Five inmates at a notorious maximum security penitentiary are suing guards, the warden and the Canadian government alleging they were subject to beatings, abuse and forced by guards to fight with each other. In one case, an inmate died after he and another man were sent to shower together even though the guards knew they were incompatible. An investigation is pendin.
It’s not the first time Edmonton Institution in western Canada has been the subject of complaints. Last year the ombudsman for federal prisoners received 270 complaints from inmates there and his officials spent almost three weeks investigating. That’s longer time than the time they spent at any other federal prison.
The most recent complaints include allegations a guard poured shampoo over an imate’s meal and liquid on his bed, and that the prison ignored his dietary requirements. Another inmate complained of racial slurs. Those who complained said they were threatened with retaliation by prison staff.
The inmates are seeking millions of dollars in damages and will present further details in court.
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