15./07/2007
Press Release
Arani & Co Solicitors
We write to confirm that our client Eesa Barot has been subjected to a horrific assault which took place at Frankland Prison in County Durham where our client is currently serving his 30 years prison sentence.
On Friday 13th July before 7pm whilst our client was in the kitchen area a prisoner threw boiling hot water on our client’s back. Our client and the assailant subsequently became involved in a fight.
After the physical punch up that took place our client thereafter went into the kitchen area to pour cold water over the burning sensation that he had on his body due to the boiling hot water having been thrown at him.
Whilst Eesa Barot was attempting to cool the injuries by pouring cold water over his burns another prisoner (whilst our clients back was turned) poured boiling oil over Eesa Barot.
Eesa Barot has suffered various burns to his hands, forehead, head, neck and back. Eesa Barot as a result of the boiling oil having been poured over him has lost all of his hair.
Eesa Barot is suffering 2nd and 3rd degree burns as stated by the doctor who has examined him.
Eesa Barot has not been taken to the hospital in order for medical treatment to be provided to him. He is severely bruised and has severe burns.
Eesa Barot is locked up in his cell from 4pm onwards until the morning. He will have no assistance whatsoever even from a nurse. He found it extremely difficult to even dial the numbers when he made the call to us.
He has to wash, clean and cater for his own needs whilst in this condition.
The Prison has stated that they will not be taking him to hospital.
We are seeking to send in a consultant doctor in order to obtain a 2nd opinion with regards to our client’s condition. Further whether Eesa Barot medical requirements can be adhered to whilst being detained in prison.
Numerous complaints have been made in relation to the safety of Muslim prisoners and their wellbeing whilst they are being detained in Prisons whilst on remand or as convicted prisoners. Unfortunately Eesa Barot has been assaulted. Our worst fears have unfortunately materialised that attacks will take place against Muslim prisoners.
Regrettably the prison establishment failed to discharge the duty of care that is afforded to the prisoners whilst they are detained in the prison.
In addition to Eesa Barot other Muslim prisoners have also received threats against their personal wellbeing whilst in prison. These are genuine fears that the Muslim prisoners have.
It is imperative for the complaints made on behalf of Muslim prisoners to be afforded proper consideration. There is a duty upon the establishment to ensure that prisoners are protected whilst they serve their prison sentence.
It is imperative for Muslim prisoners who are in genuine fear for their personal safety to be placed on Spurs with other Muslim prisoners.
Eesa Barot was placed in a spur where there were no other Muslim prisoners save for him. He was fearful for his personal safety unfortunately that fear for Eesa Barot has materialised.
Eesa Barot is suffering from extensive pain and has been scarred for the rest of his life. It is of the essence that the establishment do everything they possibly can to protect Muslim prisons from such assaults taking place.
We confirm that we will continue to provide other press releases as and when we have further information. However, for the time being this is the only information we have to disclose.
We are not asking for preferential treatment for Muslim prisoners, what we are requesting is that Muslim prisoners should be afforded the same protection as other prisoners. Further that the duty of care imposed on the establishment is not breached.
Muddassar Arani –Solicitor for Eesa Barot