Home Affairs rejects claim rights violated at isolation wing

Any action to be 'vigorously contested'

The Department of Home Affairs has rejected claims it violated the human rights of those detained in the prison's 'isolation wing'.

Those held were denied showers, outdoor exercise, and visits or phone calls during a period between mid-April to early May.

It was a Covid precaution to protect the prison population from contracting the virus from those entering.

Advocate Ian Kermode is set to serve a pre-action letter on behalf of a number of clients, with the focus of the claim being a 'breach of human rights' at the wing.

This has been rejected by Home Affairs, which says 'action was taken to protect staff, prisoners, and their families'. 

A number of other legal firms are thought to be considering similar moves.

It intends to 'vigorously contest' any action taken against the department.