Posted on 03/14/2008 8:13:23 AM PDT by MotleyGirl70
Muslim prisoners who were offered ham sandwiches during the holy month of Ramadan have received a letter of apology from the Government.
Officials said sorry to the 200 Muslim inmates of HMP Leeds believed to have been offered the meat, which is forbidden by Islam.
Jack Straw said in a letter that a "regrettable administrative error" led to the blunder and apologised for any offence caused to the Muslim community.
The Justice Secretary has ordered staff at the category B facility to be more diligent and prison officers will be re-trained to consider inmates' cultural and religious needs.
In October last year the sandwiches were on a menu created for the festival, which requires Muslims to fast in daylight.
A complaint from a city councillor to local Labour MP Hilary Benn led Mr Straw to send the personally signed letter to Mr Benn.
Justice Minister Jack Straw has apologised after 200 muslim prison inmates were offered ham sandwiches
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