Fifteen inmates in a high-risk unit at the Regina Correctional Centre have started a hunger strike.
They say they aren't allowed to go outside for exercise and are being denied cultural programming.
Saskatchewan Justice spokesman Drew Wilby says they were talking to the inmates on Monday to try to end the hunger strike.
Wilby says inmates have access to a general education degree program as well as violence reduction, and they have access to an elder as well as a preacher.
He says some of the 15 having gang affiliations, so there are safety and security risks if all privileges are given.
A lawyer for one of the inmates says this is not the first time concerns have been raised, but nothing has been done to address them.
"Our staff is working with them to determine what the reasons are for the strike and we will attempt to address those concerns if possible," Wilby said.
"Our number 1 concern is community safety, in particular within our facilities — its the safety of our staff, the safety of the offenders who are there and well as the public who may be visiting the facility at any time."
(CKRM)
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