Anxiety among prisoners amid riot disruption
Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi says the Waikeria Prison inmates holed up on a roof will surrender - but only if he is present.
The 16 inmates are accused of starting a riot and lighting fires in the prison yard on Tuesday afternoon, causing extensive damage.
One prisoner has described the 43 hours after they were sent into an emergency lockdown while prisoners from Waikeria’s ‘‘top jail’’ were evacuated on December 29.
‘‘We weren’t served our dinner until 10.30pm and some of us didn’t receive our nightly medication on time.
‘‘We were asking for fresh water but were getting refused. It was about 32 hours before we got some fresh, cold water.’’
He said inmates from the top jail described difficulties getting toilet paper, towels and bedding.
He said other inmates were anxious about what might happen next. He had not spent any time in the top jail but understood the criticism around its poor condition.
‘‘They are pretty much arguing for the same things as everyone else, essential needs that we don’t get, like cleaning products, our medical needs, food, good clothing kit.
‘‘The water here is terrible, if you let it settle you can see all the sediment fall to the bottom.
‘‘From what I understand, the top jail, the living conditions there are pretty appalling.’’
Waititi said he had been contacted by whanau of the Waikeria 16 who said they were only willing to surrender if he was there because they believed their safety would be compromised.
‘‘They have stated they will come out in body bags if I’m not there to escort them out and ensure their safety.’’
He had attempted to contact the appropriate authorities to gain access ‘‘but I am getting blocked wherever I go’’.
He rejected claims the inmates started a riot, instead describing it as a protest.
But National leader Judith Collins said the inmates were responsible for mass destruction of taxpayer funded property, assaulting Corrections staff and hoarding weapons.
‘‘[This] is not a peaceful protest.’’
She called on Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis to front up and explain how the inmates took control of the top jail facility.
Earlier, a spokesman for Davis confirmed he won’t step in or comment on the situation until it is resolved.