CAMPACC, July 2004

Urgent Appeal to Write Letters to Internees in Belmarsh Prison

Read a letter of thanks to Campacc supporters from a former detainee in Belmarsh

Over a dozen foreign citizens who live here, having fled persecution in their own countries, have been interned indefinitely without trial ­merely because the Home Secretary has 'reasonable suspicion' that they have some association with international terrorism. They do not know any specific accusations against them, so they cannot effectively challenge their internment or even see the 'evidence'.  There are clear indications that such evidence was obtained by the use of torture in Guantanamo and other camps.

The conditions in which they are living are bad, with little chance to exercise or talk with others.  Even worse, they have literally no idea when ­ or even if ­ they will ever be released. According to their solicitor, these conditions are driving the prisoners mad; at least one has attempted suicide.

The organisation Stop Police Terror has managed to compile a list of detainees at Belmarsh Prison and have asked people to send them letters.  Many have no family in the UK, so they feel isolated. You can help here: by writing even a short letter, you will help to show the prisoners that they are not forgotten and could help to keep them sane.

Below are eight names and addresses.  Please try to send letters by the end of August.  To judge the success of the campaign, Stop Police Terror will write to each of the prisoners to ask them how many letters they received. Based on this, they will be able to plan similar campaigns for other prisoners.  

To find out more about Stop Police Terror, see http://www.stoppoliceterror.com/

Three Step Action Plan to write to Belmarsh Prisoners:

1. BUY eight envelopes and eight first-class stamps. Write each of the addresses below on one of the envelopes.

2. WRITE a short letter, it can be as small as one paragraph to the prisoner, preferably handwritten rather than computer-typed so they know it is personal. The letter contents should be encouraging the prisoners to be patient, to have hope, to see they have not been forgotten etc.

3. ASK at least one other family friend or relative to do the same and try to ensure that they do it.
 
NOTE:

If you have included your name and address, it is probable that the prisoners will write back to you and you can find out exactly what their situation is like inside.

If you are unable to write a short letter, just buy eight cards titled 'Thinking of you' or something similar. Address a card to each prisoner, with a short note inside. You can also include letters from your children if you so wish.

If you wish, you can mention that you are writing in response to an appeal on
www.stoppoliceterror.com. Likewise, you can write on behalf of your political party, trade union, church or other organisation if you so wish. Money does reach the prisoners but it should only be sent by Special Delivery. Prisoners can buy extra food and personal items with money.

If you do not wish to include your contact details, then please write anyway.

As it is not possible to publish the detainees' names, please use their prisoner number, starting with HP. Please address each envelope exactly as shown:

HP6742
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB   

HP6648
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB

HP8485
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB    

FF8180
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB

HP8918
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB    

HP6064
HMP Belmarsh Prison
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE20 0EB

HP6676
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB   

HP8709
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London SE28 0EB