Narathiwat Provincial Prison Denies Allegations of Mistreatment

Prison Authorities Respond to Rumors

The Narathiwat provincial prison authorities have denied allegations that six Malaysian detainees were being mistreated. A spokesman for the prison said that detainees are allowed to pray and are provided with halal meals prepared by a Muslim cook three times a day, similar to other Muslim inmates. For female Muslim inmates, they are also permitted to wear headscarves and long-sleeved clothing.

Equal Treatment for All Inmates

“All inmates are given equal treatment, regardless of whether they are Thais or Malaysians,” the spokesman said. “Rumours suggesting that every detainee is treated harshly and cruelly are entirely inaccurate,” he added.

Daily Activities and Family Visits

The spokesman said that all six Malaysian detainees currently held in temporary detention cells are in good health and are engaging in daily activities like the other detainees. “They are currently placed in temporary detention cells and separated by gender, as their cases are still under further investigation,” he explained.

Detainees’ families are allowed to visit once a week and applications can be made online. This prison has only been in operation for four years, unlike the older prison in downtown Narathiwat, and all facilities here are still in good condition.

Types of Crimes and Detainees

“This prison only houses detainees for crimes such as drug offences, robbery and causing injury. This is unlike the Songkhla prison, which holds detainees for more serious crimes like murder,” the spokesman said.

There are 30 Malaysians in the prison out of a total of 2,879 detainees. The media had reported that six Malaysians, including a famous singer from Kelantan, aged between 25 and 35, were currently under remand in the prison while awaiting their prosecution date. They were arrested during a narcotics police raid on a hotel near Sungai Golok earlier this month for drug possession.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Narathiwat provincial prison authorities have denied allegations of mistreatment and emphasized that all inmates are given equal treatment, regardless of their nationality. The prison provides halal meals, allows prayer, and permits female Muslim inmates to wear headscarves and long-sleeved clothing. Family visits are also allowed once a week, and applications can be made online.

FAQs

Q: Are Malaysian detainees being mistreated in the Narathiwat provincial prison?
A: No, the prison authorities have denied allegations of mistreatment.

Q: What kind of meals are provided to Muslim inmates?
A: Halal meals are prepared by a Muslim cook three times a day.

Q: Are female Muslim inmates allowed to wear headscarves and long-sleeved clothing?
A: Yes, they are permitted to do so.

Q: Can detainees’ families visit them?
A: Yes, family visits are allowed once a week, and applications can be made online.

Q: What kind of crimes are committed by the detainees in the Narathiwat provincial prison?
A: The prison houses detainees for crimes such as drug offences, robbery, and causing injury.