MLA'S LETTER 2 DAVID FORD -- Stormont Watch

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Date Posted: Sun, Feb 27 2011, 16:26:38 PST
Author: Civil rights network
Subject: MLA'S LETTER 2 DAVID FORD
In reply to: Civil Rights Network 's message, "HMP Maghaberry 'Torture'" on Sat, Feb 26 2011, 17:24:49 PST

LETTER TO DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE PARTY LEADER, STORMONT MINISTER OF JUSTICE, DATED 23/2/2011 FROM PAT RAMSEY, SDLP, and MLA. CIRCULATED BY THE DERRY & NORTH-WEST CIVIL RIGHTS NETWORK rights.civil@googlemail.com Civil Rights Network reference: http://republicanprisonersmaghaberry.com

Minister of Justice,
Dept. of Justice,
Block B,
Castle Buildings,
Stormont Estate,
Belfast BT4 3SG

Dear Minister,

I have received a letter from a constituent of mine in relation to the treatment of prisoners at Maghaberry Prison. In it, he describes the plight of one Damien McLaughlin who has given, in graphic detail, an idea of brutal treatment endured by him and fellow prisoners as a result of strip searches.

I enclose a snippet of the letter below:

“The men are led to a small cubicle by two prison officers and held there for around an hour if they refuse to co-operate, and at times a governor will read them the prison rules. Outside a riot squad is getting ready and they enter in full riot gear, helmets, shields, and body protection to overpower each individual prisoner. Their jeans and other outer garments go first, then shoes, socks, vests and even boxer shorts are forcibly removed, while one officer holds down the head, and others tightly grip arms and legs.

The prisoners describe this modus operandi in different ways, speaking of it as “agony” or “extremely painful”. They write that often it is “hard to breath because of gloves covering face and mouth”. This mainly happens before court appearances, and often the clothes are actually cut off. On their return from court, the whole ordeal is repeated again, before the prisoner is escorted to his cell, more times than not, suffering great stress and pain. What their relatives are going through I can only guess at and no wonder they are protesting.”

Can you investigate this as a matter of urgency and write to me with the outcome of the investigation. I know we both share a desire to ensure that those in prisons here are treated with respect and dignity, and I sincerely hope that the practices outlined in the letter are not taking place against any guidelines issued by your Department.

Sincerely,

Pat Ramsey, MLA.

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>LETTER TO DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE PARTY LEADER, STORMONT >MINISTER OF JUSTICE, DATED 23/2/2011 FROM PAT RAMSEY, >SDLP, and MLA. CIRCULATED BY THE DERRY & NORTH-WEST >CIVIL RIGHTS NETWORK rights.civil@googlemail.com Civil >Rights Network reference: <a rel=nofollow >target=_blank >href="http://republicanprisonersmaghaberry.com">http:// >republicanprisonersmaghaberry.com</a> > >Minister of Justice, >Dept. of Justice, >Block B, >Castle Buildings, >Stormont Estate, >Belfast BT4 3SG > >Dear Minister, > >I have received a letter from a constituent of mine in >relation to the treatment of prisoners at Maghaberry >Prison. In it, he describes the plight of one Damien >McLaughlin who has given, in graphic detail, an idea >of brutal treatment endured by him and fellow >prisoners as a result of strip searches. > >I enclose a snippet of the letter below: > >“The men are led to a small cubicle by two prison >officers and held there for around an hour if they >refuse to co-operate, and at times a governor will >read them the prison rules. Outside a riot squad is >getting ready and they enter in full riot gear, >helmets, shields, and body protection to overpower >each individual prisoner. Their jeans and other outer >garments go first, then shoes, socks, vests and even >boxer shorts are forcibly removed, while one officer >holds down the head, and others tightly grip arms and >legs. > >The prisoners describe this modus operandi in >different ways, speaking of it as “agony” or >“extremely painful”. They write that often it is “hard >to breath because of gloves covering face and mouth”. >This mainly happens before court appearances, and >often the clothes are actually cut off. On their >return from court, the whole ordeal is repeated again, >before the prisoner is escorted to his cell, more >times than not, suffering great stress and pain. What >their relatives are going through I can only guess at >and no wonder they are protesting.” > >Can you investigate this as a matter of urgency and >write to me with the outcome of the investigation. I >know we both share a desire to ensure that those in >prisons here are treated with respect and dignity, and >I sincerely hope that the practices outlined in the >letter are not taking place against any guidelines >issued by your Department. > >Sincerely, > >Pat Ramsey, MLA.

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