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Quran Violated At Macomer Prison
Background
Macomer Prison on the island of Sardinia in Italy continues to be used as a refuse for muslim prisoners facing terrorism offences, with several others now having been sent to this harsh prison isolated from the mainland and the watchful eyes of the public. Several inmates continue their hunger strike, one of which is in a life-threatening condition.
They are on hunger strike because of the horrific conditions that they are experiencing on a daily basis. Guards are deliberately trying to provoke prisoners, through daily aggressive cell search procedures which always involves handling the Qu’ran in a disrespectful manner whilst making disparaging remarks about the muslim faith. The inmates are prevented from attending Friday prayers, and are held in isolation for long periods. There has been at least two physical assaults by guards, and these are just the ones which have been confirmed. Inmates are also held in isolation for the majority of the day with only their guards for company, and only one short exercise period permitted.
The Italian authorities appear to be segregating muslim inmates in a desolate region of Italy far away from the gaze of the media and concerned supporters, whilst mentally and physically subjecting them to harsh and illegal treatment simply because of their religion.
Under the UN Convention Against Torture, Article One states :-
“For the purposes of this Convention, torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity”
Under the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 3 states :-
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Italy continues to flout its obligations towards both the European Convention on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on Torture. We ask all supporters to raise this issue with the media and Italian representatives in your respective country so that muslim inmates can be treated fairly.
Actions Required
Write to the Italian Interior Ministy and Judiciary informing them of their obligations and the treatment being given to muslim prisoners at Macomer prison.
Write to your MEP asking them to formally raise this matter with the Italian authorities
Key Contacts
Ministero dell’Interno
Palazzo Viminale
Via Agostino Depretis, 7
00184 Roma, ITALY
E mail: segreteriaparticolare.ministro@interno.it
Ministero della Giustizia
Palazzo Piacentini
Via Arenula, 70
00186 Roma, ITALY
Fax:+39-06-68897951
E-mail: segreteria.ministro@giustizia.it
Sample Letter
Dear ,
I am writing regarding Macomer prison in Sardinia, which continues to be a source of concern in the way that it is treating muslim inmates.
Guards are deliberately trying to provoke prisoners, through daily aggressive cell search procedures which always involves handling the Qu’ran in a disrespectful manner whilst making disparaging remarks about the muslim faith. The inmates are prevented from attending Friday prayers, and are held in isolation for long periods. There has been at least two physical assaults by guards, and these are just the ones which have been confirmed. Inmates are also held in isolation for the majority of the day with only their guards for company, and only one short exercise period permitted.
Under the UN Convention Against Torture, Article One states :-
“For the purposes of this Convention, torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity”
Under the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 3 states :-
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
It is my understanding that some inmates are on hunger strike in protest at these conditions, with one muslim individual in a poor state of health. I urge you to immediately address the issues raised in this letter and to ensure that fair and equal treatment is given to muslim inmates as per Italian and European law.
Regards,
Source : Helptheprisoners.org
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Macomer Prison on the island of Sardinia in Italy continues to be used as a refuse for muslim prisoners facing terrorism offences, with several others now having been sent to this harsh prison isolated from the mainland and the watchful eyes of the public. Several inmates continue their hunger strike, one of which is in a life-threatening condition.
They are on hunger strike because of the horrific conditions that they are experiencing on a daily basis. Guards are deliberately trying to provoke prisoners, through daily aggressive cell search procedures which always involves handling the Qu’ran in a disrespectful manner whilst making disparaging remarks about the muslim faith. The inmates are prevented from attending Friday prayers, and are held in isolation for long periods. There has been at least two physical assaults by guards, and these are just the ones which have been confirmed. Inmates are also held in isolation for the majority of the day with only their guards for company, and only one short exercise period permitted.
The Italian authorities appear to be segregating muslim inmates in a desolate region of Italy far away from the gaze of the media and concerned supporters, whilst mentally and physically subjecting them to harsh and illegal treatment simply because of their religion.
Under the UN Convention Against Torture, Article One states :-
“For the purposes of this Convention, torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity”
Under the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 3 states :-
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Italy continues to flout its obligations towards both the European Convention on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on Torture. We ask all supporters to raise this issue with the media and Italian representatives in your respective country so that muslim inmates can be treated fairly.
Actions Required
Write to the Italian Interior Ministy and Judiciary informing them of their obligations and the treatment being given to muslim prisoners at Macomer prison.
Write to your MEP asking them to formally raise this matter with the Italian authorities
Key Contacts
Ministero dell’Interno
Palazzo Viminale
Via Agostino Depretis, 7
00184 Roma, ITALY
E mail: segreteriaparticolare.ministro@interno.it
Ministero della Giustizia
Palazzo Piacentini
Via Arenula, 70
00186 Roma, ITALY
Fax:+39-06-68897951
E-mail: segreteria.ministro@giustizia.it
Sample Letter
Dear ,
I am writing regarding Macomer prison in Sardinia, which continues to be a source of concern in the way that it is treating muslim inmates.
Guards are deliberately trying to provoke prisoners, through daily aggressive cell search procedures which always involves handling the Qu’ran in a disrespectful manner whilst making disparaging remarks about the muslim faith. The inmates are prevented from attending Friday prayers, and are held in isolation for long periods. There has been at least two physical assaults by guards, and these are just the ones which have been confirmed. Inmates are also held in isolation for the majority of the day with only their guards for company, and only one short exercise period permitted.
Under the UN Convention Against Torture, Article One states :-
“For the purposes of this Convention, torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity”
Under the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 3 states :-
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
It is my understanding that some inmates are on hunger strike in protest at these conditions, with one muslim individual in a poor state of health. I urge you to immediately address the issues raised in this letter and to ensure that fair and equal treatment is given to muslim inmates as per Italian and European law.
Regards,
Source : Helptheprisoners.org
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