11 Sep Government shelves future JSi projects but GCHRs case continues

On 9 September the Ministry of Justice announced that Just Solutions International (JSi) – the “commercial arm” of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) – will not pursue any new projects, but it will continue to pursue existing projects including the proposal to work with the Saudi prison and probation service.

As previously reported, the Gulf Center for Human Rights is challenging the legality of JSi. JSi has submitted bids to providing prison and probation services in various countries with appalling human rights records, including Saudi Arabia and Oman.

GCHR’s grounds for bringing the case are here. The government served its defence on 29 July 2015. Our client’s reply is here.

Melanie Gingell, spokeswoman for GCHR, said:

“We welcome the government’s announcement, but we are concerned that the Saudi bid continues, and we are concerned at what has been left unsaid; will other existing projects such as the work in Oman also continue?

Adam Hundt, GCHR’s solicitor, said:

“The case continues because it is important for the legality of the government’s actions in relation to Saudia Arabia and Oman – and other similar projects the government may decide to pursue – to be determined.”

The Court’s decision as to whether to grant permission is expected shortly. In the meantime, please help – and ask your family and friends to do so too – GCHR reach its fund-raising target to enable it to continue the case: http://www.gofundme.com/saudiprisons

GCHR are represented by Adam Hundt, Daniel Carey and William Russell of our Bristol office, and Dan Squires, of Matrix Chambers.

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