Background
Nathan Lewis, a young Black Muslim, was attacked by Senior Officer (SO) Mark Noah and other prison officers who followed Nathan from the shower to his cell in HMP long Lartin and punched him in the face. Officers then planned a cover up, with Officer Victoria Williams saying 'we need to get our story straight' within earshot of other prisoners. This is the latest in a pattern of racist attacks on young Muslims just by SO Mark Noah.
There have been at least 3 in the last 9 months: alongside Nathan Lewis, Hoppe and Daniel Neil have also been abused by SO Mark Noah. On all occasions, his report states that his violent actions were pre-emptive as he feared he would be attacked. All these attacks happen within prisoner’s cells. One of the prisoners who was attacked was taken to adjudication and found guilty of attacking an officer. The paperwork stated that the prisoner admitted the assault and said sorry to the officer. This is a lie.
Two prisoners — Miran Thakrar and Aja — handed in complaint forms regarding the attack. They have been met with hostility and aggression. SO Noah has been present on the wing on at least 2 occasions seemingly trying to intimidate the prisoners who have made the complaint about him. He appears and stares at Miran and Aja, who now fear they will be SO Noah’s next victims. The prison replied to Miran’s complaint denying that the attack ever happened.
Since submitting complaints forms, Miran and Aja have been given IEP warnings and 'nickings' (allegations of breaking prison rules which often lead to adjudication in the prison). One of these nickings was because Miran was asking the wing to take the knee after Nathan Lewis was attacked, as a show of solidarity for Black Lives Matter. The prison changed the wording of this to say he asked all Muslims to take the knee.
Miran and Aja fear for their safety and wellbeing. They fear they will be the next victims of Mark Noah and wish to be transferred out of HMP Long Lartin.
Demands
For SO Mark Noah, Victoria Williams and others involved in the racist attacks to be investigated and fired
For Miran Thakrar and Aja to be transferred out of HMP Long Lartin
Sample Email
People to email: Governor Steve Cross
Steve.Cross@justice.gov.uk cc: businesshublonglartin@justice.gov.uk victimhelpline@noms.gsi.gov.uk
You can use this sample email tool
For the attention of Governor Steve Cross,
I am writing with urgency about the pattern of racist and Islamaphobic attacks against young Muslims at HMP Long Lartin. I understand these attacks are not only being covered up by the prison, but those who are making complaints are being targeted.
I ask you to immediately address the violent attack on Nathan Lewis by SO Mark Noah and other officers, including Victoria Williams. Mr. Aja witnessed these officers following Nathan Lewis from the shower to his cell and punching him in the face. Victoria Williams was heard saying, “We need to get our story straight”. Since the attack, Mr Aja and Mr Thakrar have made complaints that have been dismissed. However, SO Mark Noah has since been on the wing staring at them and intimidating them. They fear they will be his next victims.
I also implore you to examine and address SO Mark Noah’s history of racist attacks, including those against Mr Hoppe and Mr Neil.
Given recent events,Mr Aja and Mr Thakrar need to be transferred out of HMP Long Lartin immediately.
I look forward to hearing how this matter will be dealt with promptly,
[name]
Sample Phone Script
Call: 01386 295100
Ask for number 1 Governor Steve Cross, but be prepared to speak to anyone:
I am calling to find out what is being done to address the pattern of racist and Islamaphobic attacks against young Muslims at HMP Long Lartin. I understand these attacks are not only being covered up by the prison, but those who are making complaints are being targeted.
Please immediately address the violent attack on Nathan Lewis by SO Mark Noah and other officers, including Victoria Williams, were witnessed following Nathan Lewis from the shower to his cell and punching him in the face. Victoria Williams was heard saying, “We need to get our story straight”. Since the attack, Mr Aja and Mr Thakrar have made complaints that have been dismissed. However, SO Mark Noah has since been on the wing staring at them and intimidating them. They fear they will be his next victims and they need to be transferred immediately.