Sinn Fein has renewed calls for the release of a Derry man being held on remand at Maghaberry Prison.
Tony Taylor (pictured), a prominent member of the Republican Network for Unity group in the city, was returned to prison in March after his early release licence was suspended by the then British Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.
The 48-year-old was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 1994 after being injured in a premature explosion in Derry.
He was released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
In 2011 he was jailed for three years for possession of a rifle.
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has said his licence was revoked by the Parole Commission because of the risk he posed to the public.
However, there has been strong opposition to his continued detention.
Sinn Féin Justice Committee members, Declan Kearney, Pat Sheehan and Michaela Boyle, visited Maghaberry prison this week.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kearney said: “Our fact-finding delegation to Maghaberry prison set out to get an insight in relation to the current prison environment.
“During our visit we had an opportunity to meet with prisoners both from the integrated wings and also political prisoners in Roe House. In addition we met with prison management and those involved in delivering education, training and employability skills.
“Today’s visit was extremely informative in relation to the pace of prison reform.
“While much progress has been made in improving the quality of the prison environment for both prisoners and staff, it is clear there is some distance to go to deliver on the completion of comprehensive prison reform. Both political and ordinary prisoners, as well as members of staff, are all entitled to be treated with the highest standards of equality, respect and dignity.
“Our delegation also met with Tony Taylor, who is currently being wrongfully detained. He should be released from detention with immediate effect.
“We also met Brendan McConville who provided us with an update on the Justice for the Craigavon Two campaign. We discussed the serious concerns, which exist in relation to the convictions of Brendan and his co-accused John Paul Wooton.
“We will use today’s visit as the basis for further engagement with prison management and the Justice Department in relation to how prison reform should be maximised in the coming period.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.