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November 10, 2005
UK: Young Prisoners Are Forced to Become Muslim
A disturbing report from Friday's Independent relates how young males detained at Feltham Young Offenders Institution, West London, are being forced to convert to Islam by gangs, according to a report by prison inspectors.
The institution has had problems since it was created, and in the report, some of its treatment of mentally ill prisoners has been criticised. It was at Feltham that a white racist with a "personality disorder" beat a young Asian to death when they were made to share a cell. Robert Stewart killed Zahid Mubarek five years ago, and the results of a judicial review will be released next year.
Anne Owers, Chief Inspector of Prisons, said that although race relations were improving, she was concerned about the level of intimidation faced by inmates. "Bullying was related to gangs and faith allegiances" she said, adding "There was ongoing concern among some staff that a small minority of young people were being coerced into joining the Muslim faith."
The governor of Feltham, Andrew Cross, has said that he is working with chaplains and imams to tackle the issues of forced conversion to Islam and (religious) extremism.
Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at November 10, 2005 11:10 PM
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