Jailed Terrorist Sahayb Abu Scores Stunning Legal Win Over Prison Isolation
From Fearsome Plot to High-Security Lockup
- Sahayb Abu was jailed for life in 2021 after plotting a brutal rampage armed with a sword, knife and combat gear.
- He was caught stockpiling deadly weapons and planning an Islamist terror attack.
- Placed in segregation at HMP Woodhill to curb radical influence, Abu was later moved to HMP Full Sutton following incidents involving terror-linked prisoner Hashem Abedi.
Judge Slams Prisoners’ Isolation as Human Rights Breach
Abu fought back, claiming his prolonged segregation caused severe depression and PTSD. On November 18, Mr Justice Sheldon sided with him, blasting the Ministry of Justice’s stance.
“His segregation cannot be justified substantively,” the judge declared. “It interfered with Abu’s human rights.”
The judge is now considering if Abu should receive damages for his treatment behind bars.
Government Furious, Vows to Appeal
The Ministry of Justice is weighing an appeal amidst outrage from officials. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones told reporters the government is exploring every option, including challenging the ruling in court.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick slammed the judgment:
“This ruling has created a perverse situation where a terrorist’s mental health is prioritised over national security.”
With national security at stake, authorities are scrambling to rethink how to handle dangerous inmates while respecting legal limits.
