Muslim prisoners at Leeds Prison were offered ham sandwiches for their packed lunch during the holy month of Ramadan, it has been revealed.The Prison Service confirmed that inmates at the category B prison which includes many Bradford men, were given "inappropriate" menu cards during the religious period, but said the mistake was corrected straightaway.
Some of those offered the sandwiches are reportedly considering suing the prison for up to £2million compensation, claiming it was a breach of their human rights. Leeds Prison holds more than 1,200 male prisoners, of which more than 200 are Muslim.
Islam forbids Muslims to eat ham and pork at all times, but the prisoners reportedly said the incident was made worse because it happened during the holy month of Ramadan. The prison denied that any Muslim prisoners had been given ham sandwiches but admitted there was a mix-up with the menus.
"An inappropriate menu card was printed during Ramadan. This mistake was rectified immediately. Appropriate menu options for the Iftaar evening meal were available throughout Ramadan," a Prison Service spokesman said. "Prison Service guidelines state that prisoners must have a diet which meets the requirements of their religion."
Next year, in a separate case, 16 Muslim inmates from Leeds Prison are suing over claims of mistreatment, including being given food that goes against the rules of their religion. Kate Maynard, of law firm Hickman and Rose Solicitors, said: "One of the issues they are worried about is that they were being told food was halal when it wasn't. They are taking this to court to try to change conditions in the prison and make conditions better."