Protection of Muslim prisoners to be discussed

The level of protection being given to Muslim prisoners,
particularly following the terrorist attacks in London, is to be
discussed today at a seminar held as part of the Zahid Mubarek
inquiry, writes Clare Jerrom.

Chair of the inquiry Mr Justice Keith has raised the issue as
one of major concern and he said he wants to find out what steps,
if any, are being taken to ensure Muslim prisoners have sufficient
protection from other inmates.

“The position of Muslims in prison is now high on the
agenda – not simply because Zahid Mubarek was a Muslim, but
also because of the significant increase in Muslim prisoners in
recent years and the possibility of reprisals against them by other
prisoners in the wake of recent terrorist outrages,” he
said.

Mr Justice Keith wants delegates to discuss whether the current
method for delivering race equality in individual prisons should be
reformed.

Currently race relations is overseen by prison officers who act
as race relations officers. But the chair questioned whether race
relations professionals should be brought in from outside the
Service.