Negotiators used to resolve 'peaceful protest' at prison

Prisoners refused to re-enter cells from exercise yard

Negotiators were used to help resolve a protest at the Isle of Man Prison yesterday (11 August).

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the incident - which they described as ‘peaceful - was concluded by 10pm last night.

A small number of prisoners had refused to return to their cells after using the exercise yard.

Manx Radio understands it was in protest to the amount of time they were having to spend in their cells due to low staffing levels.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs told Manx Radio: "We take the wellbeing of those in our care seriously and prisoners were offered food, water and medication throughout.

"Staff will continue to engage with those prisoners regarding their concerns.

"We are grateful to the many prison staff who worked throughout the day and into the evening to deal with this isolated incident in a professional and safe manner."

There were no injuries to staff or prisoners.

The DHA has confirmed that, as part of standard procedures, phone access was temporarily restricted during the incident to maintain security.

The negotiators were also used to relay information between prisoners and senior officials.

The monthly Prisoners' Council - between prisoner representatives and heads of service - was postponed as a result yesterday.

This is normally the opportunity to formally resolve issues or concerns.

The DHA adds prisoners are continuing to have daily access to exercise, visits, work placements and education despite a reduction in time they are allowed out of their cells.