In brief: Nearly 200 prisoners were involved in the
violent confrontation with prison officers and police
at the Central Prison in Honiara on Friday.
Nearly 200 prisoners were involved in the violent
confrontation with prison officers and police at the
Central Prison in Honiara on Friday.
Police Commissioner Shane Castles has says OC Spray or
Capsicum Spray was used to restore order after the
prisoners refused to return to their cells.
The prisoners began their protest early last week and
for three nights refused to return to their cells,
demanding that they meet and present their petition to
the Minister for Police.
On Friday night, police were authorised to use tear
gas, because of the dangers posed by prisoners to
officers.
Police Commissioner Shane Castles says the prisoners
turned violent and converted recreational furniture
and equipment into offensive and dangerous
life-threatening weapons to attack both prison and
police officers.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Prison Services Barry
Apsey says last Friday night's incident at the Central
Prisons does not pose any threat to the public of
Honiara.
He says the situation was professionally handled by
the joint police and prison officers operation.
In related news, the combined Commissioners of Police,
and Prison Services, as well as the Minister for
Police and National Security were initially reluctant
to reveal the extent of violence involved in the
protest.
The use of OC Spray or capsicum spray against the
prisoners was not mentioned and confirmed only when
questioned by an SIBC reporter.
In fact, the Police Commissioner’s briefing notes said
only if asked should he tell the media that the
dangerous weapons violently used by prisoners posed a
considerable life threatening situation.
A copy of the notes with that comment was handed out
to the media at the end of today’s news conference.
Capsicum spray is used to subdue people during
threatening and violent incidents.
It causes tingling and intense burning pain when
exposed to skin.
SIBC News.
Courtesy of Ralph oli
