New Bill Could Ease Malawi Prison Issues
Data from the Irish Rule of Law shows that Malawi has 16,000 prisoners, while the recommended capacity is only 8,000.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— The Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice, and Assistance (CHREAA) is urging parliament to quickly pass the Correctional Services Bill to help address the problems plaguing Malawi's prisons, such as overcrowding and food shortages, writes Mayamiko Phiri.
Speaking on World Human Rights Day at Blantyre Prison, CHREAA Executive Director Victor Mhango explained how the bill would help.
“If parliament passes a new Correctional Services Bill, some of the challenges that the prisoners are currently facing, such as food shortages and congestion, will be reduced," said Mhango.
He noted that a parole system would be put in place and some detainees would be sent to open prisons if the bill passes.
Currently, Mhango says that prisons are "punitive places whereby people are sent to be punished."
Data from the Irish Rule of Law shows that Malawi has 16,000 prisoners, while the recommended capacity is only 8,000.
Josephine Kumitengo Gwaza, Director of Criminal Litigation in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, spoke at the event as well.
She said the government is committed to addressing prisoner concerns, particularly by offering pardons to vulnerable populations like the elderly, the sick, and those with mental health issues.
Gwaza also said that any police officers found guilty of brutality will be held accountable.