Report Finds Muslims Face Disproportionately Harsh Treatment in UK Prisons
A new report by UK-based Muslim social justice charity Maslaha has raised concerns about systemic discrimination against Muslim prisoners across the UK prison system.
According to the findings, Muslim inmates are more likely than non-Muslims to receive warnings, disciplinary actions, and severe punishments. Between 2023 and 2025, Muslims accounted for 23 percent of prison adjudications and punishments, and received 29 percent of all additional sentence days, despite making up only 18 percent of the prison population.
The report also found that Muslim prisoners are less likely to benefit from the Incentives and Earned Privileges scheme, reducing their chances of accessing jobs, education programmes, and future early release opportunities.
Maslaha warned that proposed sentencing reforms introducing an “earned progression” model could worsen these disparities if existing inequalities are not addressed.
Testimonies collected from Muslim prisoners described a culture of suspicion and unfair treatment, with some claiming disciplinary measures were often imposed without sufficient evidence.
The charity said the findings point to a long-standing pattern of discrimination that continues despite previous reviews and equality measures. It urged the government to examine the impact of prison policies on minority groups and ensure fair treatment across the prison system.
The UK Prison Service rejected claims of discrimination, saying staff are committed to treating all prisoners fairly and that adjudication outcomes depend on a range of factors.
