Two prisoners who have barricaded themselves in a disused guard tower at Auckland prison, also known as Paremoremo, say they are holding a silent protest against the Department of Corrections.
The inmates scaled the tower during an exercise break in the yard of Auckland Prison on Friday morning.
The pair wrote on a window on the tower Saturday afternoon, saying it is just a protest, and to contact lawyer Peter Williams, QC.
Mr Williams says he has not been contacted by either the prisoners or the department, but will act as a mediator if asked.
General manager of prison services Jeanette Burns says there is no shelter or comfort where they are, and prison staff will not provide food and water until they come down.
