I read this and was angry, ashamed, upset, compassion for the man collided with outrage at any system that allows this, ever. Right now I have no idea what to do with how I felt that would make any difference, that would be a Christlike response, that would be practically useful and make this kind of atrocious lack of humanity not only unthinkable but impossible in a humane society. I am open to suggestions as to what a Christian is to think and do with what we feel when we read an account like this, of work done in our name by our own Government agencies. I will think about this, and post in a few days whatever light might come.
For now, ..... Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie eleison
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Excerpt
An 84-year-old immigration detainee suffering from dementia, who was declared unfit for detention, died in handcuffs, a report has discovered.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) compiled the report after visiting Harmondsworth immigration removal centre, near Heathrow airport.
Inspectors condemned "shocking cases where a sense of humanity was lost" at the centre in west London.
The Chief Inspector of Prisons said some services were "poorly managed".
The Prison Reform Trust said the centre had "forgotten the basic principles of humanity and decency".
HMIP inspectors compiled the report after an unannounced visit to the centre last August.
Handcuffed detainees
The 84-year-old was taken to hospital in handcuffs, where he died while still in restraints, inspectors found.
Have the authorities responsible for Harmondsworth forgotten the basic principles of humanity and decency that must apply to any form of custody?”Juliet Lyon Director, Prison Reform Trust
Doctors said the Canadian man was unfit for detention or deportation after diagnosing him with Alzheimer's disease, but he was not released and no referral was made to social services.
Medical notes described him as "frail, 84 years old, has Alzheimer's disease ... demented. Unfit for detention or deportation. Requires social care".
He had been in handcuffs for almost five hours when he died, the report said.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is preparing to investigate his death and inquest proceedings are being conducted by West London Coroner's Court.
You can read the whole sad story here on the BBC website
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