Home Secretary investigates claims terror suspects are buried alive in concrete coffins'

HOME Secretary David Blunkett secretly visited Belmarsh Prison to investigate allegations it is mistreating suspected terrorists on remand, last Thursday.

Mr Blunkett was joined by Prisons Minister Beverley Hughes for a tour of the high-security Category A prison wing and both are understood to have questioned the prisoners about their treatment.

The Home Office refused to tell the News Shopper if an investigation will be launched following the tour and would not comment on Mr Blunkett's thoughts insisting it was "a private visit".

Belmarsh Prison, in Thamesmead, currently houses all the UK's terror suspects including Kidbrooke's Suleyman Zain Ul-Abidin, who is on remand awaiting trial over two charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The flying visit came as Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin pressed for further investigation into allegations made by leading human rights solicitor Gareth Pierce of Birnberg Pierce and Partners, London. She claimed the terror suspects are "being buried alive in concrete coffins" by being locked up for 22 hours a day with no natural light. She also claims prison officers have told them they might never face trial and could spend the rest of their lives on remand.

According to a prison insider, the remand prisoners are nicknamed "bin-men" by fellow inmates because of their alleged link to Osama bin Laden

But Belmarsh Prison Officers' Association secretary Sharon Roots told the News Shopper Ms Pierce's claims were "ludicrous".

She said: "Her statements are simply untrue. These prisoners are allowed exercise and have showers if they want them.

"They have limited use of the gym and there is even an Imam, a local Muslim leader, available for their religious needs.

"They are subject to the same conditions as other Category A prisoners."

Labour MP John Austin said he would conduct his own enquiries into Ms Pierce's claims, and has already written to David Blunkett outlining his concerns.

"I will continue to press the Governor and the Home Secretary to ensure all detainees are treated humanely and with respect, and they are afforded all possible contact with their lawyers."

He added: "I will be speaking to Home Office Ministers later this week about my concerns and arranging one of my regular visits to the prison."

Ul-Abidin was arrested in October on terrorism charges and for his involvement in the Al-Qaeda network. He is being held at Belmarsh while he awaits trial at the Old Bailey.

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