A group of dissident Republican prisoners was moved to separate accommodation at Northern Ireland's main top-security prison today, the authorities confirmed.
Around 20 republicans were moved after a review of safety at Maghaberry jail in Co Antrim recommended separating Loyalist and Republican inmates.
The prisoners were taken from the general population to a separate block at the jail after violent clashes between rival groups, and amid a "dirty protest" by dissident Republicans who smeared excrement around their cells.
A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Prison Service denied it was treating republicans favourably, but instead described the move as a "sensible, interim measure", ahead of full separation as recommended by the British government review.
He also denied allegations that the move had been brought forward after a senior Loyalist in the prison was threatened by Republicans.
The spokesman said the report into safety at the prison found there were shortcomings at present and it was important to implement its recommendations as soon as possible.
He said prison staff were already working towards providing Loyalists with their own accommodation.
"What we are doing is a sensible interim measure," he said.
"This is only a temporary step until such time when we can get everything in place to allow the complete separation of Loyalist and Republican prisoners who don't want to take part in the integrated regime."
The British government made the decision to separate the two groups from ordinary inmates - and, crucially, from each other - following recommendations in a report on prison safety published last week.
PA