HM Prison Belmarsh, commonly known as Belmarsh, is one of the UK’s most well-known high-security prisons. Located in southeast London, it opened in 1991. It is famous for housing some of the most dangerous criminals and high-profile figures, earning it comparisons to the U.S.’s Guantanamo Bay.

Belmarsh is a Category A prison, meaning it holds inmates considered a severe threat. These include terrorists, murderers, and gang leaders. Notable inmates have included radical cleric Abu Hamza and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The prison’s secretive nature around these prisoners has led to many rumors and theories.

The prison has some of the strictest security measures in the country. Surveillance is intense, and certain prisoners are kept in isolation. Many trials of these high-risk inmates are held behind closed doors, fueling further mystery.

Although Belmarsh is a modern facility, it faces criticism over conditions. Some argue mental health services are lacking, and long periods of isolation can harm inmates’ well-being. These concerns have only added to the prison’s controversial reputation.

Despite these issues, Belmarsh remains a critical part of the UK’s prison system. It continues to hold dangerous criminals while being at the center of ongoing public debate. The mix of secrecy, controversy, and high-profile inmates keeps it a source of intrigue.