HM Prison Belmarsh

HM Prison Belmarsh is a Category A men's prison in Thamesmead, south-east London, England. It is run by Her Majesty's Prison Service.

History

Belmarsh Prison was built on part of the East site of the former Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, and became operational on 2 April 1991. Belmarsh is adjacent and adjoined to Woolwich Crown Court, which means the prison can be used for high-profile cases (including those concerning national security).

Between 2001 and 2002, Belmarsh Prison was used to detain a number of people indefinitely without charge or trial under the provisions of the Part 4 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, leading it to be called the "British version of Guantanamo Bay". The law lords later ruled that such imprisonment was discriminatory and against the Human Rights Act.

It is often used for the detention of prisoners for terrorist related offences. In September 2006 the number of such prisoners was 51.

In May 2007, there was a violent disturbance in the prison, Sky News reported. At least four prison officers were injured.