Detainees denied the right to pray

[jmatthan]

I know this is in the UK but I need help.

I am the owner / moderator of a group on mental health law and here is a post that just appeared from one of the best activist writers on our forum.

I hope you will make this known in every channel that you have access to.

Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 19:16:31 -0000

From: "Rosemary Moore" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Broadmoor Detainees Denied Right To Pray - Urgent Action Requested

Urgent action is requested to put pressure on the authorities to allow
Muslim detainees to pray in Broadmoor. Scott-Moncrieff, Harbour & Sinclair,
Solicitors acting for three detainees held under the Terrorism Act in
Broadmoor, wrote to Kate Lyons, Service Director for West London Mental
Health NHS Trust on 26 January, and the information in the letter has been
reproduced by Cageprisoners.com on its campaigning website today. See
below.

As many people as possible are asked to write to Kate Lyons (see below for
details and address). I would also suggest copying any supportive letter to
the Solicitors at [e-mail] and to the members of the Scrutiny
Committee of the Draft Mental Health Bill at [e-mail] who have
been taking written and oral evidence for several months, including from
Lucy Scott-Moncrieff (twice). The final session for oral evidence at
Portcullis House took place last Wednesday and a visit will be made to
Broadmoor by some members of the Committee this Wednesday, 9 February. (The
Committee will not have to produce its report until the end of March, so
there's still time to influence the findings.)

The letter from the Solicitors concludes with: "I would respectfully draw
your attention to article 9 of the Human Rights Act (1998) which declares
the freedom to manifest one's religion or belief. I am sure that the West
London Mental Health NHS Trust would not wish to be found in breach of the
Act."

It should be pointed out that the Human Rights Act in respect of the right
to worship is being breached in respect of people of other faiths. I know,
because I visit people in Broadmoor. Patients cannot get to study or to
worship simply because staff are not available to escort them.

Also on Wednesday, 9 February, Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, will be
in the Boothroyd Room at Portcullis House, 4.30pm, (where the Scrutiny
Committee members took their oral evidence) - before the Human Rights
Committee to answer questions on The Government's response to the House of
Lords' Belmarsh Judgement. This is open to the public and will be broadcast
over the internet. www.parliamentlive.tv

http://www.cageprisoners.com/
Urgent Action Alert For Broadmoor Detainees Denied Right To Pray
Cageprisoners.com
07-02-2005
Cageprisoners.com learnt today that on numerous occasions in the past
few years the three brothers who are being held in Broadmoor high
security hospital under the Terrorism Act have been prevented from
praying at the requisite time.

As many are aware, the times of the Muslim prayer are governed by the
lunar cycle. At present, and for the coming months, the afternoon
prayer ('asr) time coincides with the period during which the detainees
attend swimming and other activities. This matter could simply be
resolved by the brothers praying before their activities, and thus
starting their activities a few minutes later or to be escorted into
the corridor where they could then pray. The staff at Broadmoor often
accompany patients who need to leave the activity sessions (e.g. to use
the bathroom), therefore they could similar accompany the detainees for
the short time needed to fulfil their religious obligations.

ACT NOW!
Write to the Service Director of Broadmoor Hospital to complain and
request that the brothers be allowed to pray in the correct time.
Be calm and polite when making your complaint.

WHAT TO SAY:
* Explain the situation outlined above
* State that this relates to the following three detainees:
Detainee B, Luton Ward
Detainee M, Dunstable Ward
Mahmoud Abu-Rideh, Canterbury Ward
* That this has been continuing for several years and that Mahmoud Abu
Rideh has complained about it to no avail.
* Suggest possible action that could resolve this problem (i.e. that
they start their activites later; or that they are accompanied into the
corridor by members of staff, as is the case when someone needs to use
the toilet during an activity session). That this could easily resolve
the problem with little / no inconvenience to the staff at Broadmoor.
* Mention that this is a matter of great importance to the brothers who
are all devout Muslims and who derive comfort from their faith,
particularly at a time of great adversity for themselves. That praying
the prayer in its correct time, moreover at the earliest time for the
afternoon prayer in particular, is considered a religious obligation
and that the men believe they are sinful for failing to do so.
* Remind them of article 9 of the Human Rights Act (1998) which
declares the freedom to manifest one's religion or belief, and that
naturally the West London Mental NHS Trust would not want to be found
in breach of the Act.

WHO TO WRITE TO:
Please address all letters to:
Ms. Kate Lyons
Service Director
West London Mental Health NHS Trust
Broadmoor Hospital
Crowthorne
Berkshire
RG45 7EG

WHEN TO WRITE:
Now! Action needs to be taken urgently so please endeavour to send your
letters within the next 48 hours if possible.

If you have any further questions, please email us at
[e-mail]

Serving the Cage Prisoners in Guantanamo Bay
END OF ITEM FROM CAGEPRISONERS.COM website

Someone to contact for information on how to support the terrorist suspect
detainees is campaigner Ann Alexander who lives in the north of Scotland.
There is an interview with her on the Cageprisoners.com site which explains
her involvement.
http://www.cageprisoners.com/interviews.php?aid=4452
Campaigner Ann Alexander interview on Cage Prisoners website
Email Ann at [e-mail]

See also
http://www.cageprisoners.com/articles.php?aid=5193
for "G's" bail conditions which explains why others imprisoned in Belmarsh
are refusing bail.

================
posted by Rosemary
Surrey UK
www.mentalmagazine.co.uk
"Campaigning for good health & social care...it's for everyone"