Bomana Correctional Facility, Papua New Guinea Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
A number of remand prisoners at Papua New Guinea's Bomana Prison were injured in a confrontation with Correctional Services officers.
Port Moresby General Hospital has confirmed to local media that nine inmates were rushed to hospital, and that two are in a critical condition.
Sources at the maximum security prison in Port Moresby told RNZ Pacific that on Monday officers conducted a standard activity in a cell block where they ordered 62 men held on remand to vacate their cells and allow a search.
The stated objective of the search was to locate contraband, specifically mobile phones.
However, the inmates allege that officers destroyed property belonging to remandees including "essential legal and court documents, clothing, bedding, and various personal necessities".
An injured inmate at Papua New Guinea's Bomana Prison. Photo: Supplied
They also claim officers misappropriated property including food rations.
When the inmates subsequently protested about their belongings being destroyed or taken away, a confrontation resulted.
They claim officers responded violently, called in off-duty officers for reinforcement and brutally assaulted most of the 62 remandees with bush knives, iron bars and other instruments.
A source within PNG's Correctional Services has confirmed to RNZ Pacific that a confrontation took place between inmates and officers.
On Thursday, the acting Correctional Services Commissioner Bernard Nepo addressed media and confirmed the incident, but pointed blame at inmates, saying some of them took advantage of the situation arising from the confiscation of an inmate's phone.
Nepo claimed some inmates tried to break out of the prison and that there was a scuffle which required Correctional Services officers to call in reinforcements.
The newspaper The National reports James Marape saying an independent investigation was needed.
According to Marape, "even in prison, human rights must be respected and those responsible for managing detainees must act within the law".
Port Moresby General Hospital has confirmed to local media that nine inmates were rushed to hospital. Photo: Supplied
The inmates are seeking intervention by higher authorities over what they describe as "inhumane treatment" and misconduct by Correctional Services officers.
Many of the inmates are being held in prolonged pre-trial detention. Due to a backlog in PNG's court system, some remandees wait years in prison before going to trial.
