17 Oct 2005

Solomons main prison quiet after sit-in protest

4:20 pm on 17 October 2005

The prison authorities in Solomon Islands say the situation at the main jail in Honiara is calm after a recent protest.

Inmates had staged a sit-in at Rove prison in a bid to get better conditions.

Dorothy Wickham reports.

"The Solomon Islands prison authorities say since the prisoners were forced back into their cells after a three-day sit-in protest, no-one has been causing further trouble. Prison officials say the prisoners were protesting against the refusal by the minister responsible for prisons, Augustine Taneko, to grant them access to television and private time with their wives. Minister Taneko says prison authorities will not be intimidated by challenges to their authority. he commended the police and prison authorities for their quick action and good management."