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05/03/2009
Prison Officers Attacked In Mountjoy
Three prison officers have been injured during an attack in Mountjoy prison on Thursday morning.
One of the officers was taken to hospital following the attack in which prisoners on the B wing landing targeted officers at around 9.20am.
A group of prisoners tried to take keys from one officer during which a scuffle erupted. After the incident was brought under control by other prison staff, inmates threw the contents of their chamber pots into the landings.
Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Charlie Flanagan said the attack on prison officers in Mountjoy Prison is the latest symptom of chronic overcrowding in the State's prisons.
"Any attack on prison officers is extremely serious and a terrifying ordeal for the prison officers involved. However, the conditions in prisons have created a tinderbox and it is sadly unsurprising that violence has erupted.
"As well as overcrowding, this crisis has seen the return of the revolving door in which prisoners are released back on to the streets to make way for new arrivals."
(DW/JM)
One of the officers was taken to hospital following the attack in which prisoners on the B wing landing targeted officers at around 9.20am.
A group of prisoners tried to take keys from one officer during which a scuffle erupted. After the incident was brought under control by other prison staff, inmates threw the contents of their chamber pots into the landings.
Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Charlie Flanagan said the attack on prison officers in Mountjoy Prison is the latest symptom of chronic overcrowding in the State's prisons.
"Any attack on prison officers is extremely serious and a terrifying ordeal for the prison officers involved. However, the conditions in prisons have created a tinderbox and it is sadly unsurprising that violence has erupted.
"As well as overcrowding, this crisis has seen the return of the revolving door in which prisoners are released back on to the streets to make way for new arrivals."
(DW/JM)
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