Young offenders row - we need action!

The Celtic League is calling on the Council of Europe to get involved in a row over adults and young offenders in the Island’s prison.

Director of Information Bernard Moffatt says 11 adults are currently housed in the young offenders section – alongside people aged 17 to 21.

He says this breaches Council of Europe rules, as well as human rights standards.

Mr Moffatt wants the council to complain to the Island’s government about the situation.

James Davis reports (audio file attached):

Mr Moffatt claims the mixture of prisoners goes against rules set down by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment.

Further, he says United Nations Human Rights standards known as the Beijing Rules are also being broken.

In a letter to the committee, which is based in Brussels, he asks the council to raise the issue with Manx authorities.

And he says – given the breaches affect young people – he wants action from Europe as quickly as possible.