Cameras catch jail brutality

Express Tribune

6 hours ago

A video footage and a video statement by a prisoner have surfaced, allegedly showing severe mistreatment of inmates inside Attock District Jail, reportedly under the supervision of jail officers.
Inspector General (IG) Prisons Punjab, Mian Farooq Nazir, has taken notice of the situation and raised key questions: Why were the inmates tortured, how did a camera make its way inside the jail despite tight security, and how were these videos recorded?
He appoints Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prisons Rawalpindi Region, Rana Abdul Rauf, as an inquiry officer, and sought a detailed report.
In the footage that has emerged, a uniformed officer can be seen sitting on a chair while having a massage done by an inmate. Other clips show designated prisoners with their hands tied behind their backs being beaten by fellow inmates. In one instance, a prisoner is seen lifting another onto his arms while a third lashes him with a leather strap. This scene is repeated with other prisoners, and one prisoner is even seen being slapped and punched in front of a senior officer.
In another separate clip, likely recorded during winter, a senior officer is seen sitting on a chair with others standing around him. A man can be seen beating a prisoner in the lineup from behind. Despite the severity of the situation, neither the administration nor the surrounding officers appeared to intervene.
In response to the abuse, inmates went on a hunger strike. A prisoner named Shahab issued a video statement, appealing to higher authorities to take action.
Shahab, who had previously raised serious allegations of misconduct, corruption, and abuse in Adiala Jail, is now imprisoned in Attock Jail. In his new statement, he claimed that ever since he filed a writ petition in the High Court two and a half years ago, resulting in an official inquiry, jail staff have harbored deep resentment against him. "We are tortured and humiliated.
I have been on a hunger strike for the past four days. Every ward and cell is run like a contractor system. Money is taken from us, and other inmates are made to do labour in our place."
He added, "I am not against the jail department or any government institution, but there are a few black sheep involved. We want justice against them."
Shahab also alleged that despite extreme heat, trees inside the jail were cut down and used as firewood, depriving prisoners of shade. He further claimed that he had to pay Rs1,000 to each officer just to bring in a book. "I'm passionate about studying," he said, "but we're blocked at every step."
He stated that the jail authorities even prevent inmates from appearing in exams unless they file a writ in the High Court.
"I can prove every single allegation I've made in front of any impartial officer. If I'm proven wrong, I'll accept any punishment. But what we're enduring now is unbearable. We're being forced into hunger strikes, and we have the videos to back our claims."
Following the IG's notice, DIG Rana Abdul Rauf has begun an official inquiry.
IG Prisons Punjab Mian Farooq Nazir remarked, "Jail authorities have the legal right to transfer prisoners to different facilities as per the jail manual but no one has the right to physically abuse them. Such behaviour is intolerable."
He further noted, "The entry of a camera into the jail despite security is a serious breach. That, too, will be thoroughly investigated. Anyone found responsible will face strict departmental action."