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Jack Straw apologises after 200 Muslim prisoners are given ham sandwiches during Ramadan
Last updated at 15:07pm on 14.03.08Muslim prisoners who were offered ham sandwiches during the holy month of Ramadan have received a letter of apology from the Government.
Officials said sorry to the 200 Muslim inmates of HMP Leeds believed to have been offered the meat, which is forbidden by Islam.
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Justice Minister Jack Straw has apologised after 200 muslim prison inmates were offered ham sandwiches
Jack Straw said in a letter that a "regrettable administrative error" led to the blunder and apologised for any offence caused to the Muslim community.
The Justice Secretary has ordered staff at the category B facility to be more diligent and prison officers will be re-trained to consider inmates' cultural and religious needs.
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Muslim prisoners were outraged after being offered the sandwiches, which are forbidden by Islam
In October last year the sandwiches were on a menu created for the festival, which requires Muslims to fast in daylight.
A complaint from a city councillor to local Labour MP Hilary Benn led Mr Straw to send the personally signed letter to Mr Benn.
Reader views (34)
Retraining to consider prisoners' religious and cultural needs?!
I am a practising Odinist; if I break the law and get locked up, will I be permitted mead when my religion demands it? I doubt it.
- Beverley, United Kingdom
What's wrong with you people? You don't even know what they are in prison for...
On another note; would you not care about a vegans right not to eat meet in prison?
Since when did prisoners (prisoners does not mean they've murdered someone!??) lose the most basic of Human rights??
- Sammy, London
The forbidden sandwiches were OFFERED to them, not forced down their throats. No apology necessary. Stay out of prison if you don't want to be offended or have rights taken away. Can we make it any more clear than that?
- Bob Bottomly, Kentucky, USA
They're prisoners! they have no religious rights. You lose your privilege to have any rights whatsoever once your a prisoner.
- Ryan, NC KI
Tom from Virginia,
They probably didn't forget about their particular religion when committing their crimes.
- Gary, Lindale, Georgia USA
Being in prison doesn't mean that all human rights, opinions, wishes or special considerations are all taken away. How about if some prisoners are highly allergic to some food? Like peanut butter? Then it's OK to give it to them and let them die?
- Eva Right, Ca, USA
They weren't given---They were Offered!
- Dave Scott, Bellevue, WA USA
What a crock. If you can't do the time don't do the crime. If you're doing the time and need a special diet - tough. Wake up UK!
- Doug, Tucson, USA
Jack Straw, you are just one prat, and a very weak man. Apologising to these criminals - oh please pass me the bucket!
- Anthony, Cardiff, UK
Let's make this the last Straw.
- Frank, England
OH PLEASE !
They are in jail.
I personally would have given them just bread. With a little water to wash it down. Nothing more. They should think themselves lucky!
- Steve Mcguinness, London
Jack Straw probably apologised to them for being in prison as well! I am so terribly sorry sir for your incarceration, never mind you will be out and back on benefits soon. Now what would you like to eat off our extensive menu? Perhaps I could recommend the Pertrus to accompany followed by our cheese plate.
- May I Take Your Order Sir...., London
Why don't they just do their time and stop moaning. Their prisoners for god sake not holidaymakers!
- Carol Greenidge, Romford, UK
The ham sandwiches were only an option! Get over it people! Were there any non-Muslims who were offered this "menu?" If so then it would be nice to have a ham sandwich option (not to mention a beer). There may be a non-practising Muslims in the group that wanted a little ham.
But given their behaviour, perhaps it is time for Her Majesty to tell them "You will eat what you are given, or starve... Your call."
- Freeman, Macon, USA
These people are criminals and should be treated likewise. If they don't like what's on offer then they should be left to starve.
Jack Straw should be sacked for sucking up to the criminals.
- Vivek, London
What's wrong with British ham sandwiches whilst criminals are in Britain??
- Georgie, Hackney
They should be fed on bread and water and defecating in a bucket.
- Squiz, Islington
So if I'm ever imprisoned and explain that my religion only allows me to consume lobster, caviar, smoked salmon and champagne - will HM Government be forced to oblige? Know the saying "when in Rome ... "?
- Marianne, SW France
The prisoners were not "given ham sandwiches". The sandwiches were one option on a menu which they were given to choose from.
- Wendy, Dartford, UK
If you are in prison and don't like the grub on offer, the answer is simple. Wait for the next meal! These are 'volunteers' to be in prison.
- Roy G, Solihull, England.
I sure hope this was on purpose and not a mistake.
- Rp, Bethel, USA
What? No cheese?
- James, Carle Place, NY USA
How pathetic, if any of them were that religious they wouldn't be in prison for committing crimes, and would be living a holier than though lifestyle.
- Neil Grinsell, London
They're lucky to be fed at all!
- Jimbob, Kensington
Awww, poor criminals.
- Mm, Andover, UK
The word here is "offered" not "forced into there throats".
It's polite to offer something to someone. Maybe say, "oops". If I forgot they were Muslim.
Not a terrible ordeal to say no thank you, I cant eat ham.
- Steve, USA
They are prisoners they should not be getting a letter of apology of any kind. They are there to do time, not to be in charge of anything. If they took that much offence to getting a ham sandwich they should have not eaten it, and shut their mouths about it.
- Badriverbaby1, Bad River
Too bad these inmates weren't following their religion this closely when they committed the crimes that landed them in prison.
- Susan, USA
Why does anyone care? They're in prison, not jail. They're there for committing a serious crime, and their rights have been justly taken away. There were three options, and only one had ham, which easily could have been removed. "Underlying insensitivity" toward prisoners? Give me a break!
- Seattle, Seattle, WA
I'm sorry, but they are in prison, its prison, i'ts not supposed to be a place you get everything you want you are there to be punished.
- Mike, Burlington, US
Why don't you just turn the country over to them? They are prisoners, they eat what is served, or not.
- Jim, Netcong, USA
They are in jail. They have no right to complain.
- Jim Thomspon, San Francsico, USA
I'm sorry about what's happening to your country that you have to give out menus to convicts and listen to them whine about a ham sandwich. Personally, I believe if the convict forgot about his religion when committing the crime, he should have no say about what he gets served in prison on the taxpayers dime.
- Tom Caldwell, Shenandoah, Virginia USA
Let them eat ham!...But not cake.
- Terrell, Vegas, USA
