H-Block and Armagh Prisons Independent Panel Report Details the Systemic Inhumane Treatment of Prisoners | News | Garden Court Chambers | Leading Barristers located in London, UK

Richard Harvey, an old friend, after his return to his native England dedicated himself to uncovering the disgraceful practices of the British courts and prisons in Northern Ireland.  This is his latest contribution.  - GWC
H-Block and Armagh Prisons Independent Panel Report Details the Systemic Inhumane Treatment of Prisoners | News | Garden Court Chambers | Leading Barristers located in London, UK

An unprecedented new report released today by the Independent Panel of Inquiry into the Circumstances of the H-Block and Armagh Prison Protests 1976-1981 concludes that protesting prisoners in the H-Blocks and HMP Armagh were subjected to systemic inhuman and degrading treatment, in some cases amounting to torture.

The report, titled ‘I Am Sir, You Are A Number’ is the first comprehensive review and analysis of the experiences of men and women prisoners held in the H-Blocks and Armagh following the withdrawal of Special Category Status on 1st March 1976. 

It identifies forty-seven key findings reflecting persistent abuses of power endured by the men and women held in the H-Blocks and Armagh and the long-term impact on the lives of former prisoners and their families.

The Independent Panel was chaired by the late Warren Allmand, former Solicitor-General for Canada; alongside Richard Harvey, Barrister-at-Law, Garden Court Chambers, London; and Dr John Burton, retired family doctor and researcher in Human Rights Law.

Panel member and international Barrister Richard Harvey, said:

“Evidence we gathered from the UK Government’s confidential documents show it was known and accepted that extreme brutality would be used in implementing the withdrawal of Special Category Status in violation of prisoners’ rights under Article 3 of the European Convention.”

The Panel heard testimonies from Republican blanket protestors, Loyalist prisoners, former prison governors, medical practitioners (including a consultant psychiatrist) and lawyers, academics, politicians and clergy.

In harrowing evidence before the Panel, former prisoners revealed the circumstances and consequences of the severe policies and punishing practices directed against them over a sustained period.

Documents accessed by the Panel’s researchers demonstrate that the UK Government, NI Civil Servants and the NI Prison Service were aware of the consequences of ending Special Category Status, described in one official document as ‘an administrative and disciplinary disaster’, within the prisons.