Muslim prisoners disproportionately targeted with pepper spray in England
Muslim prisoners in England face disproportionate targeting with pepper spray, reveals data obtained by advocacy group Maslaha.
Despite constituting 18% of the prison population, Muslims made up 34% of those targeted with Pava spray in 2022.
The synthetic spray poses risks of injury, disability, or death.
Christians, comprising 46% of inmates, were targeted 43% of the time.
Many hide their religious identity, fearing stigma as “extremists.”
Maslaha’s director, Raheel Mohammed, emphasizes the right to dignity and respect for all prisoners, regardless of belief.
The Prison Service stressed Pava’s use as a last resort, promising careful monitoring to address deployment disparities.
Muslim prisoners’ concerns highlight pervasive stereotypes endangering fair treatment within the prison system.
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