving an eight year sentence for threatening to kill a woman.
The prisoners are understood to have refused tea on Tuesday night and all food since. The LVF, which was banned earlier this week by the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, is comprised mainly of former UVF members opposed to the loyalist ceasefire and the peace process.
It is believed to have been responsible for two murders during the past year. Last month it abducted and killed a leading GAA figure, Mr Sean Brown, in Bellaghy, Co Derry, and it shot dead Catholic taxidriver, Mr Michael McGoldrick, in Lurgan, Co Armagh, during last summer's Drumcree standoff.
Last weekend it issued statements threatening prison officers and Southern tourists. The LVF prisoners are warning that they will stay on hunger strike until conditions in the Maze improve.
The Northern Ireland Office yesterday said that it did not confirm hunger strikes until after 24 hours. Protestant pastor and former loyalist prisoner, the Rev Kenny McClinton, visited Billy Wright in jail yesterday in an attempt to resolve the dispute.