INDECOM: Initial reports suggest aggrieved prisoners refused food
Published:Thursday | December 31, 2020 | 12:17 AM
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has countered statements made by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security Senator Matthew Samuda in relation to a hunger strike at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.
On Tuesday, Samuda shot down suggestions that a hunger strike took place or was ongoing at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, labelling the reports as “mischief making”.
The Gleaner had been informed that the inmates were protesting a night-search operation carried out by staff at the prison last week, alleging that that they were abused and their rights breached in the process.
Yesterday, INDECOM said that based on initial enquiries, some inmates had commenced a meal protest pursuant to their objection to a recent operation within the prison.
The commission, which probes allegations of abuse by agents of the State, said it is continuing its investigation to establish whether any abuse, assault occasioning bodily harm, or wounding took place and the nature and extent of the meal protest.
It said that it was granted access to prison records, having visited the facility on Tuesday and again yesterday.
Local human-rights lobby Stand Up For Jamaica had also raised concern over reports of inmates being abused at the facility and that a hunger strike began on Christmas Day based on statements its lawyers took from inmates at the Spanish Town-based facility.