Prisoner with Muscle-Wasting Condition Alleges Inadequate Treatment at Wormwood Scrubs
Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old prisoner held at Wormwood Scrubs in west London, awaiting trial for alleged involvement in a Palestine Action protest break-in, has claimed he has been forced to crawl around the prison due to insufficient medical treatment and lack of a wheelchair. Khalid, who suffers from limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, alleges he has not received proper care, including a suitable wheelchair, and has endured significant hardship while in custody.
Khalid is accused of participating in the break-in at RAF Brize Norton last year and is not scheduled to stand trial until January. He has described his experience in prison as dehumanising and compared his condition to that of an injured stray dog he encountered during a visit to Pakistan.
“It genuinely broke my heart,” he said. “I felt so sad because no one’s going to care about it, it’s just going to have to crawl with this injury. It feels worse than that because at least when I looked at that dog, I felt sympathy.
“I’m literally on the floor, crawling on my hand, but then I can’t even use my right arm because I’ve fallen on my shoulder multiple times because they’ve not given me a wheelchair, so I can’t even crawl properly.
“I’m not embarrassed because at the end of the day I’m not the one who should be embarrassed, but it’s so dehumanising.”
Physical Condition and Access to Mobility Aids
Khalid reports that the muscles in his arms and legs have wasted to the extent that skin hangs loosely over his bones, a condition confirmed by recent visitors. He stated he waited weeks to receive crutches, which he is now too weak to use, followed by a wheelchair that is unsuitable due to its size, as it does not fit in his cell or the corridor outside.
Initially, he was able to use the wheelchair, but he fell out twice while trying to enter his cell. He was informed last week that the wheelchair is only permitted for use when attending visits and appointments, which has forced him to crawl on the floor to obtain medication.
Missed Medical Appointments and Lack of Support
Before receiving the wheelchair, Khalid missed appointments with his neurologist and physiotherapist because he was unable to access these services. He has seen the physiotherapist only once this year. He also claims that when a fire alarm sounded on 23 April, prison officers left him in his cell despite his inability to get up due to pain and his inability to press the emergency buzzer.
“Just looked at me, saw me in bed and left. But I was in too much pain to even get up and press my emergency buzzer.”
Khalid said a neurologist recommended supplements a month ago, which he has not received, and that he has not been provided with the high-protein diet necessary for his condition.
Allegations of Healthcare Neglect and Demands for Proper Care
Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 2014, Khalid, who participated in a hunger strike by Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners, alleges that healthcare workers have accused him of exaggerating his condition and have communicated these doubts to prison officers.
He is demanding proper medical treatment, full access to a suitable wheelchair, and the release of all his medical records to his legal team.
Family Response and Official Statement
His mother, Shabana Khalid, expressed distress over his condition, stating:
“He showed us his legs and his arms, he’s just like a skeleton with skin hanging off him and the prison want to say he’s making it up. It’s horrific; there’s nothing we can do but get angry.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson responded:
“The Prison Service caters to all disabilities. All prisoners’ needs are assessed when they enter custody – with arrangements made, and appropriate action taken to ensure they are met.”
