MANAMA: The Public Prosecution last night denied that any detainees being held at the Dry Dock prison were abused.

It issued a statement following allegations posted on the websites of Al Wefaq and other political associations.

"A Public Prosecution team visited the prison and inspected the detainees' conditions," senior Attorney-General Abdulrahman Al Sayyed said. The visit was ordered by the Public Prosecutor.

The team inspected the conditions of inmates in Section 9 - which was the subject of allegations - and made sure the cells are adequately equipped.

"The detainees have been supplied with copies of the Holy Quran, books, magazines, fruit and juice," Mr Al Sayyed said.

The team also met inmates individually. "All the inmates said that the prison administration followed usual incarceration procedures," Mr Al Sayyed said, describing the situation of detainees as being normal.

He pointed out that the authorities had given in to some demands made by some inmates including better meals, more time for exercise, allowing more than five relatives to visit them and allowing them to watch TV until 1.30am, instead of midnight.

Two inmates claimed a prison guard pushed them while searching their rooms.

The Public Prosecution has directed the prison administration to probe the allegation and submit a report, said Mr Al Sayyed.

He pointed out that the Public Prosecution inspects prisons and detention centres regularly, in addition to undertaking surprise inspections.