Activists from Ógra Shinn Féin unveiled banners and held placards during the protest at Shipquay Gate.

The chairperson of the local group, Aoife McNaught, said they wanted the release of political prisoners all around the world, including Ireland.

"Christmas is the time of year when we traditionally remember all those imprisoned for their political beliefs. Ógra Shinn Féin held a number of vigils in the city centre on Saturday afternoon calling for their release.

"Christmas time is a time for families to spend time together as a joyful occasion but unfortunately some families will not have their joyous experiences this Christmas because their loved ones are being interned.

"Ógra Shinn Féin will be concentrating on this matter over the next month as we know it is a very important matter which must be resolved immediately. The vigils in Derry called for the release of these prisoners who were not released under the Good Friday agreement. We will also have The Cuban 5, Leonard Peltier and Pól Brennan at the forefront of our minds this coming week and month," she said.