Officials from all corners are refusing comment on serious charges laid against 10 correctional officers at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s this week.

The uncharacteristic silence stretches from government to the Opposition and even NAPE, the union that represents guards at HMP.

The 10 officers — two women and eight men ranging in age from 28 to 51 — face charges in connection with the death of an Inuk man at the prison last November. Three male guards are charged with manslaughter, while one of them is also accused of failing to provide the necessaries of life. Another five male guards and two female guards face charges of criminal negligence causing death.

33-year-old Jonathan Henoche died shortly after an altercation with at least two of the officers on November 6, 2019. Henoche was awaiting trial on a charge of first-degree murder following the death of 88-year-old Labrador elder Regula Schule.

Justice Minister Steve Crocker did release a statement late Tuesday saying the safe and healthy living and work environment at all correctional facilities is a top priority for the government. He added officers at HMP have been offered debriefing and support.

Meanwhile, the names of the officers charged have not been released but should be made public once they appear in court on February 11.

Lawyer Questions “Special Treatment”

The lawyer representing the family of the late Jonathan Henoche is raising questions around what he considers to be the “special treatment” given to correctional officers charged in the death of the Inuk man.

Henoche had been transferred to HMP for his own safety because of the outrage expressed in the community over Schule’s death.

Ten correctional officers at HMP have been arrested and are facing charges in connection with Henoche’s homicide, three are facing manslaughter charges. The accused are scheduled to appear in court in February.

Lawyer Bob Buckingham wants to know why those charged in the case are being treated differently from his client.