Published Monday, 05 April 2010
Twenty-eight inmates blocked the doors of the room on Sunday - the day republicans traditionally commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin against British rule.
A suspicious object was thrown out into the corridor at 10am but bomb disposal officers later declared that it was not a viable explosive device.
The prisoners, who had been attending a Mass service in the hall, remained there overnight as supporters called for them to be granted political status inside the jail.
The incident is centred in the Roe House area of the jail, where republicans are housed away from other offenders.
It is understood there are only limited supplies of food inside the hall and no access to running water.
A cancellation of prison visits on Sunday has been extended through Monday and Tuesday.
The demonstration comes as dissident republicans continue to launch attacks throughout the province.
Meanwhile a small crowd gathered at Creggan Cemetery in Londonderry on Monday as dissidents marked the Easter rebellion.
Around 100 people watched as a masked man purporting to be from the Real IRA read out a brief statement.