Justice advocacy groups call on corrections minister to de-escalate the protest at Waikato s Waikeria Prison stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The human rights group said de-escalation techniques should be used to end the protest.
It said the protesters had already raised concerns about poor treatment, and the use of excessive force and withholding food and water would make things worse.
Sixteen inmates are now in their sixth day of a protest that began on Tuesday at the prison, near Te Awamutu.
Significant damage had been done to the “top jail” facility, after fires in several places during the protest.
Amnesty also wanted Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis to end what it described as “dehumanising practices” at Waikeria, and to launch an inquiry into the state of the country’s prison system.
The events unfolded on Tuesday after prisoners set fire to buildings and ripped off shower doors before making it onto the roof.
Davis has said there s no chance he ll visit the prison until the issue is resolved despite calls from opposition politicians. Amnesty Aotearoa is now echoing those calls, saying Davis must ensure measures taken to address the situation at the jail protect the human rights of all involved.
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In a statement on Saturday night, the organisation said everyone involved deserves to be treated with dignity. It is why we are calling on the Minister of Corrections, Hon Kelvin Davis, to take both immediate actions to end specific dehumanising practices and to launch an inquiry into the state of our prison system.