U.K.: IMAM SPARKS PRISON STAND-OFF

New iman sparks 'potentially dangerous' Muslim prison stand-off

A "potentially explosive" stand-off between two rival groups of Muslims has developed in Britain's largest jail, independent watchdogs warned today.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Wandsworth jail in south London said there was a "schism" among Muslim prisoners over the prison's newly-appointed imam.

The board's annual report said there was evidence some Muslim inmates were applying "pressure" on fellow inmates to "adopt more militant lifestyles and belief systems".

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"There is a difference of views between the Asian Muslims and the North African and Afro-Caribbean Muslims."

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Last month Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers raised concerns about staff attitudes to inmates at Wandsworth, reporting twice the average claims of staff victimisation.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "Any signs of radicalisation at the prison are firmly dealt with by a pro-active chaplaincy team.

"The recent Eid meal at Wandsworth was attended by 240 prisoners, representing virtually every Muslim prisoner and a number of non-Muslims, during which the imam was personally praised."

She added: "Wandsworth has a good record on both mobile phone and drug finds."

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1) New iman sparks 'potentially dangerous' Muslim prison stand-off