Angie Zelter has been giving more information about the abuse suffered by her and fellow prisoners at the hands of prison staff in HMP Cornton Vale. When told about Governor Kate Donnegan's attempt at a whitewash Angie said: "This talk of a roof-top protest and inciting other prisoners to riot is utter nonsense. On Friday night the staff already had a written account of our planned protest, which made it absolutely clear that it was not directed against the prison regime, that it was limited to remaining in our cells, not speaking and not eating for a day. On Saturday they bent my thumb back along with my wrist and applied pressure, causing excruciating pain. I was pinned to the floor of the punishment cell, stripped and left alone in the cell and my clothes were taken away. It was a total abuse of power. It is utterly horrifying to think that this sort of behaviour is described as 'standard procedure'."
Angie was released at her trial on 22 Sep. David McKenzie visited those who are still in Cornton Vale. This is his report:
The prisoners now have closed visits, i.e., they are divided off by a glass partition. Although we were told last night that note-taking was OK, tonight it was banned. All four were in good form, but Hanna and Helen are a bit anxious about the failure of their lawyers to be in touch. Helen has asked for Central Scotland Police to be informed about a threat of assault made against her by a member of staff. She was told that if she did not do as she was told she would be "hurt". Krista was delighted with her birthday flowers. When they appeared there was some initial resentment among other (non-TP 2000) prisoners. Krista broke up the bouquet and gave everyone a flower. This moved some of the women to tears. They were glad to hear of the political lobbying that is being done about the Cornton situation. Dennis Canavan MP has said he will try to visit them on Thursday or Friday and Jeremy Corbin MP has contacted Donald Dewar, the Scottish Secretary.