Four suspected jihadists in the terrorists wing of Vught prison have gone on hunger strike, their lawyer said on Tuesday.

Among them is Azzedine C who is suspected of recruiting people to fight for Islamic State who went on a short-lived hunger strike in November. The others are from Arnhem and Amsterdam.

The four are protesting against the strict regime under which they are held, including being held in separate cells. ‘They are locked in their cells for 22 hours each day and are kept apart,’ according to their lawyer.

They also complain of being searched every time they have received visitors. In addition, they want to speak to a psychologist more often than the once a month they are currently allowed.

A justice ministry spokesman told the NRC that policy will not be changed by the hunger strike. The health of the prisoners will be monitored, he said.