Friday, February 18, 2005

URGENT: Broadmoor Detainees Denied Right To Pray

Dear Bros & Srs, Assalamo alaikum.
Please take a few minutes to send a message of hope for these bros by reading the following info & and taking appropriate action as per directions below. May Allah bless your efforts, ameen.

Subject: FW: [Cageprisoners.com] URGENT: Broadmoor Detainees Denied Right To Pray Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2005 16:01:38 +0000

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 fulfill their religious obligations

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 activities 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.


Please remain calm and polite when making your complaint.

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 contact us at
contact@cageprisoners.com

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