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UK: Belmarsh High Security Unit

01 January 2006

It is established by Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights that those charged with a criminal offence have the right to adequate time and facilities for the preparation of their defence, the right to legal assistance and protection of lawyer/client communication. Apparently the European Convention on Human Rights does not apply to HMP Belmarsh. A number of prisoners remanded to the High Security Unit (HSU) there - predominantly but not exclusively Muslim prisoners, and all facing serious charges - have complained about the constant interference by prison staff in their preparations for trial.

IT is alleged that solicitors are routinely told that there are no slots available for legal visits and visits cannot be block-booked. They are told that legal papers, CDs and DVDs cannot be handed in on visits - even though they contain evidence it is essential the prisoners have the opportunity to examine - but must be sent in as "property", where they are routinely "lost" or take 6-8 weeks to reach the prisoners. Even in situations where the Crown Prosecution Service confirms that prisoners require access to laptops to adequately examine evidence, such facilities are routinely denied. Legal mail sent under the protection of rule 39 is routinely opened by staff. IT is also alleged that money sent to Muslim prisoners by Islamic charities has been stolen by staff. HMP Belmarsh HSU has a long track record in this regard - denying some advisers access on security grounds, copying legal mail and sending it to the police, and allowing surveillance devices to be placed in the jail. Solicitors denied access to their clients should learn from this and seek judicial review rather than engage in prolonged correspondence with the jail. Others concerned with prisoners rights can write and fax the Governor Claudia Stut at: HMP Belmarsh, Western Way, London SE28 OEB. Fax: 0208 331 4401.sti