Ms. Bibi is a long-term prisoner and survivor of domestic violence, currently incarcerated at HMP Foston Hall where she is facing abuse and discrimination.

Although Ms. Bibi has been located on E wing for over two years she and her pad-mate Sue Hughes  have been arbitrarily moved to F wing, as a form of punishment to de-stabilize and cause distress. The cell where Ms. Bibi has been located is freezing cold and she does not have enough space to pray.

Officers claimed that on 29th November 2022, Ms. Bibi allowed another prisoner to enter her cell. This is categorically untrue. At the time of the alleged incident Ms. Bibi was praying and did not open the door. She was told she should have stopped praying to tell the person to leave the cell, although no-one entered. Furthermore, interrupting prayer is deeply disrespectful to her religion.

Neither Ms. Bibi nor Sue received any warnings for this incident - verbal or written - they were just moved without warning on Wednesday 30th November. As a result Ms. Bibi missed her legal visit regarding her appeal.  This was cancelled by the prison, claiming that there weren't enough staff.  

The prisoner at the door was delivering receipts for applications (such as for visits), as is routine in HMP Foston Hall. A full investigation has been completed that the prisoner who came to the door was allowed to do so - no rules have been broken.

It is common knowledge that moving Ms Bibi and Sue off of E wing was unfair and specifically targeted these prisoners, without any justification. Two officers, Ms Lawton and Miss Shepard openly acknowledged this to Ms. Bibi and apologised that she has been treated in this way.

This is the culmination of bullying and harassment on the wing that officers enable. When Ms. Bibi has tried to address the problems she is experiencing, she is being gas-lit by prison officers.  

This has been deeply distressing for Ms. Bibi and for Sue. They need to be moved back to E wing immediately.

They need a guarantee that this arbitrary harassment and discrimination will not be repeated.

Please support Ms Bibi and Sue by taking action now!