Judge concerned about security of prisoners

Justice Rajendra Narine made the observation while dealing with a constitutional motion brought by Rajesh Mathura, who was in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court holding cell, when other prisoners started a fire. Linda Fariza Khan is representing the State.

Through his attorneys Rajiv Persad and Farraz Mohammed, Mathura filed a constitutional motion claiming that the State had failed to protect him. Narine noted that the State, in its affidavit, admitted that there was a shortage of police officers in the holding cells when the incident occurred on February 2, 1998. On that day, Mathura claimed that he was attacked by other prisoners, and a blazing jersey was thrown on him.

While not taking issue with whether or not Mathura had chosen the appropriate legal venue to file his complaint, the judge recalled some observations about the inadequate staffing of security personnel at the holding cells. He expressed serious concern about the welfare of prisoners. Khan noted that while the State sympathised with Mathura’s complaints, he reassured the court that his rights had not been infringed, and that the State had put all necessary security measures in place

By his questions, the judge seemed concerned about adequate security for prisoners at the holding cell in San Fernando, which has a history of disturbances. He was also concerned about the staffing at the State’s prisons. There was also some debate about the number of prison and police officers required to handle the prison population. It was eventually concluded that security personnel was inadequate. Justice Narine promised to give his judgment sometime next week.