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Damning report on immigration detention

20 September 2023
Issue: 8041 / Categories: Legal News , Immigration & asylum , Human rights
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A public inquiry into abuses at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre has called for a time limit of 28 days on immigration detention
Currently, no time limit exists. The 711-page report, published this week, identified 19 instances over a five-month period where there was ‘credible evidence’ of Article 3 breaches.

These included the use of dangerous restraint techniques where people were handcuffed with their hands behind their backs while seated, and the application of pressure to a detainee’s neck while he was in extreme distress. 

The inquiry heard evidence of a toxic culture among G4S staff, racist and derogatory language, poor safeguarding and excessive use of force.

The inquiry, chaired by Kate Eves, made 33 recommendations for urgent change.

Eves said: ‘That I found this number of incidents took place within such a limited timeframe of five months is of significant concern. An environment flourished in which unacceptable treatment became more likely.’

The inquiry was commissioned by former home secretary Priti Patel, following a BBC Panorama report.

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