International news and guidance on COVID-19 and prisons - 1 December 2020 onwards

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01 Dec 2020

We are compiling a list of news articles, guidance and other resources from around the world on COVID-19 and prisons. This will be updated regularly.

International resources

WEPHREN are collating guidance and other resources on managing COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention from various countries and organisations which can be found here.

The ICPA has a resource page here 

Prison Insider is collating information on the measures being taken in different countries here

COVID-19 Behind Bars is an independent journalism project tracking jails, prisons, detention centers, and other facilities of incarceration impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Link here

The European Prison Observatory has a webpage on COVID-19: What is happening in European Prisons? which can be found here

The Association for the Prevention of Torture has developed a Covid-19 And Persons Deprived Of Liberty Information Hub available here

Europris have a dedicated COVID-19 page here

The Amend Team is developing real-time strategies and guidance for correctional facilities grappling with the life threatening challenges of COVID-19 here

The Fair Trials Covid-19 Justice Project can be found here

Information on measures being taken by different countries in dealing with the pandemic in prisons can be found here

Justice Project Pakistan has produced a live global map which is tracking reported cases of prisoners testing positive and dying of the virus across the world. You can view the map here

The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody has a Coronavirus Information Hub which can be accessed here

A special open access issue of the Victims and Offenders journal has been published focussing on the impact of the pandemic in prisons in a number of countries. The journal can be accessed here

The Council of Europe has published a report on "Prisons and Prisoners in Europe in Pandemic Times: An evaluation of the medium-term impact of the COVID-19 on prison populations" which is available here

Policy statements and guidance

The WHO has issued guidance on Preventing COVID-19 outbreak in prisons which can be found here

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture has issued a statement of principles relating to the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which can be found here

Penal Reform International have produced a briefing note on Coronavirus: Healthcare and human rights of people in prison here

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a statement here

UNODC has published a position paper on Position Paper on COVID-19 preparedness and responses in prisons here

On 23 March the Regional Penitentiary Academy for Latin America organised a virtual conference of senior prison administrators in the region to discuss the issue of Covid 19 and to learn from each other about initiatives to manage the situation in prisons. Professor Andrew Coyle was invited to set the scene for the conference and a copy of his statement is available here

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative has published a report on COVID - 19 and Prisons in the Commonwealth: Ensuring An Effective Response here

Children in detention are at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 and should be released: Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore here

Physicians for Human Rights Israel has published a report on Health Remanded to Custody: The Future of the Prison Health Care System in Israel which can be found here

 

News articles from 13 March - 30 November 2020 can be found here 

 

News 24 October

Americas

US - California Fails to Meet Prisoners' Mental Health Needs

https://www.governing.com/health/california-fails-to-meet-prisoners-mental-health-needs

US - Rising commissary prices in Florida prisons lead to boycotts, outcry

https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2023/10/23/florida-prison-commissary-price-increase-snack-food-toiletries-sold-keefe/

Europe

England and Wales - Probation officers fear repeat of failings in murder case as pressures mount

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/23/probation-officers-fear-repeat-of-failings-in-case-as-pressures-mount

England and Wales - Should pregnant women be spared jail? Sentencing Council reviews the impact of prison on unborn babies

https://news.sky.com/story/should-pregnant-women-be-spared-jail-sentencing-council-reviews-the-impact-of-prison-on-unborn-babies-12991044

England and Wales - Lindholme Prison: Half of the inmates feel it's easy to get drugs, one in five developed a problem since being jailed

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/crime/lindholme-prison-half-of-the-inmates-feel-its-easy-to-get-drugs-one-in-five-developed-a-problem-since-being-jailed-4381698

Northern Ireland - Half of those who leave prison in NI reoffend within a year

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/half-of-those-who-leave-prison-in-ni-reoffend-within-a-year/a1822143399.html

Oceania

Australia - Queensland prison guard warned that spit hood was suffocating inmate before her death

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/24/queensland-prison-guard-warned-that-spit-hood-was-suffocating-inmate-before-her-death

 

News 21 – 23 October

Africa

Nigeria - Reps move to decongest correctional centres nationwide

https://tribuneonlineng.com/reps-move-to-decongest-correctional-centres-nationwide/

Americas

Death row: The secret hunt for lethal drugs used in US executions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67150566

US - California prisons say there is no solitary confinement. So why are inmates isolated for years?

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article280739925.html#storylink=cpy

US - COVID-19-related jail decarceration did not affect crime in California, study suggests

https://phys.org/news/2023-10-covid-related-decarceration-affect-crime-california.html

US - Woman Sues Alabama Prison for Leaving Her To Give Birth and Bleed Out in a Shower

https://www.themarysue.com/woman-sues-alabama-prison-for-leaving-her-to-give-birth-and-bleed-out-in-a-shower/

Asia

India - Prison inmates in Kodagu District Prison to receive vocational training

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/oct/22/prison-inmates-in-kodagu-district-prison-to-receive-vocational-training-2626286.html

Philippines - Supreme Court wants a prisoner rights writ but BuCor disagrees

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/supreme-court-wants-prisoners-rights-writ-bucor-disagrees/

Europe

Drones to be banned from flying near prisons in England and Wales

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/21/drones-to-be-banned-from-flying-near-prisons-in-england-and-wales

England and Wales - I spent two years in jail – I’ve seen first hand how prisoners are failed by overcrowding

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/prison-hmp-wandsworth-jail-overcrowded-conditions-b2433955.html

England and Wales - Three inmates abscond from Hollesley Bay prison in Suffolk in one day

https://news.sky.com/story/public-urged-not-to-approach-escaped-hollesley-bay-prisoners-joshua-terry-and-levi-mitchell-12989985

Oceania

Indigenous Teen Dies in Australian Adult Prison

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/23/indigenous-teen-dies-australian-adult-prison

Australia - Inspector queries expansion of maximum security prison

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/questions-over-plan-expand-maximum-044519868.html#:~:text=%22The%20question%20has%20to%20be,many%20people%20and%20their%20needs%22.

 

News 20 October

Africa

Nigeria - 4,000 inmates languishing in jail unable to pay N500m fines — Minister

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/10/4000-inmates-languishing-in-jail-unable-to-pay-n500m-fines-minister/

Americas

Private prisons failed in the U.S., but Brazil wants to copy that model

https://brazilian.report/power/2023/10/19/private-prison-failed-lula-model/

Europe

Armenia becomes 45th member state to abolish the death penalty in all circumstances

https://www.coe.int/da/web/portal/-/armenia-becomes-45th-member-state-to-abolish-the-death-penalty-in-all-circumstances

Staff shortages forcing England’s prisons into emergency ‘red’ measures

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/19/england-prisons-emergency-red-measures-staff-shortages

England and Wales - Concern raised over mental health of inmates at HMP Peterborough - as some prisoners go without medication for weeks

https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/crime/concern-raised-over-mental-health-of-inmates-at-hmp-peterborough-as-some-prisoners-go-without-medication-for-weeks-4378406

Ireland - Prison population up since 2013 report called for one-third reduction

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/prison-population-up-since-2013-report-called-for-one-third-reduction

Ireland - Calls For More Prison Space Amid Overcrowding

https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/calls-for-more-prison-space-amid-overcrowding/

Oceania

Australia - Indigenous boy, 16, dies a week after being found unresponsive in WA’s Casuarina prison

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/20/indigenous-boy-16-dies-perth-casuarina-prison-after-being-found-unresponsive

New Zealand - High prison remand numbers probed

https://waateanews.com/2023/10/20/high-prison-remand-numbers-probed/

 

News 19 October

Africa

Malawi Relocates Female Inmates to Female-Only Prisons

https://www.voanews.com/a/malawi-relocates-female-inmates-to-female-only-prisons/7316655.html

Americas

US - Prisons and Jails are Violent; They Don’t Have to Be

https://www.vera.org/news/prisons-and-jails-are-violent-they-dont-have-to-be

US - Fewer in Tennessee prisons being granted parole, report shows. Here's why.

https://eu.tennessean.com/story/news/2023/10/18/fewer-in-tennessee-prisons-being-granted-parole-report-shows/71216530007/

Europe

‘Inhumane’: chief inspector describes chaos in English prisons

https://www.ft.com/content/244de68b-213b-441e-a9a5-c258b420b4a2

England and Wales - 'Chaotic' probation system puts people at risk of being called back to prison

https://www.itv.com/news/london/2023-10-18/chaotic-probation-system-puts-people-at-risk-of-being-called-back-to-prison

Ireland - New female accommodation opens at Limerick Prison

https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2023/1018/1411563-limerick-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Selesa Tafaifa had spent significant time in solitary confinement before altercation that led to her death, inquest hears

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/19/selesa-tafaifa-death-inquest-townsville-womens-correctional-centre-queensland-jail

 

News 18 October

Americas

The United States Criminalizes People Who Need Health Care and Housing

https://www.vera.org/news/the-united-states-criminalizes-people-who-need-health-care-and-housing

US (California) - San Francisco slammed for denying inmates access to sunlight

https://www.courthousenews.com/san-francisco-slammed-for-denying-inmates-access-to-sunlight/

Asia

North Korea ramps up public executions

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/10/103_361356.html

Philippines - BuCor inks pact with US DOJ, UN on rehab program for extremist offenders

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/bucor-inks-pact-with-us-doj-un-on-rehab-program-for-extremist-offenders/

Europe

England and Wales - MoJ ‘put public at risk’ after quietly transferring inmates to open prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/17/moj-put-public-at-risk-after-quietly-transferring-inmates-to-open-prisons

England and Wales - Concerns over staffing pressures at Kent and Sussex prisons

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-67096774

Crowded house: Are Scotland's overcrowded prisons fit for purpose?

https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,crowded-house-are-scotlands-overcrowded-prisons-fit-for-purpose

Oceania

Australia - Prison video shows Selesa Tafaifa being wrestled to the ground by officers. Six minutes later she was dead

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/17/prison-video-shows-selesa-tafaifa-being-wrestled-to-the-ground-by-officers-six-minutes-later-she-was-dead

 

News 17 October

Africa

Nigeria - Too many inmates remain on ‘death row’

https://punchng.com/too-many-inmates-remain-on-death-row/

Americas

US - Time For A Bureau Of Prisons Task Force To Implement The First Step Act

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/10/16/time-for-a-bureau-of-prisons-task-force-to-implement-the-first-step-act/?sh=67260ab74410

US - Access To Long-Term Nursing Care For Justice-Involved Elderly

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/access-long-term-nursing-care-justice-involved-elderly

US (Mississippi) - MDOC launches simulation preparing inmates for post-prison life

https://www.supertalk.fm/mdoc-launches-simulation-preparing-inmates-for-post-prison-life/

Asia

Malaysia - Home minister: Rehab programme effective with only one of 800 in parole, community service programme returning to prison 

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/16/home-minister-rehab-programme-effective-with-only-one-of-800-in-parole-community-service-programme-returning-to-prison/96637

Europe

England and Wales - Justice Secretary to take ‘decisive action’ over indefinite prison sentences

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/justice-secretary-decisive-action-over-182902843.html

England and Wales - Bristol Prison deemed unsafe as 10 inmates die since 2019

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-67122056

Scotland's 'failing' £240million prison escort service blasted by warders' union

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scotlands-failing-240million-prison-escort-31201773

 

News 14-16 October

Americas

Red-flags raised around medically-assisted death in Canada’s prisons

https://globalnews.ca/news/10023956/maid-prisons-canada/

5 killed in Mexico prison riot. Authorities cite dispute between inmates

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/5-killed-mexico-prison-riot-authorities-cite-dispute-103969975

Billion-dollar supersize prisons are slated to be built across the U.S. But do they help or hurt public safety?

https://news.yahoo.com/billion-dollar-prisons-built-across-us-public-safety-090001432.html

US - Louisiana denies clemency hearings to five death row prisoners

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/louisiana-denies-clemency-hearings-to-five-death-row-prisoners

Asia

India - Delhi government considering allowing conjugal visits in prisons

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-government-considering-allowing-conjugal-visits-in-prisons/article67420703.ece

Malaysia - Budget 2024: Prisons Dept empowers inmates with TVET skills

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/budget-2024-prisons-dept-empowers-inmates-with-tvet-skills-JE11628562

Europe

England and Wales - New rules set out for foreign criminals and low-level offenders

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67116658

Two-thirds of prisons officially overcrowded in England and Wales

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/15/two-thirds-prisons-officially-overcrowded-england-wales

Prisons plan could add 1,000 places in England and Wales amid overcrowding

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/13/prisons-plan-could-add-2600-places-in-england-and-wales-amid-overcrowding

England and Wales - Surge in number of women being jailed as overcrowding crisis grips prisons

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/women-prison-shoplifting-short-sentences-b2429367.html

England and Wales - Younger prisoners facing health care crisis as access to key appointments and specialist care is denied

https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/younger-prisoners-facing-health-care-crisis-as-access-to-key-appointments-and-specialist-care-is-denied

England and Wales - Overdoses double at prison where inmates say it’s ‘easy’ to get drugs

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/drug-overdoses-doube-hmp-forest-bank-salford-b2428460.html

England and Wales - HMP Five Wells: Former staff describe 'dangerous' conditions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-67102655

Large rise in number of deaths in Irish prisons last year, Inspector of Prisons says

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/10/13/large-rise-in-number-of-deaths-in-irish-prisons-last-year-inspector-of-prisons-says/

Ireland - Mountjoy Prison conditions 'shocking' - report

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/1013/1410827-irish-prisons/

Jersey ballet company performs for island's prisoners

https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2023-10-15/jersey-ballet-dancers-perform-for-islands-prisoners

Northern Ireland - Solicitor makes call for ‘full public scrutiny of prisons’ as Maghaberry inmate wins segregation case

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/solicitor-makes-call-for-full-public-scrutiny-of-prisons-as-maghaberry-inmate-wins-segregation-case/a202882074.html

 

News 13 October

Africa

South Africa - Correctional Services Department Re-Arrested 90% Of Prison Escapees In 2022/23

https://ewn.co.za/2023/10/12/correctional-services-department-re-arrested-90-of-prison-escapees-in-2022-23

Americas

El Salvador is gradually filling its new mega prison with alleged gang members

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/el-salvador-gradually-filling-new-mega-prison-alleged-103944343

US - Describing Modern Day Prison Labor’s Roots in Slavery, Groups Urge Court to Uphold Rights of Incarcerated Workers Subjected to Harsh Conditions, Inhumane Treatment

https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/describing-modern-day-prison-labors-roots-in-slavery-groups-urge-court-to-uphold-rights-of-incarcerated-workers-subjected-to-harsh-conditions-inhumane-treatment

US - ACLU sues Delaware for ‘deliberate indifference’ to medical care in prisons

https://whyy.org/articles/aclu-sues-delaware-prison-medical-care-deliberate-indifference/

Asia

Taiwan - Court approves polling booth in Taipei Prison

https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202310120018

Europe

England and Wales - Criminals facing sentences under six months ‘will be spared prison’

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/criminals-facing-sentences-under-six-months-will-be-spared-prison/ar-AA1i792e

Just 557 prison spaces left and ‘criminals to be spared jail’ as population hits record high

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prisons-full-uk-overcrowding-early-release-b2429149.html

England and Wales - ‘Inevitable’ prison spaces will run out as judges ‘delay sentencings’ to avoid overwhelming system

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prisons-full-judges-sentencing-chalk-b2428731.html

HMP Eastwood Park: Report finds prison has highest self-harm rate in England and Wales

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-67088567

Northern Ireland - Magilligan prisoners’ writing skills recognised in UK-wide competition

https://www.derrynow.com/news/home/1322004/magilligan-prisoners-writing-skills-recognised-in-uk-wide-competition.html

New bill adds additional jail time for dodging prison sentences in Romania

https://www.romania-insider.com/bill-additional-jail-time-dodging-prison-sentences-romania-2023

 

News 12 October

Americas

Canada’s youth justice system should extend beyond age 18

https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/october-2023/youth-justice-adulthood/

Inmates free hostages at Paraguay prison, end riot

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231011-inmates-free-hostages-at-paraguay-prison-end-riot

US - One in Five: Ending Racial Inequity in Incarceration

https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/

US - Oklahoma prison held inmates in shower stalls for days

https://www.publicradiotulsa.org/local-regional/2023-10-11/oklahoma-prison-held-inmates-in-shower-stalls-for-days

US - Arizona inmate suffers horrific injuries after technician does not remove metal shackles during MRI

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/arizona-inmate-injuries-mri-scan-b2427852.html

US - California bills to reform prisons have a mixed record of success this session

https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/prison-reform-18420277.php

Europe

England and Wales - Convicted criminals could avoid jail because prisons are 'full'

https://news.sky.com/story/convicted-criminals-could-avoid-jail-because-prisons-are-full-12982756

England and Wales - SBFM to launch academies in prisons

https://www.fmj.co.uk/sbfm-to-launch-academies-in-prisons/

England and Wales - Bristol café to be staffed by ex-offenders given go ahead

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-67006633

Slovenia - Lack of prison officers noted as MPs discuss judiciary budgets

https://english.sta.si/3223569/lack-of-prison-officers-noted-as-mps-discuss-judiciary-budgets

 

News 11 October

Africa

South Africa - More special remissions coming to reduce overcrowding in prisons

https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/parliament/more-special-remissions-coming-to-reduce-overcrowding-in-prisons-20231011

Americas

Paraguay's biggest prison set ablaze, rioting inmates take guards hostage

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/paraguays-biggest-prison-set-ablaze-rioting-inmates-take-guards-hostage-2023-10-11/

US prisoners who did not consent to ivermectin Covid treatment win payout

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/10/arkansas-prison-covid-ivermectin-lawsuit

US - New Jersey prisons flagrantly flout law limiting solitary confinement, watchdog finds

https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/10/10/new-jersey-prisons-flagrantly-flout-law-limiting-solitary-confinement-watchdog-finds/

US - California emergency regulations would change use of solitary confinement in prisons

https://www.capradio.org/articles/2023/10/10/california-emergency-regulations-would-change-use-of-solitary-confinement-in-prisons/

Europe

England and Wales - Wandsworth Prison unsafe and inhumane - watchdog report

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67065800

England and Wales - Inside hell-hole men's prison dubbed 'no-toilet jail' where inmates have to use bottles

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/inside-hell-hole-mens-prison-31152081

Northern Ireland - Prisoners at Maghaberry use gardening and baking skills to raise £4,500 for RNLI

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/prisoners-at-maghaberry-use-gardening-and-baking-skills-to-raise-ps4500-for-rnli-4368008

 

News 5 – 10 October

World Psychiatric Association Releases Report Opposing the Death Penalty for People with Mental Illness or Development and Intellectual Disabilities

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/world-psychiatric-association-releases-report-opposing-the-death-penalty-for-people-with-mental-illness-or-development-and-intellectual-disabilities

Africa

Ghana - Prison Officers to receive specialised training in convict management – Deputy Interior Minister 

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1264880/prison-officers-to-receive-specialised-training.html

'Money for freedom': Morocco's solution to prison overcrowding

https://www.newarab.com/news/money-freedom-moroccos-plan-prison-overcrowding

Americas

Canada - Calls for more oversight: 'The only people who know what's going on in provincial jails are the inmates'

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/calls-for-more-oversight-the-only-people-who-know-what-s-going-on-in-provincial-jails-are-the-inmates-1.6594460

Canada - Mould halts in-person visits at Newfoundland's notorious, rodent-infested prison

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/hmp-mould-canadian-press-1.6986430

Ecuador extends state of emergency after prison deaths

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ecuador-extends-state-of-emergency-after-prison-deaths/

U.S. Local Jail Population Surges by 4% in Mid-2022, Female Inmates Increase by 9%

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/incarceration-rates-rise-2022/

US - Youth Justice: Lessons From the Last 50 Years

https://www.sentencingproject.org/policy-brief/youth-justice-lessons-from-the-last-50-years/

US - Graying prisons face accelerating health care needs

https://www.route-fifty.com/management/2023/10/aging-prisoners/390893/

US - N.Y. prison watchdog report says inmates struggle to voice grievances

https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/ny-jail-watchdog-report-says-inmates-struggle-18406693.php

US - Racial disparities persist in Alaska’s prisons

https://alaskapublic.org/2023/10/04/racial-disparities-among-alaska-native-and-american-indian-inmates-a-troubling-picture/

US - Inmate Deaths Raise Questions About Temperatures in Oklahoma Prisons

https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/10/05/inmate-deaths-raise-questions-about-temperatures-in-oklahoma-prisons/

Asia

Human rights commission urges Korea to abolish death penalty

https://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20231010000622

Fire in Lebanese prison leaves 3 dead and 16 injured

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/fire-lebanese-prison-leaves-3-dead-16-injured-103788767

Malaysia - Home Ministry studying possibility of home detention, suspended sentencing as part of prison reform

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/965104/home-ministry-studying-possibility-home-detention-suspended-sentencing

Europe

Prison places in England and Wales are ‘bust’, says governors’ union chief

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/09/prisons-england-wales-bust-governor-union-chief-andrea-albutt

Over 100,000 children in England and Wales have parent in prison, analysis shows

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/06/over-100000-children-in-england-and-wales-have-parent-in-prison-analysis-shows

England and Wales - Indeterminate prison sentences – when 18 months can last 18 years

https://www.channel4.com/news/indeterminate-prison-sentences-when-18-months-can-last-18-years

England and Wales - Drug use 'rife' at HMP Dartmoor as watchdog slams Devon prison

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/drug-use-rife-hmp-dartmoor-8816602

England and Wales - Lancaster prison criticised after inmate is kept chained to officers as he dies of Covid-19

https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/people/lancaster-prison-criticised-after-inmate-is-kept-chained-to-officers-as-he-dies-of-covid-19-4365072

England and Wales - Fred Sirieix opens restaurant in Welsh prison

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/fred-sirieix-opens-restaurant-welsh-27840805

England and Wales - Ministry of Justice triggers Operation Safeguard as HMP Elmley on Sheppey ‘reaches capacity’ with problems ‘all across the county’

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/emergency-declared-as-kent-prison-reaches-capacity-294824/

Scotland's prison population projected to hit record high

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67004354

Scotland - Prison chiefs urged to tackle ‘cramped’ living conditions in HMP Perth

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/courts/4773963/perth-prison-inspection-cells/

Oceania

Australia - Woman in spit hood told Queensland prison guards four times she couldn’t breathe before dying, inquest hears

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/09/woman-dies-in-custody-australia-spit-hood-couldnt-breath-told-guards-elesa-tafaifa

Australia - NSW women’s prison lacking hundreds of security cameras despite guard sexually assaulting detainees

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/06/wayne-gregory-astill-inquiry-womens-prison-cameras-sexual-assault

New Zealand - Christchurch Men’s Prison reaches ‘operational capacity’, prisoners moved to other sites

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch-mens-prison-reaches-operational-capacity-prisoners-moved-to-other-sites/GSGJ5OT3DBBMJHGA7S56ZHRDP4/

New Zealand - Prison document reveals staff concerns over increasingly violent youth

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300985241/prison-document-reveals-staff-concerns-over-increasingly-violent-youth

 

News 4 October

Africa

Uganda - Send to jail only those who deserve to be there – CJ 

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/send-to-jail-only-those-who-deserve-to-be-there-cj--4389404

Americas

Honduras, the country where the Bukele method failed

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-10-03/honduras-the-country-where-the-bukele-method-failed.html

US - For Incarcerated Women and Their Families, Equal Access to Education Transforms Lives

https://www.vera.org/news/women-in-prison-need-equal-access-to-education

US (California) - Solitary Confinement Reform And Other Bills May Get A Second Chance In 2024

https://witnessla.com/solitary-confinement-reform-and-other-bills-may-get-a-second-chance-in-2024/

US - Pennsylvania inmates sue over ‘torturous conditions’ of solitary confinement

https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-inmates-sue-over-tortuous-conditions-of-solitary-confinement.html

Venezuela’s Neverending Prison Crisis

https://www.caracaschronicles.com/2023/10/03/venezuelas-neverending-prison-crisis/

Asia

India - Uttarakhand govt to hike minimum wages of prisoners employed in prison labour

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/2617194-uttarakhand-govt-to-hike-minimum-wages-of-prisoners-employed-in-prison-labour

Philippines - Solons want BJMP, BuCor’s records system to go digital

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1840679/solons-want-bjmp-bucors-records-system-to-go-digital

Europe

England and Wales - UK could rent space in foreign jails to ease shortage of cells

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/03/uk-could-rent-space-in-foreign-jails-to-ease-shortage-of-cells

England and Wales - Prison inmates ‘at risk of death’ due to healthcare failings, says inquest report

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/03/prison-inmates-at-risk-of-death-due-to-healthcare-failings-says-inquest-report

England and Wales - ‘I collapsed and woke up in handcuffs’: Prison isn’t safe for pregnant women, so why are we locking them up?

https://inews.co.uk/opinion/doctors-agree-that-prison-isnt-safe-for-pregnant-women-so-why-are-we-still-locking-them-up-2657607?ico=most_popular

Ireland - Call for additional funding to address prison overcrowding

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/call-for-additional-funding-to-address-prison-overcrowding

Malta - ‘Inhumane cage’ in prison removed ahead of European inspection

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/inhumane-cage-prison-removed-ahead-european-inspection.1059024

Scotland's prisons under 'acute pressure' as populations rise by almost 10 per cent

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/scotlands-prisons-under-acute-pressure-155212460.html

Oceania

Australia (Victoria) - Guard’s keys stolen, inmates hospitalised after ‘affray’ inside juvenile prison

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/children-injured-guard-s-keys-taken-at-victorian-juvenile-prison-20231001-p5e8wy.html

 

News 3 October

Africa

Uganda – Prisons turn inmates into cotton farmers

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/prisons-turns-inmates-into-cotton-farmers-NV_171664

Americas

US - Bill aims to lower price markups, ease financial burdens in California prisons

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-east/inside-the-issues/2023/10/02/bill-aims-to-lower-prison-price-markups

Asia

Cambodia - Random drug tests to target prison officials, inmates: GDP

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/random-drug-tests-target-prison-officials-inmates-gdp

A more humane approach to prison life offers lessons for Hong Kong

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3236435/more-humane-approach-prison-life-offers-lessons-hong-kong

Five inmates slay guards, flee Myanmar’s Dawei prison

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/escape-10022023142116.html

Europe

Cyprus - Juvenile prison plans in final stages

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/10/02/juvenile-prison-plans-in-final-stages/

England and Wales - Criminals may be freed early to ease overcrowding as prison crisis laid bare

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prisons-overcrowding-early-release-daniel-khalife-wandsworth-b2416855.html

England and Wales - ‘You cr** where you eat’: Grim state of UK prisons revealed as inmates crammed into cells for 23 hours a day

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-overcrowding-inmates-violence-suicide-b2419889.html

England and Wales - HMP Aylesbury makes 'remarkable' improvement, report says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-66984123

England and Wales - HMP Five Wells officers 'left alone with 64 prisoners'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-66984322

Scotland - Psychoactive drugs making inmates violent and aggressive

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66985699

 

News 30 September – 2 October

Africa

Uganda – Costly incarceration: Elderly inmates plead for more support

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/report/costly-incarceration-elderly-inmates-plead-fo-NV_171451

Americas

US - ‘There’s geniuses in there’: how three chefs rose from prison to the top of the culinary world

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/02/chefs-from-prison-to-top-of-culinary-world

US - Texas prisons are as hot as ovens. I’m being cooked like a rotisserie chicken

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/01/texas-prison-extreme-heat-diary

Asia

India - Undertrials in jail for long should get bail even if offence serious: Bombay High Court

https://www.barandbench.com/news/undertrials-jail-long-should-get-bail-even-offence-serious-bombay-high-court

Calm returns to Iran prison after protest by inmates, state media report

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/protesting-inmates-start-fire-iran-prison-shots-heard-report-2023-09-29/

Singapore - Salvation Army initiatives allow prisoners to play with their kids, join support groups

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/salvation-army-initiatives-allow-prisoners-to-play-with-their-kids-join-support-groups

Europe

England and Wales - 'Serious concern' about Long Lartin as prison boss calls for closures

https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/23814511.serious-concern-long-lartin-prison-boss-calls-closures/

England and Wales - 'A prison officer will get killed': Staff warn of chaos and violence inside flagship super prison

https://news.sky.com/story/a-prison-officer-will-get-killed-staff-warn-of-chaos-and-violence-inside-flagship-super-prison-12974748

England and Wales - HMP Lewes should no longer be used, says watchdog

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/23819399.hmp-lewes-no-longer-used-says-watchdog/

England and Wales - Prisoners Building Homes scheme nominated for prestigious award

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/prisoners-building-homes-scheme-nominated-8781803

Oceania

New Zealand - Women's prisons should routinely offer pregnancy tests on arrival, inspectorate recommends

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/499067/women-s-prisons-should-routinely-offer-pregnancy-tests-on-arrival-inspectorate-recommends

 

News 29 September

Africa

Nigeria - Prison congestion: stakeholders blame state laws

https://thenationonlineng.net/prison-congestion-stakeholders-blame-state-laws/

Americas

UN Report Urges End to Forced US Prison Labor—a 'Contemporary Form of Slavery'

https://www.commondreams.org/news/racism-in-the-criminal-justice-system

The Largest Form of Criminal Punishment in the United States Is Not Prison. It’s Still Awful.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/09/prison-probation-parole-reform-mass-incarceration.html

US - Louisiana pulls incarcerated girls out of controversial youth prison

https://www.ksla.com/2023/09/28/louisiana-pulls-incarcerated-girls-out-controversial-youth-prison/

Europe

Plan for 20,000 more prison places in England and Wales won’t be complete until 2030

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/29/plan-for-20000-more-prison-places-in-england-and-wales-wont-be-complete-until-2030

Criminals in England and Wales spared jail sentences because of overcrowding

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/28/criminals-in-england-and-wales-spared-jail-sentences-because-of-overcrowding

England and Wales - We should all care about the dire state of our prisons

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-state-of-our-prisons-should-worry-us/

England and Wales - New Prison Education Service to cut crime

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-prison-education-service-to-cut-crime

England and Wales - 11 years for stealing a mobile phone: Inside the lives of IPP prisoners serving sentences of 'psychological torture'

https://news.sky.com/story/11-years-for-stealing-a-mobile-phone-inside-the-lives-of-ipp-prisoners-serving-sentences-of-psychological-torture-12965479

England and Wales - How young people in prison are getting a fresh start by giving free haircuts to the homeless

https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/young-prisoners-haircuts-homeless-leeds-youth-custody-service/

England and Wales - Lancashire super prison public inquiry reopening is delayed

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-66947245

England and Wales - Immediate action to improve HMP Woodhill

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-action-to-improve-hmp-woodhill

Russia's Harsh Prison System Is 'A Bottomless Reservoir Of Mercenaries,' Says Rights Advocate

https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prison-system-interview-olga-romanova/32614416.html

Sweden to build special prison wards for young offenders

https://english.news.cn/20230929/66e2de0ce90d4da09ea8964a912513e3/c.html

Oceania

Western Australia - Isolation 'should be outlawed' for youth justice system

https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/8369096/isolation-should-be-outlawed-for-youth-justice-system/

 

News 27 – 28 September

Americas

Canada - ‘I feel at peace’: Iqaluit inmates learn carving skills

https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/i-feel-at-peace-iqaluit-inmates-learn-carving-skills/

US - ‘It’s torture’: Solitary confinement tests limits of California prison reform

https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/solitary-confinement-prison-reform-18369739.php

US (North Carolina) - NC prison staffer sounds alarm on overcrowding, neglect of basic prisoner health and safety

https://ncnewsline.com/2023/09/27/nc-prison-staffer-sounds-alarm-on-overcrowding-neglect-of-basic-prisoner-health-and-safety/

Asia

India - From Creche To Immunisation Centres, Tihar Jail Attempts Give Better Services To Female Prisoners' Children

https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/from-creche-to-immunisation-centres-tihar-jail-attempts-give-better-services-to-female-prisoners-children-articleshow.html

Myanmar - Prisons Increase Restrictions Curb on Food Parcels for Inmates

https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/prisons-increase-restrictions-curb-food-parcels-inmates

Europe

Belgium - No short-term miracle solution for prisons, unions say

https://www.brusselstimes.com/712074/no-short-term-miracle-solution-for-prisons-unions-say

England and Wales - Prisons ‘out of control’ as drug testing regime millions over budget and targets missed

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-drug-testing-targets-missed-b2419719.html

England and Wales - Criminal gangs in UK sending recruits to train as prison officers, union warns

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/27/organised-crime-gangs-uk-sending-recruits-to-train-as-prison-officers-union-warns

Pepper spray could be used at young offender institutions in England and Wales

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/26/pepper-spray-young-offender-institutions-england-wales

England and Wales - Psychologists having to talk to young offenders through cell doors

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/27/psychologists-having-to-talk-to-young-offenders-through-cell-doors

England and Wales - HMP Littlehey criticised after ill inmate left on toilet for 14 hours

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-66913295

England and Wales - Record number of trials adjourned over failure to bring suspects from prison to court

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/trial-prisons-court-backlog-delays-b2414412.html

Improved governance at supervised prison units in Northern Ireland, review finds

https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2023-09-28/improved-governance-at-supervision-units-in-ni-prisons-review-finds

Turkey - Report exposes systematic rights violations of prisoners in Tarsus jail

https://anfenglish.com/human-rights/report-exposes-systematic-rights-violations-of-prisoners-in-tarsus-jail-69515

Oceania

New Zealand - Inspectorate Report Examines Women In Prison Who Have Young Children

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2309/S00248/inspectorate-report-examines-women-in-prison-who-have-young-children.htm

 

News 26 September

Africa

Kenya - Contagious scabies scare reported at Kakamega GK Prison

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/news/article/2001482181/contagious-scabies-scare-reported-at-kakamega-gk-prison

Americas

US - Supreme Court's interpretation of the word "and" could affect thousands of prison sentences each year

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-interpretation-word-and-could-affect-thousands-prison-sentences/

US - Dozens of inmates at Utah prison infected in scabies outbreak

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/scabies-outbreak-utah-prison-correctional-b2418378.html

US - Why are hundreds of Missourians stuck in jail, not treated for mental health issues?

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-09-hundreds-missourians-stuck-mental-health.html

Asia

India - Parliamentary panel bats for better facilities for women prisoners

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/26/parliamentary-panel-bats-for-better-facilities-for-women-prisoners-2618281.html

Europe

One in 10 prisons in England and Wales should be shut down, watchdog says

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/25/one-in-10-prisons-in-england-and-wales-should-be-shut-down-watchdog-says

Violence, isolation and rat-infested cells: insiders on the state of English and Welsh prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/25/insiders-on-the-state-of-english-and-welsh-prisons

The state of prisons in England and Wales – in numbers

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/26/the-state-of-prisons-in-england-and-wales-in-numbers

England and Wales - ‘Antiquated’ Pentonville Prison found unfit as place for prisoners to live or be rehabilitated

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hmp-pentonville-prison-unfit-inmates-b2418506.html

England and Wales - Exeter Prison failures linked to prisoner's death

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/exeter-prison-failures-linked-prisoners-8778574

England and Wales - HMP Highpoint: Restraint use on ill prisoner 'inappropriate', says watchdog

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-66865904

Ireland - Solutions to prison overcrowding

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/09/26/solutions-to-prison-overcrowding/

 

News 23 – 25 September

Americas

US prison labor is cruel and pointless legalized slavery. I know first-hand

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/22/us-prison-labor-is-cruel-and-pointless-legalized-slavery-i-know-first-hand

US - Why Are So Many Inmates at This Federal Prison Dying?

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/22/1198908174/why-are-so-many-inmates-at-this-federal-prison-dying

Venezuela completes first phase of retaking control of prisons run by prisoners

https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/news/world/venezuela-completes-first-phase-of-retaking-control-of-prisons-run-by-prisoners-100894953/

Asia

India - SC calls for compassion in release of long-term prisoners

https://sundayguardianlive.com/legally-speaking/sc-calls-for-compassion-in-release-of-long-term-prisoners

India - Released prison inmates given business kits

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103880040.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Nepal - Govt grants general amnesty to 7,000 prisoners over five years

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/govt-grants-general-amnesty-to-7-000-prisoners-over-five-years/

Europe

Cyprus - Prison union calls for end to understaffing amidst inmate clash

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/09/22/prison-union-calls-for-end-to-understaffing-amidst-inmate-clash/

England and Wales - Prison inmates row 510 miles for charity

https://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/community/183741/prison-inmates-row-510-miles-for-charity.html

England and Wales - Hayling Island: Criminals choose beach clean over prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-66889416

Inspector criticises 'degrading' Irish prison conditions

https://www.fm104.ie/news/fm104-news/inspector-criticises-degrading-irish-prison-conditions/

Scotland - Overcrowding at HMP Addiewell laid bare as prison reached 'over 100 per cent capacity'

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/overcrowding-hmp-addiewell-laid-bare-31001792

Prison officials in eastern Turkey hogtied two female inmates for hours: report

https://stockholmcf.org/prison-officials-in-eastern-turkey-hogtied-two-female-inmates-for-hours-report/

 

News 22 September

Americas

US - Texas inmate killed by cellmate during a statewide prison lockdown

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/21/texas-prisons-lockdown-inmate-killed/

US (Alabama) - Corrections in ‘tough situation’ over staffing, crowding, aging prison population

https://aldailynews.com/corrections-in-tough-situation-over-staffing-crowding-aging-prison-population/

VR transports users to notorious Venezuelan prison: ‘The world needs to know’

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/09/22/venezuela-torture-virtual-reality-helicoide/

Asia

India - Parliamentary panel recommends GPS trackers to reduce overcrowding in prisons

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliamentary-panel-recommends-gps-trackers-to-reduce-overcrowding-in-prisons/article67331749.ece

India - Prisoner’s rights don’t part ways at jail gates: Madras High Court

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/22/prisoners-rights-dont-part-ways-at-jail-gates-madras-high-court-2617128.html

India - Raised behind bars: How Tihar takes care of inmates' kids

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/21/raised-behind-bars-how-tihar-takes-care-of-inmates-kids-2616995.html

Critics claim drug use clemency proposal to reduce overcrowding in Indonesia’s prisons shortsighted

https://asianews.network/critics-claim-drug-use-clemency-proposal-to-reduce-overcrowding-in-indonesias-prisons-shortsighted/

Thailand to clamp down on cannabis use in major U-turn on drug policy

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/22/thailand-to-clamp-down-on-cannabis-use-in-major-u-turn-on-drug-policy

Europe

Cyprus - Brawl at Nicosia prison contained by guards

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/09/21/brawl-at-nicosia-prison-contained-by-guards/

Scots prisons 'bursting at seams' as inmates sharing single cells due to overcrowding crisis

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/prisons-bursting-seams-inmates-sharing-30993781

Suicide risk in male incarcerated individuals in Spain: clinical, criminological and prison-related correlates

https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01315-y

Oceania

Australia - Community to benefit from prison dairy program supplying milk to WA jails

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-22/dairy-prison-farm-supplies-milk-to-western-australia-jails/102871048

 

News 21 September

End overreliance on punitive measures to address drugs problem – UN report

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/09/end-overreliance-punitive-measures-address-drugs-problem-un-report

Americas

More than 5,600 Jamaicans empowered with restorative justice skills

https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/caribbean-news/more-than-5600-jamaicans-empowered-with-restorative-justice-skills/

US - Final price tag on Alabama’s new 4,000-bed prison could top $1 billion

https://www.al.com/news/2023/09/final-price-tag-on-alabamas-new-4000-bed-prison-could-top-1-billion.html

US - Private Prison Firm Pays Mississippi $5 Million After Audit Found Understaffing Issues

https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2023/09/20/741126.htm

US - Texas' lockdown of its overheated state prisons is worsening an already volatile situation

https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-lockdown-of-its-overheated-state-prisons-is-worsening-an-already-volatile-situation-32676360

Venezuela sends 11,000 troops to retake prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66873494

Asia

India - Literacy lessons for jail inmates

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/literacy-lessons-for-jail-inmates/articleshow/103825224.cms?from=mdr

Iran - Psychological and Mental Torture of Female Prisoners in Qarchak Prison by Inhumane Sentences

https://iran-hrm.com/2023/09/20/psychological-and-mental-torture-of-female-prisoners-in-qarchak-prison-by-inhumane-sentences/

Europe

England and Wales - Childhood in care raises risk of entering English youth justice system eightfold

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/21/care-experienced-children-eight-times-more-likely-enter-youth-justice-system-england

England and Wales - HMP Foston Hall: Council approves expansion of prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-66875049

England and Wales - Wrexham: HMP Berwyn given food hygiene rating of one

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23803976.wrexham-hmp-berwyn-given-food-hygiene-rating-one/

Scotland - Lack of scrutiny of prison healthcare standards ‘a national disgrace’, MSPs told

https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/scotland/1302304/lack-of-scrutiny-of-prison-healthcare-standards-a-national-disgrace-msps-told.html

Oceania

Australia - Better use of tech in prisons would help with transition back into society, says researcher

https://phys.org/news/2023-09-tech-prisons-transition-society.html

 

News 20 September

Africa

Cabo Verde: Total of 2,100 inmates in jails, 34pct more than in 2018 – minister

https://www.macaubusiness.com/cabo-verde-total-of-2100-inmates-in-jails-34pct-more-than-in-2018-minister/

Kenyan prison warden shares rare glimpse into inmates’ hidden world

https://nairobinews.nation.africa/kenyan-prison-warden-shares-rare-glimpse-into-inmates-hidden-world/

Can Zimbabwe’s First ‘Open Prison’ for Women Open Doors to a New Life?

https://globalpressjournal.com/africa/zimbabwe/can-zimbabwes-first-open-prison-women-open-doors-new-life/

Americas

US - Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences Are a Failed Policy That Needs to End

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/juvenile-life-without-parole-sentences

US - Can restorative justice break the cycle of mass incarceration?

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/19/opinion/can-restorative-justice-break-cycle-mass-incarceration/

US - Nebraska prison report raises concern about long-term solitary confinement

https://wahoo-ashland-waverly.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/nebraska-prison-report-raises-concern-about-long-term-solitary-confinement/article_48b4fab7-bcc4-5614-9f1b-cc7385f664ad.html

US - California Inmates Accuse Prison Commissaries of Price Gouging

https://capitalandmain.com/california-inmates-accuse-prison-commissaries-of-price-gouging  

US - South Carolina obtains lethal injection drugs to carry out death penalty again after decade-long hiatus

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/south-carolina-obtains-lethal-injection-drugs-death-penalty-again-after-decade-long-hiatus

US - Florida prisons use artificial intelligence to surveil calls

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2023/09/19/florida-artificial-intelligence-prison-surveillance-leo-technologies-verus-calls-amazon/

Asia

India - Poor people are more prone to detention, says Supreme Court’s justice SK Kaul

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/poor-people-are-more-prone-to-detention-says-supreme-court-s-justice-sk-kaul-101695126186565.html

Nepal president pardons jail term of 670 prisoners

https://telanganatoday.com/nepal-president-pardons-jail-term-of-670-prisoners

Philippines - Hope behind bars: Transforming lives through livelihood training

https://pia.gov.ph/features/2023/09/19/hope-behind-bars-transforming-lives-through-livelihood-training

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners at Lancashire jail wait too long for their complaints to be heard due to staffing levels

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/prisoners-lancashire-jail-wait-long-27735737

Oceania

Australia - Queensland Human Rights Commission recommends ridding women's prisons of traumatising strip searches

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-20/human-rights-report-strip-searching-women-queensland-prison/102876136

 

News 19 September

Americas

Canada - Oral surgeon pleads guilty to letting prison guard do dental work on sedated inmate

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/bourget-pleads-guilty-1.6970109

I spent nine years in a Colombian women’s prison. This is what I learned

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/sep/19/i-spent-nine-years-in-a-colombian-womens-prison-this-is-what-i-learned

Incarceration rates, falling in every US state, drive significant shifts in risk of prison for marginalized groups

https://news.wisc.edu/incarceration-rates-falling-in-every-us-state-drive-significant-shifts-in-risk-of-prison-for-marginalized-groups/

US - Incarcerated Seniors Lack Access to Hospice Care

https://hospicenews.com/2023/09/18/incarcerated-seniors-lack-access-to-hospice-care/

Asia

India - People Remaining Behind Bars As Undertrials A Disturbing Trend : Supreme Court Judge Justice SK Kaul

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/justice-sanjay-kishan-kaul-lecture-under-trial-review-committee-special-campaign-2023-238096

India - At Delhi jails, warm water in winters for inmates soon

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/warm-water-in-tihar-delhi-prison-administration-installation-of-solar-water-heaters-8945932/

Europe

England and Wales - Inspectors urge independent review into ‘struggling’ Probation Service

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/probation-damien-bendall-england-wales-b2413932.html

England and Wales - HMP Foston Hall: New prison 'apartments' would allow children overnight

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-66841181

England and Wales - Inside Preston Prison: Rat-infested wings, poor living conditions and 'heavy-handed staff'

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/inside-preston-prison-rat-infested-27735337

England and Wales - Prisoner who heard voices from 'pig man' died at jail where mental health care 'not of required standard'

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/prisoner-who-heard-voices-pig-27737973

Oceania

New Zealand - Quarter of all youth going through the courts given adult sentences

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/498329/quarter-of-all-youth-going-through-the-courts-given-adult-sentences

 

News 16 – 18 September

Africa

Africa Court orders Tanzania to end caning in jail sentences

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/african-court-orders-tanzania-to-end-corporal-punishment-4370530

Americas

US - Bureau Of Prisons’ Challenges With First Step Act Release Dates

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/09/17/bureau-of-prisons-challenges-with-first-step-act-release-dates/

US - Louisiana prisoner suit claims they’re forced to endure dangerous conditions at Angola prison farm

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/louisiana-prisoner-suit-claims-theyre-forced-endure-dangerous-103250685

US - More people are dying in Louisiana prisons, some before getting a trial

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/reports-shows-staggering-spike-in-louisiana-prison-deaths

US - Oklahoma is set to execute 10th man in less than two years

https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/oklahoma-is-set-to-execute-10th-man-in-less-than-two-years/

Asia

Indian jail sets shining example for prison reform as inmates polish diamonds

https://www.thenationalnews.com/weekend/2023/09/15/indian-jail-sets-shining-example-for-prison-reform-as-inmates-polish-diamonds/

Jordan - 351 prison alternative penalties issued in August – MoJ

https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-109/News/351-prison-alternative-penalties-issued-in-August-MoJ-30903

Nepal - Rautahat jail overcrowded, prisoners face sheer inconvenience

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/rautahat-jail-overcrowded-prisoners-face-sheer-inconvenience/?categoryId=81

Europe

England and Wales - Urgent calls for swift action in self-harm related prison deaths

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-self-harm-deaths-daniel-khalife-b2413313.html

England and Wales - Almost 3,000 prisoners remain incarcerated under IPPs

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23792410.almost-3-000-prisoners-remain-incarcerated-ipps/

England and Wales - The toxic prison attitude that can cost inmates their lives

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-inmates-dont-get-the-healthcare-they-need/

England and Wales - Britain’s broken justice system revealed as prisoners trapped in jail for five years before trial

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prisons-remand-court-backlog-overcrowding-b2412072.html

Oceania

Australian state suspends human rights law to lock up more children

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/18/australian-state-suspends-human-rights-law-to-lock-up-more-children

Australian-First Aboriginal Healing Unit In Prison Opens

https://www.miragenews.com/australian-first-aboriginal-healing-unit-in-1086006/

New Zealand - Nationwide crisis looms as Corrections staff consider strike action

https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/corrections-staff-across-new-zealand-to-go-on-strike

 

News 15 September

Africa

Rights groups call for 'international inspection' of Egypt’s prisons after leaked videos allegedly show abuses

https://www.newarab.com/news/inspection-egypts-prisons-demanded-after-leaked-videos

Americas

Bahamas - Acting Prison Commissioner ‘making progress’ in efforts to become licenced as correctional facility

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/sep/14/acting-prison-commissioner-making-progress-efforts/

Canada - Mental health and prison: a tragic cycle that repeats itself

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/mental-health-and-prison-a-tragic-cycle-that-repeats-itself/article_9085abb1-7cfd-5b2c-a223-ea694e9fb89b.html

Salvadoran Prisons House Over 105,000 Inmates

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Salvadoran-Prisons-House-Over-105000-Inmates-20230914-0010.html

US - Appeals court temporarily halts order to move juvenile detainees from Louisiana adult prison

https://www.foxnews.com/us/appeals-court-temporarily-halts-move-juvenile-detainees-louisiana-adult-prison

Asia

Taiwan - Taipei Prison censured by Control Yuan over mistreatment of prisoners

https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202309140029

Europe

England and Wales - Justice Committee to examine the future prison population and estate capacity

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/197476/justice-committee-to-examine-the-future-prison-population-and-estate-capacity/

England and Wales - Crown court backlog hits new record high with more than 64,000 cases waiting

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/court-backlog-record-high-england-b2411465.html

Turkey - Protest against torture of women in Patnos prison

https://anfenglish.com/human-rights/protest-against-torture-of-women-in-patnos-prison-69314

 

News 14 September

Africa

Kenyans don’t trust the courts - the main factors behind this trend

https://theconversation.com/kenyans-dont-trust-the-courts-the-main-factors-behind-this-trend-212710

Americas

Canada - Officers have filed scores of scathing reports about 'unfit' conditions at HMP. We obtained them

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/hmp-reporting-system-1.6962802

U.S. prisons chief insists to Senate panel there’s been ‘visible change’ in the system

https://sourcenm.com/2023/09/14/u-s-prisons-chief-insists-to-senate-panel-theres-been-visible-change-in-the-system/

Asia

Bahrain prison hunger strike ‘ended’: officials

https://guardian.ng/news/bahrain-prison-hunger-strike-ended-officials/

Philippines - CHR backs measure on prisons monitoring

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/314370113/chr-backs-measure-on-prisons-monitoring.html

Europe

England and Wales - Our prisons are in crisis

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/our-prisons-are-in-crisis-2/

England and Wales - HMP Wakefield: Calls for action over conditions at city’s high security jail

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/hmp-wakefield-calls-action-over-132000866.html

Wim Hof activities and yoga for La Moye prison inmates funded by Jersey government grant

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2023/09/14/wim-hof-activities-and-yoga-for-la-moye-prison-inmates-funded-by-jersey-government-grant/

Scotland - Why Britain’s new £85m women’s ‘superjail’ has got off to an awful start

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hmp-stirling-prison-residents-nightmare-housing-estate-b2411281.html

 

News 13 September

Americas

Canada - An overdose prevention site for inmates is coming to this Ontario prison

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/overdose-prevention-service-collins-bay-prison-1.6960429

US - New report examines how Kentucky fills jails and prisons by criminalizing poverty

https://www.lpm.org/news/2023-09-12/new-report-examines-how-kentucky-fills-jails-and-prisons-by-criminalizing-poverty

Europe

The dire state of British prisons – and what they could learn from Europe to get better

https://theconversation.com/the-dire-state-of-british-prisons-and-what-they-could-learn-from-europe-to-get-better-212907

England and Wales - Fears prisons could be run by gangs as thousands of guards quit

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prisons-hmp-jail-officers-daniel-khaliffe-b2410020.html

England and Wales - David Morgan: Dead prisoner shown 'shocking lack of concern' by jail staff

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-66786214

Scotland - Number of inmates expected to soar as prison populace exceeds 8,000

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/number-of-inmates-expected-to-soar-as-scottish-prison-populace-exceeds-8000-new-report-says

Scotland - Prisons inspector warns delay to Barlinne rebuild would be 'travesty'

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23785400.prisons-inspector-warns-delay-barlinne-rebuild-travesty/

 

News 12 September

$1bn in aid has been used to support failed ‘war on drugs’ over past decade, says report

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/sep/12/1bn-war-on-drugs-has-fuelled-human-rights-abuses-over-past-decade-says-report

Americas

Canada - Indigenous-led restorative justice program in development in Peace Region

https://www.cjdctv.com/indigenous-led-restorative-justice-program-in-development-in-peace-region-1.6557154

El Salvador Is Imprisoning People at Triple the Rate of the US

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-12/el-salvador-jails-1-6-of-population-in-crime-crackdown?leadSource=uverify%20wall

Jamaica - Restorative justice plays vital role in healing the nation, says acting director

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230911/restorative-justice-plays-vital-role-healing-nation-says-acting-director

US - Study finds probation associated with poorer health for Black Americans

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1001066

US - Louisiana prisons need better oversight of sentencing changes, auditor says

https://lailluminator.com/2023/09/11/louisiana-prisons-need-better-oversight-of-sentencing-changes-auditor-says/

Asia

India - Jail staff trained to screen mentally ill prisoners in Odisha

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/jail-staff-trained-to-screen-mentally-ill-prisoners-in-odisha/articleshow/103585674.cms?from=mdr

Malaysia says death row prisoners can appeal sentences

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/malaysia-death-row-prisoners-can-seek-review-09112023080720.html

Europe

Armenia ratifies Protocol N. 13 Concerning the Abolition of Death Penalty in All Circumstances

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1119279.html

England and Wales - Concerns at Wellingborough's £253m 'super prison' HMP Five Wells with drugs, hooch, mobiles and SIM cards and staff safety issues

https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/people/concerns-at-wellingboroughs-ps253m-super-prison-hmp-five-wells-with-drugs-hooch-mobiles-and-sim-cards-and-staff-safety-issues-4288652

Scotland - Overcrowded prisons are an indictment of a society that jails chaotic people – Karyn McCluskey

https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/scotlands-overcrowded-prisons-are-an-indictment-of-a-society-that-jails-chaotic-people-who-struggle-to-navigate-life-karyn-mccluskey-4287664

 

News 9 – 11 September

Americas

US - Louisiana’s Notorious Angola Prison Will No Longer Hold Children

https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2023/09/lousianas-notorious-angola-prison-will-no-longer-hold-children/

US - As NH prison population declines, parole violators make up bigger share

https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2023/09/11/as-nh-prison-population-declines-parole-violators-make-up-bigger-share/

Asia

India - SC-appointed panel on jail reforms slams solitary confinement of death row convicts — ‘most egregious’

https://theprint.in/judiciary/sc-appointed-panel-on-jail-reforms-slams-solitary-confinement-of-death-row-convicts-most-egregious/1756122/

India - Byculla Jail to be redeveloped into vertical prison

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/byculla-jail-to-be-redeveloped-into-vertical-prison-101694285204386.html

Malaysia - Law on revision of death penalty, life imprisonment comes into force Sept 12

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/09/11/law-on-revision-of-death-penalty-life-imprisonment-comes-into-force-sept-12

Philippines - Bilibid shutdown by 2028 eyed

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/09/news/national/bilibid-shutdown-by-2028-eyed/1909226

Saudi Arabia: 100 people executed as authorities continue relentless ‘killing spree’

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/09/saudi-arabia-100-people-executed-as-authorities-continue-relentless-killing-spree/

Europe

England and Wales - Indefinite sentences should be suicide risk factor, says prisons watchdog

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/sep/09/indefinite-sentences-should-be-suicide-risk-factor-says-prisons-watchdog

England and Wales - Around 40 inmates moved after HMP Wandsworth prison break

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/23779420.around-40-inmates-moved-hmp-wandsworth-prison-break/

Italy - Inmate dies in Viterbo prison, another attempts suicide

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/09/10/inmate-dies-in-viterbo-prison-another-attempts-suicide_de507bf2-e9ab-404f-b6b7-7cb52363d968.html

Lord Advocate gives green light for safe drug consumption rooms in Scotland

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/lord-advocate-gives-green-light-30910581

Oceania

New Zealand - Election 2023: Māori Party want to abolish prisons by 2040, separate tikanga justice system to address inequities

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2023-maori-party-want-to-abolish-prisons-by-2040-separate-tikanga-justice-system-to-address-inequities/2OEWB6NBPVCG3GY56HIJ4VRYWQ/

 

News 8 September

World Coalition Publishes Country Mapping Report on Women on Death Row

https://worldcoalition.org/2023/09/08/world-coalition-publishes-country-mapping-report-on-women-on-death-row/

Americas

Canada - Released prisoners should get help to reenter society, says Cowichan MP

https://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/local-news/released-prisoners-should-get-help-to-reenter-society-says-cowichan-mp-3118378

Mexico Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion in landmark decision

https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/09/mexico-supreme-court-decriminalizes-abortion-in-landmark-decision/

Asia

Philippines - Bilibid inmate reveals 'lax' situation in maximum security prison

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/09/08/23/bilibid-inmate-reveals-lax-situation-in-maximum-security-prison

Europe

England and Wales - Terror suspect escape prompts furious political row over prison cuts

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/07/terror-suspect-escape-prompts-furious-political-row-over-prison-cuts

Amount of Raac in English and Welsh prisons won’t be known for at least two months

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/07/amount-of-raac-in-english-and-welsh-prisons-wont-be-known-for-at-least-two-months

England and Wales - Guys Marsh prison's performance 'of concern' says report

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23722538.guys-marsh-prisons-performance-of-concern-says-report/

England and Wales - HMP Wandsworth needs closing, says chief inspector of prisons

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/hmp-wandsworth-needs-closing-says-221457039.html

Oceania

Australia - NSW Law Society welcomes planned expansion of drug court operations

https://www.thelawyermag.com/au/news/general/nsw-law-society-welcomes-planned-expansion-of-drug-court-operations/458942

 

News 7 September

Americas

In Bolivia’s Largest Prison, Inmates Make The Rule And There Are No Guards

https://www.news18.com/viral/in-bolivias-largest-prison-inmates-make-the-rule-and-there-are-no-guards-8567158.html

US - Texas prison system issues statewide lockdown to combat illegal drugs, inmate violence

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/06/texas-prisons-contraband-visitors/

US - D.C. Councilmember Renews Push To Ban Solitary Confinement At D.C. Jail

https://dcist.com/story/23/09/06/nadeau-to-introduce-bill-solitary-confinement-dc-jail/

Asia

Cambodia - Top official calls for regular inspections of prisons

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501356341/top-official-calls-for-regular-inspections-of-prisons/

Hong Kong detention center overflowing as thousands serve time for protests

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hk-prisons-overflowing-09062023102749.html

Nepal - Govt inhumanity in Central Jail: Overcrowding and dilapidated buildings increase risks to inmates

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/govt-inhumanity-in-central-jail-overcrowding-and-dilapidated-buildings-increase-risks-to-inmates/

Europe

England and Wales - Record prison overcrowding ‘an embarrassment for UK’

https://www.thejusticegap.com/record-prison-overcrowding-an-embarrassment-for-uk/

Stop detaining children in Luxembourg Prison, urges anti-torture committee

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/stop-detaining-children-in-luxembourg-prison-urges-anti-torture-committee

Oceania

Australia - Supporting the ‘invisible victims’ of the criminal justice system

https://lsj.com.au/articles/supporting-the-invisible-victims-of-the-criminal-justice-system/

 

News 6 September

Africa

South Africa - Kutama Fire: Inside The Torching Of Limpopo's Maximum Security Prison

https://ewn.co.za/2023/09/06/kutama-fire-inside-the-torching-of-limpopo-s-maximum-security-prison

Americas

Are Ecuador’s Army, Police, and Prisons Beyond Reform?

https://insightcrime.org/news/ecuador-army-police-prisons-beyond-reform/

US - Florida’s ‘Two-Strikes’ Law Put Him in Prison for Life. Even His Victim Said It Was Too Harsh.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/florida-two-strikes-law-mark-jones-criminal-justice-documentary-excerpt/

Asia

India - Denied basic facilities, women prisoners impacted far worse than men: SC panel on prison reforms

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/denied-basic-facilities-women-prisoners-impacted-worse-men-sc-panel-prison-reforms-8925934/

India - Is the Proposed Overhaul of the Criminal Justice System Decolonising or Recolonising the Law?

https://thewire.in/government/is-the-proposed-overhaul-of-the-criminal-justice-system-decolonising-or-recolonising-the-law

Europe

England and Wales - Report details life behind bars in Chelmsford Prison

https://www.yellowad.co.uk/report-details-life-behind-bars-in-chelmsford-prison/

England and Wales - Investigation launched after Shropshire prisoner died in custody

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/crime/2023/09/06/investigation-launched-after-shropshire-prisoner-died-in-custody/

Turkey - Complaints of intolerable prison conditions surface from Edirne L-Type prison

https://stockholmcf.org/complaints-of-intolerable-prison-conditions-surface-from-edirne-l-type-prison/

 

News 5 September

Americas

Belize - Prison inmates drive road safety effort: Collaborative project with Ministry of Infrastructure & Kolbe Foundation

https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2023/09/04/prison-inmates-drive-road-safety-effort-collaborative-project-with-ministry-of-infrastructure-kolbe-foundation/

Ecuador’s prisons are increasingly violent

https://www.ruetir.com/2023/09/ecuadors-prisons-are-increasingly-violent/ 

US - Nitrogen Gas Executions Could Go Horribly Wrong. Here's Why

https://www.newsweek.com/nitrogen-gas-executions-could-horribly-wrong-1824353

US - Re-Entry One works to lower Florida’s reincarceration rate

https://www.newpelican.com/articles/re-entry-one-works-to-lower-floridas-reincarceration-rate/

Asia

Philippines - Lawmaker seeks reforms in PH correctional facilities

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209185

Europe

England and Wales - Concerns raised over staffing levels at HMP Berwyn

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23756660.concerns-raised-staffing-levels-hmp-berwyn/

England and Wales - How I turned prisoners’ misery into reading pleasure: the brilliant story of Bang Up Books

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/04/how-i-turned-prisoners-misery-into-reading-pleasure-the-brilliant-story-of-bang-up-books

England and Wales - HMP Lincoln officer didn't carry out welfare checks on prisoner who killed himself

https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/hmp-lincoln-officer-didnt-carry-8726303

Germany refuses to extradite man to UK over concerns about British jail conditions

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/05/germany-refuses-extradite-albanian-man-uk-jail-conditions

Oceania

Australia (Victoria) - Ban detention for under-16s, justice inquiry tells govt

https://au.news.yahoo.com/bid-lift-age-criminality-14-173000092.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIcHzqvypZPT8ul532rWrX_GhwX9XrAtoQq9zxshi_E8uFNhP5Oiz1B6r5gRqHodrfUm7Gz9KWvoz0W-GJ0RZ-D-zg3QhdlBraiNbEA4t3XkFkn0HfhJfx2q0aWmDa3vYvDjEMplB1SoeWcNUsSVhSXTG4rLgaBiswx3x_k9VGqY

Northern Mariana Islands - Civil Rights committee examines health care for incarcerated people on Saipan

https://www.kuam.com/story/49585594/civil-rights-committee-examines-health-care-for-incarcerated-people-on-saipan

 

News 2- 4 September 2023

Prison architecture: Treading the fine line between the need for confinement and the ethics of freedom

https://english.elpais.com/society/2023-09-03/prison-architecture-treading-the-fine-line-between-the-need-for-confinement-and-the-ethics-of-freedom.html

Americas

Combating recidivism and promoting reintegration: Brazil’s experiment with prisons without guards

https://www.equaltimes.org/combating-recidivism-and-promoting

Canada - Prison Amazon accounts keep federal inmates stuck in the 1990s

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/prison-amazon-ecommerce-federal-correctional-service-games-1.6894913

Ecuador: Inmates in prison takeover free 57 hostages after 24-hour standoff

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ecuador-prisoners-hostage-free-57-guards-b2403718.html

US - Prison Labour and Cambodian Supply Chains

https://impactpolicies.org/news/330/prison-labour-and-cambodian-supply-chains

US - I Worked in Federal Prison Sweatshops for 23 Cents an Hour

https://theintercept.com/2023/09/04/prison-labor-exploitation-america/

US (California) - Ending the Golden State Era of Solitary Confinement

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/09/02/california-new-york-prisons-solitary

US - ‘Astonishingly cruel’: Alabama seeks to test execution method on death row ‘guinea pig’

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/02/alabama-execution-nitrogen-kenneth-smith

Asia

Bangladesh - Prisons infrastructure creaking under weight of imprisoned population

https://www.daily-sun.com/post/710111/Prisons-infrastructure-creaking-under-weight-of-imprisoned-population

Nepal - Custodial deaths go on as perpetrators are left unpunished

https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/09/04/custodial-deaths-go-on-as-perpetrators-are-left-unpunished

Europe

England and Wales - Number of offenders with indefinite sentences recalled to prison soars

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/sep/03/number-of-offenders-with-indefinite-sentences-recalled-to-prison-soars

England and Wales - UN highlights ‘psychological harm’ to UK man jailed since 2012 for phone theft

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/sep/03/un-highlights-psychological-harm-to-uk-man-jailed-since-2012-for-phone-theft

England and Wales - Concern over violence at HMP Berwyn after 'inmate influx'

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23756524.concern-violence-hmp-berwyn-inmate-influx/

Oceania

Australia - The blueprint to end Victoria’s ‘pipeline’ of Aboriginal kids into the justice system

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/prison-police-and-youth-justice-overhaul-on-cards-after-landmark-indigenous-report-20230831-p5e12k.html

 

News 1 September

Africa

Seychelles Prison Services transitioning to Seychelles Correctional Services in new strategic plan

http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/category/2/articles/19230/Seychelles+Prison+Services+transitioning+to+Seychelles+Correctional+Servicesin+new+strategic+plan

South Africa - Prisoners were tortured at Leeuwkop prison, court finds

https://www.groundup.org.za/article/torture-case/

Americas

Ecuador prison violence: Dozens of guards taken hostage

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66679911

US - Thousands of California inmates are sentenced to die in prison. Should some get to seek parole?

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article278461069.html

US - New Colorado laws improve communication services in prison, access to court proceedings

https://krdo.com/news/2023/08/31/new-colorado-laws-improve-communication-services-in-prison-access-to-court-proceedings/

US - Florida uses unpaid prison labor to prepare for Hurricane Idalia

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/florida-uses-unpaid-prison-labor-to-prepare-for-hurricane-idalia-34971348

US - ACLU files wrongful death lawsuits over Alaska prison suicides

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2023/08/31/aclu-files-wrongful-death-lawsuits-over-alaska-prison-suicides/

US - Oklahoma inches closer to eliminating private prisons

https://www.kgou.org/criminal-justice/2023-09-01/oklahoma-inches-closer-to-eliminating-private-prisons

Asia

Cambodia - Nearly 400 inmates seek pardons, commutations

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501352676/nearly-400-inmates-seek-pardons-commutations/

Israel – Prisons to release 120 inmates to alleviate overcrowding

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-757063

Pakistan - Home secretary for gender sensitive training of jail staff

https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Sep-2023/home-secretary-for-gender-sensitive-training-of-jail-staff

Europe

England and Wales - HMP Woodhill: Call for emergency measures at 'unsafe' prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-66675838

England and Wales - Whitemoor prison review planned after March prisoner’s death

https://www.wisbechstandard.co.uk/news/23759554.whitemoor-prison-review-planned-march-prisoners-death/

Oceania

New Zealand - Judge slams lack of allocated mental health beds for Whangārei courts

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/judge-slams-lack-of-allocated-mental-health-beds-for-whangarei-courts/MMGJVZDCZZEZ3IG46JEWEQD33E/

Papua New Guinea - PNG capital’s Bomana jail full – refusing any new prisoners

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2023/09/01/png-capitals-bomana-jail-full-refusing-any-new-prisoners/

 

News 31 August

Americas

Canada - Inmates in Her Majesty's Penitentiary say they feel hopeless, alone and increasingly unwell

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/her-majestys-penitentiary-1.6951813

US - California debates solitary confinement in local jails — and whether it’s really possible to end it

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-31/solitary-confinement-jails-prisons-isolation-mental-health-torture-california-gavin-newsom

US - Dying and disabled Illinois prisoners kept behind bars, despite new medical release law

https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/prisons-and-jails/2023/illinois-medical-release-law-failing/

Asia

UN expresses concern over continued hunger strike at Bahrain prison

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-expresses-concern-over-continued-hunger-strike-at-bahrain-prison/2979646

India - Supreme Court panel suggests suicide-resistant barracks in prison to curb deaths

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/panel-recommends-suicide-proof-barracks-in-prisons-to-combat-rising-unnatural-deaths-supreme-court-to-take-action-101693420153668.html

Europe

England and Wales - UN torture expert urges government to review 'mess' left by indefinite prison sentences

https://news.sky.com/story/un-torture-expert-urges-government-to-review-mess-left-by-indefinite-prison-sentences-12951079

England and Wales - Winchester Prison: Decaying buildings undermine jail's progress, report says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-66658591

England and Wales - Offenders refusing to attend sentencing will spend longer in prison

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/offenders-refusing-to-attend-sentencing-will-spend-longer-in-prison/5117080.article

England and Wales - HMP Leeds: Long cell 'lock-ups' blamed as Armley prison now has second highest suicide rate in country

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/hmp-leeds-lengthy-cell-lock-104500234.html

England and Wales - North Sea Camp open prison criticised over 'cramped' cells

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-66668692

Greece: Anti-Torture Panel Decries Korydallos Prison Hospital Conditions

https://www.miragenews.com/greece-anti-torture-panel-decries-korydallos-1075492/

Scotland - Prisoner death rate more than trebled in a decade, report reveals

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/prisoner-death-rate-more-than-trebled-in-a-decade-scottish-government-report-reveals

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service statement on prisoner escort services

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/scs-news/2023/08/31/scottish-courts-and-tribunals-service-statement-on-prisoner-escort-services

Oceania

Australia - Suicide of Indigenous man Mr Blanket in WA prison was due to lack of safe cells, coroner finds

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-31/mr-blanket-coronial-inquest-findings-acacia-prison/102798446

 

News 30 August

Americas

Canada - High number of prison breaks from federal healing lodges: Report

https://torontosun.com/news/national/high-number-of-prison-breaks-from-federal-healing-lodges-report

US - Florida evacuates 4,000 prisoners from 35 facilities statewide ahead of hurricane

https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2023/08/29/florida-prison-idalia-evacuation-storm-path-jail-inmate/

Norway Aids in Humanizing U.S. Prison Systems

https://www.miragenews.com/norway-aids-in-humanizing-us-prison-systems-1074204/

Asia

India - SC seeks views of Centre, states on prison reforms report in three weeks

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-seeks-views-of-centre-states-on-prison-reforms-report-in-3-weeks-101693328339576.html

Malaysia - First-time non-serious offenders should not be sent to prison

https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2023/08/948867/first-time-non-serious-offenders-should-not-be-sent-prison

Europe

England and Wales - Government spends millions on overspill prison cells in police stations, exclusive data reveals

https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/factcheck-government-spends-millions-on-overspill-prison-cells-in-police-stations-exclusive-data-reveals

England and Wales - Housing inmates in police cells ‘predictable mess’, says former head of prison service

https://www.channel4.com/news/housing-inmates-in-police-cells-predictable-mess-says-former-head-of-prison-service

England and Wales - Leeds charity's success at giving prisoners a chance

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-66651855

Scotland - Young prisoner dies in custody three days after being remanded by Aberdeen sheriff

https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/young-prisoner-dies-just-three-8712018

 

News 25 – 29 August

Americas

Canada - CCLA Calls For Immediate Reforms To Prison Strip Searches In Ontario, Implementation Of Body Scanners As Alternative

https://ccla.org/press-release/ccla-calls-for-immediate-reforms-to-prison-strip-searches-in-ontario-implementation-of-body-scanners-as-alternative/

US - ‘Like being inside an oven’: Extreme weather batters imprisoned people

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/28/like-being-inside-an-oven-extreme-weather-batters-imprisoned-people

US - Report Spotlights Horrific Conditions in Solitary Confinement in Alabama Prisons

https://eji.org/news/report-spotlights-horrific-conditions-in-solitary-confinement-in-alabama-prisons/

US - Missouri prisons ban friends and family from sending books to prisoners

https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-29/missouri-prisons-ban-friends-and-family-from-sending-books-to-prisoners

US - Covid Outbreak Prompts Restrictions At Hawaii’s Largest Prison

https://www.civilbeat.org/beat/covid-outbreak-prompts-restrictions-at-hawaiis-largest-prison/

Asia

‘Slow murder’: Hundreds of prisoners stage Bahrain’s largest hunger strike

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/28/slow-murder-hundreds-of-prisoners-stage-bahrains-largest-hunger-strike

India - PIL in HC stokes a debate on prison inmates’ right to conjugal visits

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/pil-in-hc-stokes-a-debate-on-prison-inmates-right-to-conjugal-visits/article67242164.ece

India - Tihar Jail’s novel scheme to generate employment within prison system

https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/tihar-jails-novel-scheme-to-generate-employment-within-prison-system-530447

Europe

Risk of homelessness after prison release and recidivism in Denmark: a nationwide, register-based cohort study

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(23)00152-4/fulltext

England and Wales - Prisons are at breaking point

https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2023/08/prisons-breaking-point

England and Wales - 'Life means life': Government to expand whole-life prison sentences for most depraved killers

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/government-expand-whole-life-order-prison-sentences/

England and Wales - Prison and probation staffing dangerously low after botched privatisation

https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/home-affairs/prison-and-probation-staffing-dangerously-low-after-botched-privatisation/

England and Wales - HMP Gartree: Decision over new prison delayed again

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-66628036

England and Wales - Urgent action to improve HMP Bristol

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/urgent-action-to-improve-hmp-bristol

Guernsey - New cookery course offered to prison inmates

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce4vjxnqy50o

Ireland - €300,000 to be spent on assessing prisoners' mental health 

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41214478.html

Turkey - 9,000 inmates who benefited from COVID-19 release have failed to return to prison

https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/08/25/9000-inmate-who-benefited-from-covid-release-failed-return-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Mothers in prison embrace a parenting program to strengthen bonds with separated children

https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2023/mothers-in-prison-embrace-a-parenting-program-to-strengthen-bonds--with-separated-children/

Australia - Queensland government repeatedly ignored warnings two years ago of youth prison overcrowding

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/29/queensland-police-watch-houses-human-rights-act-youth-prison-overcrowding-queensland-government-warnings

Australia - Prison Service defends lockdowns as Tasmanian inmate's mum complains of 'inhumane treatment' at remand centre

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-29/tas-remand-centre-locked-down-for-five-days-inmate/102783504

 

News 24 August

Africa

Gambia - Mile II Central Prisons Has Digital Records And Clinic Facilities As Part Of Ongoing Reforms

https://www.voicegambia.com/2023/08/24/mile-ii-central-prisons-has-digital-records-and-clinic-facilities-as-part-of-ongoing-reforms/

Ghana - Youth form 85% of prison inmates - Ages range between 12-35

http://www.businessghana.com/site/news/General/292406/Youth-form-85-of-prison-inmates-Ages-range-between-12-35

South Africa: Analysis - the Troubled History of Mangaung Prison

https://allafrica.com/stories/202308240021.html

Asia

China - Legal aid measures due to take effect

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202308/23/WS64e5f07ea31035260b81dd32.html

India - Draft report on prison reforms: House panel suggests transfer of prisoners from congested jails

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/draft-report-on-prison-reforms-house-panel-suggests-transfer-of-prisoners-from-congested-jails-101692817184870.html

India - Calcutta High Court flags concerns over failure to implement prison reforms despite Supreme Court directive of 1978

https://www.barandbench.com/news/calcutta-high-court-prison-reforms-supreme-court-directive-sunil-batra

Philippines - DOJ: Prisoners’ food budget still at P70 in 2024

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/08/24/2290908/doj-prisoners-food-budget-still-p70-2024

Europe

Scotland - Understanding women’s experience of justice

https://www.gov.scot/news/understanding-womens-experience-of-justice/

Number of prisoners declines under new law, but overcrowding persists in Turkish prisons

https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/08/23/number-of-prisoner-decline-under-new-law-but-overcrowding-persist-in-turkish-prisons/

Oceania

Australia - Sydney woman and former prisoner designing 'survival guide' for inmates to help navigate system

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-24/sydney-woman-designs-online-tool-female-prisoners/102767066

 

News 23 August

Africa

CJ Koome urges Kenyans to embrace alternative justice processes

https://www.kbc.co.ke/cj-koome-urges-kenyans-to-embrace-alternative-justice-processes/

Americas

Brazil Has The Third Largest Female Prison Population In The World- Report

https://indiaeducationdiary.in/brazil-has-the-third-largest-female-prison-population-in-the-world-report/

Canada - His brother died in an Ontario jail. Advocates say calls for reform to prevent such deaths are being ignored

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/inmate-suicide-toronto-jail-1.6943729

Ecuador should hold violent convicts on prison boats, says presidential hopeful Noboa

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-should-hold-violent-convicts-prison-boats-says-presidential-hopeful-2023-08-22/

Inside El Salvador's mega-prison holding 12,000 alleged gangsters

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/video/inside-el-salvadors-mega-prison-015757206.html

US - Walmart probes use of prison labour in Cambodia

https://www.ecotextile.com/2023082231087/social-compliance-csr-news/walmart-probes-use-of-prison-labour-in-cambodia.html

US - The First Step Act: Ending Mass Incarceration in Federal Prisons

https://www.sentencingproject.org/policy-brief/the-first-step-act-ending-mass-incarceration-in-federal-prisons/

US - Oregon women's prison report raises red flags; acting director, governor respond

https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-department-department-corrections-womens-prison-coffee-creek-correctional-facility-report-raises-red-flags-acting-director-heidi-steward-governor-tina-kotek-respond

Asia

India - Prolonged Incarceration Of Undertrial Prisoners Violates Constitutional Principles Of Dignity & Liberty: SC Releases Nigerian Citizen In Jail For 9 Years

https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/nigerian-citizen-in-prison-for-last-nine-years-released-on-bail-in-ndps-case-1490981

Lebanon: Harrowing Prison Conditions

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/08/23/lebanon-harrowing-prison-conditions

Pakistan - Swift implementation of juvenile justice act demanded

https://www.dawn.com/news/1771618/swift-implementation-of-juvenile-justice-act-demanded

Sri Lanka - Disease hit Galle prison to keep inmates out of Courts

https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/08/23/local/88858/disease-hit-galle-prison-to-keep-inmates-out-of-courts/

Europe

England and Wales - Portland YOI given 'performance of concern' rating in latest report

https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/dorset/news/portland-yoi-performance-of-concern-rating/

Oceania

Australia (Queensland) - Human rights fury over bid to amend Youth Justice Act

https://au.news.yahoo.com/human-rights-fury-over-bid-085942650.html

 

News 19-22 August

Americas

US - As the death toll in stifling Texas prisons climbs, congressional Democrats ask for investigation

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/21/texas-prison-heat-deaths/

US - New York is building the world’s tallest jail in Chinatown. Can anyone stop it?

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/21/new-york-jail-chinatown-rikers-island

US - Inside a ‘Nightmare’ Lockdown at a Wisconsin Prison

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/19/us/wisconsin-prison-lockdown.html

Asia

Bahrain: Hundreds of prisoners on hunger strike over inhumane living conditions

https://www.wionews.com/world/bahrain-hundreds-of-prisoners-on-hunger-strike-over-inhumane-living-condition-626797

Hong Kong heatwave prompts calls for cooler prisons, but lawmakers draw line at air conditioning for inmates

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3231644/hong-kong-heatwave-prompts-calls-cooler-prisons-lawmakers-draw-line-air-conditioning-inmates

India - State prison dept hikes wages of inmates

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/state-prison-dept-hikes-wages-of-inmates-101692469325258.html

India - Prison capacity to be ramped up by 6,000 in Maharashtra

https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2023/8/19/Prison-capacity-to-be-ramped-up-by-6-000-in-Maharashtra.html

Iran Executes Eight More Over Past 72 Hours In Prison 'Killing Fields'

https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-executes-8-72-ours-prison-amnesty-killing-fields/32557674.html

Europe

Recall rules to be eased on indefinite jail sentences in England and Wales

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/aug/21/recall-rules-to-be-eased-on-indefinite-jail-sentences-in-england-and-wales

England and Wales - Anger as suspects locked up in limbo for up to three years as their lives fall apart

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/anger-suspects-locked-up-limbo-30734460

Pain-inducing restraints to be banned in England and Wales children’s prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/22/childrens-prison-staff-in-england-and-wales-to-be-banned-from-pain-inducing-restraints

Ireland - Alternatives to short prison sentences

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/08/22/alternatives-to-short-prison-sentences/

Ireland - Prison service to retain old Cork Prison site due to overcrowding

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41209651.html

Poland fills prisons with white-collar crime suspects

https://www.ft.com/content/445140ab-fd7d-4433-b7ad-96959e739e7f

 

News 18 August

Africa

South Africa - More fatalities at Kutama Sinthumule prison, says Lamola

https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2023-08-18-more-fatalities-at-kutama-sinthumule-prison-says-lamola/

Americas

US - Prison Healthcare Means Not Knowing What’s Slowly Destroying My Body

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/08/18/prison-mystery-illness-wellpath-appointment-delays

US - Oregon fails to support women in prison, report finds

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/08/17/coffee-creek-oregon-womens-prison-report-calls-for-changes/

US - Suicide Watch Incidents in Louisiana Prisons Spike by Nearly a Third on Extreme Heat Days, a New Study Finds

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/18082023/louisiana-prisons-heat-suicide-study/

Asia

India’s supreme court issues handbook against use of archaic terms for women

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/18/indias-supreme-court-issues-handbook-against-use-of-archaic-terms-for-women

India - Prison department prepares inmates’ profile for premature release

https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/prison-department-prepares-inmates-profile-for-premature-release-730632

Europe

England and Wales - Woodhill Prison looks to tackle staff shortages

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-66437913

England and Wales - Fry and Waal support prison reading research project

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/fry-and-waal-support-prison-reading-research-project

England and Wales - HMP Wakefield and New Hall prison's performance rating has worsened since Covid

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/hmp-wakefield-hall-prisons-performance-102958663.html

Ireland - Restorative justice plan likely to leave ‘significant gaps’

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/restorative-justice-plan-likely-to-leave-significant-gaps

Welsh Affairs Committee launch follow up inquiry to examine Prisons in Wales

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/162/welsh-affairs-committee/news/196807/welsh-affairs-committee-launch-follow-up-inquiry-to-examine-prisons-in-wales/

 

News 17 August

Africa

South Africa - Thousands of non-violent offenders due for early release from prison

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/thousands-of-non-violent-offenders-due-for-early-release-from-prison-20230817

Americas

Canada - COVID-19 outbreaks continued in Sask. jails after public disclosures ceased: documents

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/covid-19-outbreaks-continued-in-sask-jails-after-public-disclosures-ceased-documents

The Timebomb That Exploded Twice: Behind The Massacres in Honduras' Women's Prison

https://insightcrime.org/investigations/institutions-gangs-violence-honduras-women-prison/

US - This Therapy Helps Formerly Incarcerated People Return to Society

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-therapy-helps-formerly-incarcerated-people-return-to-society/

US - Inmates at California women's prison sue federal government over sexual abuse

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bureau-of-prisons-ap-california-oakland-associated-press-b2394399.html

US - Ohio death row inmates spend 21 years waiting for execution date

https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/08/16/ohio-death-row-inmates-spend-21-years-waiting-execution-date/

Asia

India - Win for transparency: Parliamentary committee recommends mandatory annual reports for high courts

https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/08/17/win-for-transparency-parliamentary-committee-recommends-mandatory-annual-reports-for-high-courts

UAE - Dubai prisoners hope cooking classes will offer second chance at life

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/08/17/dubai-prisoners-hope-cooking-classes-will-offer-second-chance-at-life/

Europe

Ireland - Sharp increase in number of very short prison terms being imposed by judges

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/08/17/sharp-increase-in-short-prison-terms-concerns-penal-reformers/

Ireland - Quarter of prisoners fail or refuse to take drugs test 

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41206960.html

 

News 16 August

Africa

Nigeria - ‘Correctional Service Reforms Will Improve Penal Administration’

https://leadership.ng/correctional-service-reforms-will-improve-penal-administration/

Americas

US - Hearing begins over incarcerated youths being held at Louisiana’s maximum-security prison

https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-angola-youth-prison-bb370b514e95552e19575e6eb83405e7

US - Study: S.C. prisons have the U.S.’s third-highest population of convicted children

https://www.postandcourier.com/greenville/study-s-c-prisons-have-the-u-s-s-third-highest-population-of-convicted-children/article_004f1cd2-1f21-11ee-a271-d755eab76055.html

Asia

New IPC, CrPC bill: Is India's planned criminal law reform a game-changer?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-66495428

India - Here's How Maharashtra Govt Plans To Improve Conditions In Jails

https://www.mumbailive.com/en/civic/here's-how-maharashtra-govt-plans-to-improve-conditions-in-jails-80339

Europe

England and Wales - 'Significant deterioration' at HMP Lowdham Grange with rising violence and self-harm after operator change

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/hmp-lowdham-grange-unsafe-rising-8679218

England and Wales - 'Remarkably safe' Aylesbury Vale prison must improve education services following inspection

https://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/crime/remarkably-safe-aylesbury-vale-prison-must-improve-education-services-following-inspection-4257034

Ukrainian prisoners of war say they were tortured at Russian prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66453692

 

News 9 – 15 August

Africa

South Africa - Pay up or dry up: Johannesburg disconnects water at Leeuwkop Prison for R9.8 million debt

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/pay-up-or-dry-up-johannesburg-disconnects-water-at-leeuwkop-prison-for-r98-million-debt-20230812

Americas

Brazil - Senate committee approves DNA collection of prison inmates

https://brazilian.report/liveblog/politics-insider/2023/08/10/prison-inmates-dna-collection/

Canada - 'Not much has changed': Sudbury, Ont. advocates decry lack of support services in northern Ontario jails

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-prisoners-justice-day-supports-2023-1.6931649

Ecuador's government sending troops and police to take control of prison zone

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/08/13/exp-rafael-romo-ecuador-investigation-lkl-081305aseg2-cnni-world.cnn  

US - What the New Wave of Prison Art Tells Us About Incarceration Today

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/08/12/prison-art-exhibit-gallery-incarceration

US - Texas claims spike in prison deaths isn't heat-related. Study says that can’t be true.

https://www.kut.org/health/2023-08-10/texas-claims-spike-in-prison-deaths-isnt-heat-related-study-says-that-cant-be-true

US - Hawaii Inmates Are Kept Behind Bars To Complete Programs They Can’t Get Into

https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/08/hawaii-inmates-are-kept-behind-bars-to-complete-programs-they-cant-get-into/

Asia

Bahrain prisoners on hunger strike demanding better conditions

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/9/bahrain-prisoners-on-hunger-strike-demanding-better-conditions

India - I-Day: Delhi Prisons DG announces remission for 1,300 convicts, 1,200 CCTV cameras for enhanced security

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2558995-i-day-delhi-prisons-dg-announces-remission-for-1300-convicts-1200-cctv-cameras-for-enhanced-security

Israel - Prisons in crisis with overcrowding, abject conditions - public defender

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-754183

National forum discusses abolishing death penalty in Jordan

https://en.royanews.tv/news/43703/2023-08-10

Surge in Executions As Singapore Clears ‘Backlog’ of Death Row Dealers

https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgwvqd/singapore-drug-executions

Sri Lanka - New mechanism to reduce burden of prisons on Treasury

https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/08/11/local/72201/new-mechanism-to-reduce-burden-of-prisons-on-treasury/

Europe

England and Wales - Kirkham prison is performing worse than it did before the pandemic, according to Ministry of Justice figures

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/inspectors-checked-on-kirkham-prisons-performance-heres-what-they-found-4255019

Ireland - Prisoner critical after attack in Mountjoy Prison, another dies by suicide

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/08/08/prisoner-critical-after-attack-in-mountjoy-prison-another-dies-by-suicide/

Italy’s justice minister visits prison where 2 inmates died as advocates warn of summertime suicides

https://apnews.com/article/italy-prisoner-suicides-inmates-overcrowding-8c4559fdf175ab8c5d9a5a7a30ee24d7

Scotland - Innovative project allows play time for children and parents within prison walls

https://tfn.scot/news/innovative-project-allows-play-time-for-children-and-parents-within-prison-walls

Oceania

Australia - Potentially hundreds of conversations live-streamed from bugged Risdon Prison room, Tasmanian government reveals

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-10/potentially-hundreds-conversations-live-streamed-risdon-prison/102713944

Australia - Bail reforms set to keep more Victorians out of jail

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/bail-reforms-set-keep-more-222432589.html

New Zealand - Justice system bogged down in 'delays of two to three years' for trials

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/495526/justice-system-bogged-down-in-delays-of-two-to-three-years-for-trials

 

News 8 August

Americas

Canadian prisons need international oversight to prevent human rights violations

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canadian-prisons-need-international-oversight-to-prevent-human-rights/

Asia

How Does Pakistan’s Prison System Work? | TLDR

https://www.dawn.com/news/1768899/how-does-pakistans-prison-system-work-tldr-dawn-news-english

Europe

England and Wales - Prison and probation staffing dangerously low

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66431061

England and Wales - ‘I never knew what horrors were happening in there’: the show giving Woodhill prisoners’ bereaved families a voice

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/aug/07/woodhill-prison-deaths

Ireland - Obstetrician will lead access to specialist women’s health in Limerick Prison

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41199934.html

Oceania

Australia - Inmates asked to ramp up home building for First Nations communities in New South Wales

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-08/inmates-build-more-homes-nsw-indigenous-communities/102696502

Australia - Custodial Services report finds Broome Prison offers 'no meaningful rehabilitation'

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-08/broome-prison-offers-no-meaningful-rehabilitation-report/102702384

 

News 4 – 7 August

Africa

Kenyan prisons are choking with young, petty offenders

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/features/article/2001478841/kenyan-prisons-are-choking-with-young-petty-offenders

Nigeria - 4,204 persons sent to prison in four months – Report

https://punchng.com/4204-persons-sent-to-prison-in-four-months-report/

‘Fit for pigs’: Conditions in overcrowded Zimbabwe prisons choke inmates

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/8/4/fit-for-pigs-conditions-in-overcrowded-zimbabwe-prisons-choke-inmates

Americas

British Virgin Islands - Too many in prison on remand, says Governor

https://bvinews.com/too-many-in-prison-on-remand-says-governor/

Ecuador prison staff arrested over drugs, weapons

https://www.postcourier.com.pg/ecuador-prison-staff-arrested-over-drugs-weapons/

St Vincent & the Grenadines - Murder convicts dominate the prison population

https://www.searchlight.vc/news/2023/08/04/murder-convicts-dominate-prison-population/

US - How 600-plus California inmates got more than 11,000 years cut off their prison sentences

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-03/california-criminal-justice-reform-reduced-prison-terms-felony-murder

US - New report: Virginia's prison population is growing older

https://www.wvtf.org/news/2023-08-04/new-report-virginias-prison-population-is-growing-older

US - Florida’s prisons face dual crisis: inmate boom and scorching heat wave

https://thecapitolist.com/floridas-prisons-face-dual-crisis-inmate-boom-and-scorching-heat-wave/

US - Geriatric Jailbirds: Florida's Elderly Inmate Population Has Skyrocketed

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/floridas-elderly-prison-population-has-skyrocketed-17543669

Asia

Bangladesh - Prison reform is the need of the hour

https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/prison-reform-the-need-the-hour-3387876

As Korea moves to institute life sentences without parole, experts voice doubts over efficacy

https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1103343.html

Chaos behind Nepal’s prison bars

https://asianews.network/chaos-behind-nepals-prison-bars/

Nepal - Inmates set fire to jail in Jhapa

https://english.khabarhub.com/2023/04/313249/

Philippines - House bill seeks creation of Department of Corrections and Jail Management

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1811865/fwd-house-bill-seeks-creation-of-department-of-corrections-and-jail-management

As Singapore Hangs More Drug Offenders, Some Worry Cases Aren’t Always Clear-Cut

https://time.com/6301702/singapore-death-penalty-drug-cases/

Europe

England and Wales - Wrongfully convicted people will no longer have to pay living costs for time served in prison

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/wrongful-convictions-prisons-andrew-malkinson-b2388359.html

Three-quarters of prisons in England and Wales in appalling conditions as overcrowding fears grow

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/05/three-quarters-of-prisons-in-england-and-wales-in-appalling-conditions-as-overcrowding-fears-grow

‘I’ve watched people just fall apart’: inside the nightmare world of English and Welsh jails

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/05/ive-watched-people-just-fall-apart-inside-the-nightmare-world-of-english-and-welsh-jails

Prison lawyers warn more will quit if legal aid fees not raised in England and Wales

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/06/prison-lawyers-warn-more-quit-legal-aid-fees-not-raised-england-wales

England and Wales - HMP Foston Hall is transforming prison grounds and lives with blooming walled gardens

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/lifestyle/outdoors/hmp-foston-hall-is-transforming-prison-grounds-and-lives-with-blooming-walled-gardens-4243926

England and Wales - HMP Maidstone: Foreign prisoners held beyond sentence release dates

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-66386801

France’s overcrowded prison population reaches all-time high – for months on end

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230806-france-s-overcrowded-prison-population-reaches-all-time-high

Irish Prison Service to be established as a statutory State body

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a792e-irish-prison-service-to-be-established-as-a-statutory-state-body/

Are Scotland's prisons fit for purpose?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66121355

Scotland - Perth prisoners hope to build new futures after constructing entire house inside jail

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/4609882/perth-prison-construction-skills-academy/

 

News 3 August

Africa

South Africa - Correctional services dept capable of taking over Mangaung prison from G4S

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/justice-dept-capable-of-taking-over-mangaung-prison-from-g4s-20230802

Americas

Inside Brazil's 'subhuman prisons' where families camp outside to bring inmates food

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/inside-brazils-subhuman-prisons-families-30608557

US - Sexual Abuse in Women’s Federal Prison Facilities Reviewed by Justice Department Teams

https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/sexual-abuse-in-womens-prisons-review/

US - Florida inmates and prison officials grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat

https://www.wuft.org/news/2023/08/02/florida-inmates-and-prison-officials-grapple-with-oppressive-heat/

US - Why the doctors who treat California's prison inmates are threatening to go on strike

https://eu.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2023/08/02/why-californias-prison-doctors-and-psychiatrists-may-go-on-strike/70513475007/

US (California) - San Quentin State Prison inmates taught filmmaking under Hollywood producer-backed scheme

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/san-quentin-prison-filmmaking-hollywood-b2386876.html

Asia

Singapore executes fifth prisoner this year for drug trafficking

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/08/03/Singapore-executed-fifth-prisoner-this-year-for-drug-trafficking-

Sri Lanka - Prison overcrowding can lead to serious consequences

https://www.ft.lk/ft_view__editorial/Prison-overcrowding-can-lead-to-seriousconsequences/58-751318

Europe

England and Wales - Five inmates die after taking spice laced with fentanyl as killer drug is rife in prisons, report reveals

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/23314363/five-inmates-die-spice-fentanyl-hmp-the-mount/

Human Rights Association publishes yearly report about the situation in Turkish prisons

https://anfenglish.com/human-rights/human-rights-association-publishes-yearly-report-about-situation-in-turkish-prisons-68602

 

News 2 August

Africa

South Africa - Mangaung prison firm fights to keep G4S contract operational

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-08-02-mangaung-prison-firm-fights-to-keep-g4s-contract-operational/

Americas

Firearms, Disappearances, Prison Overcrowding: Brazil’s Problems Are Getting Worse

https://insightcrime.org/news/firearms-disappearances-prison-overcrowding-brazil-getting-worse/

Hell at the gates of Litoral, the most dangerous prison in Ecuador

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-08-01/hell-at-the-gates-of-litoral-the-most-dangerous-prison-in-ecuador.html

Asia

Hong Kong - Prison service lowers recruitment fitness standards

https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/254796/Prison-service-lowers-recruitment-fitness-standards

Sri Lanka - Grave concern at prisons as capacity exceeds by 200%

https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/front_page/Grave-concern-at-prisons-as-capacity-exceeds-by-200/238-264388

Europe

England and Wales - Youth jail shut down over safety fears to be turned into men’s prison

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/ministry-of-justice-damian-hinds-government-moj-rugby-b2385633.html

England and Wales - The tragedy of Rianna and baby Aisha: why a teenager gave birth all alone in a prison cell

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/02/the-tragedy-of-rianna-and-baby-aisha-cleary-teenager-gave-birth-all-alone-in-a-prison-cell

Ireland - Bike restoration project gets boost from Men’s Shed in Mountjoy Prison

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/08/01/bike-restoration-project-gets-boost-from-mens-shed-in-mountjoy-prison/

Northern Ireland - Ulster GAA teams up with Maghaberry Prison in rehab initiative

https://www.u105.com/news/u105-news-and-sport/ulster-gaa-teams-up-with-maghaberry-prison-in-rehab-initiative/

Scotland prisons: 895 assaults on staff by inmates in three years

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23695368.scotland-prisons-895-assaults-staff-inmates-three-years/

Oceania

Australia - More than 50 cases discontinued in NT courts as 'raise the age' reform comes into effect

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-02/nt-raise-the-age-criminal-responsibility-law-in-effect/102674118

 

News 1 August 2023

Americas

US - "Cooked" Alive: Inmates Stew in Florida Prisons' Extreme Heat

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/cooked-alive-inmates-endure-extreme-heat-in-florida-jails-with-no-ac-17481793

Asia

Taiwan - Stricter open prison rules clear legislative floor

https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202307310024

Europe

England and Wales - Fix ‘endemic’ problems in youth custody, urges prisons watchdog

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/01/young-offender-institutions-england-endemic-concerns-letter

England and Wales - Thousands of criminals left prison 'unlawfully' over past decade, figures show

https://news.sky.com/story/thousands-of-criminals-left-prison-unlawfully-over-past-decade-figures-show-12931325

England and Wales - Shoplifters who commit repeat offences to face prison

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/01/shoplifters-who-commit-repeat-offences-to-face-prison

French prison population hits all-time high; know why

https://www.firstpost.com/world/french-prison-population-hits-all-time-high-know-why-12942832.html

Prisoners in Portugal build 150 confessionals ahead of Pope's visit

https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/prisoners-in-portugal-build-150-confessionals-ahead-of-pope-s-visit

Oceania

UN Calls Out New Zealand’s Youth Justice Record

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2308/S00011/un-calls-out-new-zealands-youth-justice-record.htm

New Zealand - Corrections condemned by Coroner over death of Christchurch prisoner Kodi Bennett

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/corrections-condemned-by-coroner-over-death-of-christchurch-prisoner-kodi-bennett/7J5J5JJKWVCGHPRRZDDRWYYS6I/

 

News 29 – 31 July

Africa

South Africa - Edwin Cameron | Our prisons are falling apart

https://www.news24.com/news24/opinions/columnists/guestcolumn/edwin-cameron-our-prisons-are-falling-apart-20230729

Americas

Three Ways to Reduce the Number of Women in Prison in the Americas

https://www.wola.org/analysis/reduce-number-women-prison-americas/

Dominican Republic - Inauguration of mental health pavilion for inmates of La Victoria Jail

https://nationworldnews.com/inauguration-of-mental-health-pavilion-for-inmates-of-la-victoria-jail/

US - How Do Prisons in Other Countries Prepare Inmates for Life Outside?

https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/how-do-prisons-in-other-countries-prepare-inmates-for-life-outside/

US - “We’ve got hell coming”: Missourians in state prisons fear consequences of summertime heat

https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/07/28/missouri-prison-air-conditioning-2023-heat-wave/

US - Texas just raised the price of bottled water in prisons by 50% amid one of the state's most extreme heat waves yet

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/texas-just-raised-price-bottled-164632053.html

US - New report shows what is working well for Idaho’s prisoner reentry programs, and what isn’t

https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/07/28/new-report-shows-what-is-working-well-for-idahos-prisoner-reentry-programs-and-what-isnt/

Asia

India - Madras High Court judge asks State to consider allowing conjugal visits in prisons for inmates

https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/madras-high-court-judge-asks-state-consider-allowing-conjugal-visits-prisons-inmates

India - 66% of state prisons overcrowded by up to 250%; overall staff crunch at 26%

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/66-of-state-prisons-overcrowded-by-up-to-250-overall-staff-crunch-at-26/articleshow/102268213.cms?from=mdr

Malaysia - More skills training for prison inmates

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/07/31/more-skills-training-for-prison-inmates

Europe

Vaccination in Prisons: Improving The Health Of Prison Populations and the Wider Community

https://www.vaccinestoday.eu/stories/vaccination-in-prisons-improving-the-health-of-prison-populations-and-the-wider-community/

England and Wales - ‘Serious failings’ contributed to baby’s death in 12-hour lone prison birth

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/28/serious-failings-contributed-to-babys-death-in-12-hour-lone-prison-birth

England and Wales - I spent 10 years working as a prison officer. The impact of staff cuts and reduced funding has been devastating

https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/i-spent-10-years-working-as-a-prison-officer-the-impact-of-staff-cuts-and-reduced-funding-has-been-devastating/

England and Wales - 'Serious concern' over performance of Styal prison

https://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/23685613.serious-concern-performance-styal-prison/

Ireland – New Limerick Women’s Prison does away with ‘brutality and inhumanity’

https://www.newstalk.com/news/new-limerick-womens-prison-does-away-with-brutality-and-inhumanity-1491867

Scotland - Prisoner dies at HMP Barlinnie as investigation launched

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/11019023/prisoner-dies-at-hmp-barlinnie-as-investigation-launched/

Oceania

New Zealand - Rolleston prisoners celebrate building 150 homes in programme

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/07/31/rolleston-prisoners-celebrate-building-150-homes-in-programme/

 

News 28 July

Africa

Egyptian female inmates face privacy violations inside prison cells: rights group

https://www.newarab.com/news/egyptian-women-face-privacy-violations-prison-group

South Africa - G4S company will have one more shot to save Mangaung prison contract from govt termination

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/g4s-linked-company-will-have-one-more-shot-to-save-mangaung-prison-contract-from-govt-termination-20230727

Americas

Riot in Brazilian Prison Leaves at Least Five Inmates Dead

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Riot-in-Brazilian-Prison-Leaves-at-Least-Five-Inmates-Dead-20230728-0006.html

El Salvador clears way for mass trials as crackdown on gangs ramps up

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/27/el-salvador-nayib-bukele-gangs-mass-trials

US - Bill to ban solitary confinement in federal prisons introduced in House

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/bill-ban-solitary-confinement-federal-prisons-introduced-house-lawmake-rcna96016

US - Abortion Denied: Reproductive Injustice Behind Bars

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/abortion-denied-reproductive-injustice/

US - Youth placed in adult prison have their lives cut shorter, study says

https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/07/study-finds-that-youth-die-earlier-when-exposed-to-adult-prison-or-any-formal-encounter-with-the-law.html

US - California’s free prison calls are repairing estranged relationships and aiding rehabilitation

https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-07-27/free-calls-restore-inmates-ties-with-the-outside-can-they-reform-californias-prisons-too

US (Mississippi) - They needed mental health care treatment. They were thrown in jail without charges instead

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/27/mississippi-mental-health-treatment-jail-civil-commitment

Asia

Malaysia - Abolish ‘inhumane’ whipping sentence, urge 25 NGOs

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/07/28/abolish-inhumane-whipping-sentence-urge-25-ngos/

Nepal - Govt to offer health insurance cover to 28,000 prisoners

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/govt-to-offer-health-insurance-to-28-000-prisoners/

Philippines - DOJ eyeing smaller prison facilities to focus on inmates’ reformation

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1808898/doj-eyes-scuttling-bilibid-to-smaller-prisons-to-focus-more-on-reformation-of-pdls

Singapore executes a woman for first time in almost two decades

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/28/singapore-woman-execute-death-penalty-saridewi-djamani-executed

Europe

England and Wales - Government warned over prison overcrowding as suicides soar

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prisons-overcrowding-suicides-bristol-violence-b2383155.html

England and Wales - Self-harming in women’s prisons reaches highest level on record

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/government-wales-england-labour-nacro-b2383158.html

England and Wales - Lowest number of prisons rated outstanding in six years, figures show

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/nottingham-exeter-ministry-of-justice-bristol-bedford-b2382895.html

England and Wales - Social Enterprise rolls out entrepreneurship programme to North West prisons

https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2023/07/27/social-enterprise-rolls-out-entrepreneurship-programme-to-northwest-prisons

Bristol Prison labelled one of most violent in England and Wales

https://planetradio.co.uk/metro/uk/news/bristol-prison-most-violent-england-wales/

Scottish Government urged to ensure new landlines in prison cells at HMP Grampian are tamper proof

https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/scottish-government-urged-to-ensure-new-landlines-in-prison-cells-at-hmp-grampian-are-tamper-proof-4234325

2,572 children are in prison in Turkey

https://anfenglish.com/human-rights/2-572-children-are-in-prisons-in-turkey-68520

Oceania

Australia - Staff issues worsened by housing crisis creating 'volatile' Roebourne Regional Prison conditions, union says

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-28/housing-and-staff-shortages-hurt-roebourne-regional-prison/102657234

Australia - Tasmanian prisons in need of reform

https://www.lafm.com.au/local-news/tasmanian-prisons-in-need-of-reform/

New Zealand - The home detention solution

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018900194/the-home-detention-solution

 

News 27 July

Africa

Nigeria - Prison inmates among best Open University students – Coordinator

https://punchng.com/prison-inmates-among-best-open-university-students-coordinator/

Nigeria - It’s time to decongest prisons and reform justice administration 

https://guardian.ng/opinion/its-time-to-decongest-prisons-and-reform-justice-administration/

Americas

Ecuador recovering remains after prison violence, death toll unclear

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-prison-violence-leaves-least-11-dead-2023-07-26/

Asia

Hong Kong's prison inmates suffer in 'unbearable' summer heatwave

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hongkong-prisons-07262023132405.html

India - High prevalence of skin disease among prison inmates

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/high-prevalence-of-skin-disease-among-prison-inmates/article67123434.ece

India - UP prisoners to get skill trained before their release

https://www.canindia.com/up-prisoners-to-get-skill-trained-before-their-release-16/

Europe

Belgian prisons test faster drug detection method than using dogs

https://www.brusselstimes.com/618237/belgian-prisons-test-faster-drug-detection-method-than-using-dogs

Ireland - Mountjoy Prison inmates put shoulders to the wheel to restore bikes for Ukrainian refugees

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/mountjoy-prison-inmates-put-shoulders-to-the-wheel-to-restore-bikes-for-ukrainian-refugees/a4748581.html

Oceania

Australia - Maximum security prisoners launch recycling scheme at Lotus Glen Correctional Facility

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/queensland-prison-recycling-scheme-lotus-glen-correctional/102650950

Australia - Inmate death prompts call for inquiry into NSW prison privatisation, health care

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/junee-inmate-death-inquiry-into-prison-privatisation-health-care/102641714

 

News 26 July

Africa

Ghana parliament votes to abolish death penalty

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66308724

Americas

Canada - 'They're human too': Woman worries for brother's safety at Manitoba prison after deadly riot

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/stony-mountain-riot-inmate-safety-1.6915649

Remand and mentally ill population among major challenges at Dominica State Prison

https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/remand-and-mentally-ill-population-among-major-challenges-at-dominica-state-prison/

Ecuador declares prison emergency as inmates killed and 100 guards taken hostage

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/25/ecuador-prison-state-of-emergency-hostages-killings

How gang warfare jumped from Ecuador’s prisons to the open street

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/26/americas/ecuador-drug-violence-crisis-explainer-intl/index.html

40% of incarcerated people in Mexico have not been tried, data shows

https://www.axios.com/2023/07/25/mexico-pretrial-detention-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador

US (California) - Bill To Move Convicts into Prisons Closer To Their Children Under Age 18 Signed By Gov. Newsom

https://californiaglobe.com/articles/bill-to-move-convicts-into-prisons-closer-to-their-children-under-age-18-signed-by-gov-newsom/

US - Virginia state prisons under scrutiny after reports of guards brutalizing inmates

https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/07/26/virginia-state-prisons-inmates-torture-guards

Asia

India - In bail orders, courts should consider prisoners’ ability to pay: Supreme Court

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-urges-consideration-of-financial-status-in-bail-conditions-to-prevent-extended-incarceration-101690302442285.html

India - Mental health infrastructure in Maharashtra’s prisons needs a revamp

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/mental-health-infrastructure-in-maharashtras-prisons-needs-a-revamp/

Philippine prison gang fight leaves 1 dead, 9 injured

https://english.news.cn/20230726/ff00a57a3eef420cb7e284bd380348d7/c.html

Europe

England and Wales - East Sussex prison sees increasing rates of self-harm and assaults on staff

https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/east-sussex-prison-sees-increasing-rates-of-self-harm-and-assaults-on-staff-4231516

England and Wales - Concern raised after three deaths at HMP Liverpool in two weeks

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/concern-raised-after-three-deaths-27391142

Oceania

Corrections Minister Must Correct The Failings Of NZ Prisons

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2307/S00178/corrections-minister-must-correct-the-failings-of-nz-prisons.htm

 

News 25 July

Americas

Over 90 prison guards are being held hostage by inmates across five different prisons in Ecuador

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/24/americas/ecuador-security-agents-prisons-intl-latam/index.html

Trinidad & Tobago - Prison service recruitment drive sees thousands lining highway

https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/prison-service-recruitment-drive-sees-thousands-lining-highway-6.2.1760100.61acf817d1

How desperate US prisoners try to escape deadly heat

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66274629

US states consider harsh ‘war on drug’-era laws to combat fentanyl crisis

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/25/lawmakers-drug-laws-fentanyl-charges

40 years ago, the US started sending more and more kids to prison without hope of release, but today, it’s far more rare – what happened?

https://theconversation.com/40-years-ago-the-us-started-sending-more-and-more-kids-to-prison-without-hope-of-release-but-today-its-far-more-rare-what-happened-206569

Asia

Singapore to execute first woman in nearly 20 years

https://manilastandard.net/news/world-news/314353411/singapore-to-execute-first-woman-in-nearly-20-years.html

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Astonishing failure’ at prison holding hundreds of sex offenders

https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/national/23676910.astonishing-failure-prison-holding-hundreds-sex-offenders/

Oceania

Australia - ‘They weren’t there when I needed them’: we asked former prisoners what happens when support services fail

https://theconversation.com/they-werent-there-when-i-needed-them-we-asked-former-prisoners-what-happens-when-support-services-fail-208949

New Zealand - Chief Ombudsman calls for halt of spit hoods on vulnerable prisoners

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/07/25/chief-ombudsman-calls-for-halt-of-spit-hoods-on-vulnerable-prisoners/

 

News 22 – 24 July

Africa

Kenya - State to rope in corporates in rehabilitation of inmates, says PS

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/central/2023-07-21-state-to-rope-in-corporates-in-rehabilitation-of-inmates-says-ps/

Nigeria - From prison to correctional centre, what has changed?

https://guardian.ng/features/from-prison-to-correctional-centre-what-has-changed/

Americas

Brazil Has 91,000 People Using Electronic Ankle Monitors

https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2023/07/brazil-has-91000-people-using-electronic-ankle-monitors.shtml

Canada - A terminally ill federal inmate wants to be released so he can die outside of prison. He's been refused, so he's applying for MAID.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/a-terminally-ill-federal-inmate-wants-to-be-released-so-he-can-die-outside-of-prison-he-s-been-refused-so-he-s-applying-for-maid-1.6489807

Six killed in gang clashes in Ecuador prison, officials targeted

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/five-killed-gang-clashes-ecuador-prison-officials-targeted-2023-07-23/

Armed Incident Leaves Three Dead in Guatemala Prison

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Armed-Incident-Leaves-Three-Dead-in-Guatemala-Prison-20230723-0012.html

US - Long stays in pre-trial detention strain Philadelphia prisons

https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/21/philadelphia-prisons-pre-trial-detention

US - Drug Overdose Deaths in Missouri's Prison System Up 19%

https://www.governing.com/health/drug-overdoes-deaths-in-missouris-prison-system-up-19

US - Inmates are training to become Starbucks baristas while in N.J. prisons under new program

https://www.nj.com/news/2023/07/inmates-are-training-to-become-starbucks-baristas-while-in-nj-prisons-under-new-program.html

Asia

India - eMulakat makes it easy for foreign prisoners

https://punemirror.com/pune/others/emulakat-makes-it-easy-for-foreign-prisoners/cid1690055038.htm

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners like me are left homeless and sleeping in tents once we are released, how can we start again?

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/prisoners-homeless-sleeping-in-tents-once-we-are-released-how-can-we-start-again-2478511

Debt advice service launches on Isle of Man for prisoners

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/news/debt-advice-service-launches-isle-man-prisoners

Malta - Law meant to deter drug use in breach of prisoners’ fundamental rights: court

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/law-meant-deter-drug-use-breach-prisoners-fundamental-rights-court.1044979

Oceania

Australia - 'Premature' death of Indigenous inmate at Junee jail, Coroner calls for more doctors, healthcare workers

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-21/junee-jail-more-doctors-nurses-indigenous-inmate-death/102630926

New Zealand - Setting prisoners up for failure

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018899389/setting-prisoners-up-for-failure

New Zealand - Rolleston Prison, Christchurch inmates put to work building new social housing

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rolleston-prison-christchurch-inmates-put-to-work-building-new-social-housing/JINWORELHNAGDCHKYII3T5LSEE/

 

News 21 July

Africa

South Africa - More than 200 prison escapes over last five years

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/more-than-200-prison-escapes-over-last-five-years-0d85e414-dd67-4f26-90f3-0b76d1893625

Americas

US - Youth In Prisons: Solitary Confinement, Excessive Heat, No Exercise or Educational Activities

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/20/2182378/-Youth-In-Prisons-Solitary-Confinement-Excessive-Heat-No-Exercise-or-Educational-Activities

US - Texas prisoners say their food is melting in front of them as they face horrifying heat in prisons with no AC

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/texas-prisoners-food-melting-front-184751226.html

US - NYC Comptroller Report Finds Number of NYC Prison Detainees is on The Rise

https://www.bkreader.com/policy-government/nyc-comptroller-report-finds-number-of-nyc-prison-detainees-is-on-the-rise-7294395

Asia

Iranian female prisoners tell of filmed strip searches

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-66258415

Nearly 5,000 Executions In Iran Since 2013

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202307202287

Europe

Isle of Man - Actions to improve the prison are under way

https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/actions-to-improve-the-prison-are-under-way-627682

Calls to review segregation systems in Scottish prisons amid claims they do 'more harm than good'

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/calls-review-segregation-systems-scottish-30518261

Scotland - Fatal accident inquiry into prison deaths to focus on drugs in jails

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/fatal-accident-inquiry-into-three-hmp-shotts-deaths-to-focus-on-illegal-drugs-in-prison

Scotland's courts experiencing 'major disruption' due to prisoner transfer problems

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/scotlands-courts-experiencing-major-disruption-035500438.html

Oceania

New Zealand - National pressures government to abandon plan for fewer prison inmates

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/494197/national-pressures-government-to-abandon-plan-for-fewer-prison-inmates

 

News 20 July

Africa

Namibia - Court orders Govt to change prisons law

https://www.namibian.com.na/court-orders-govt-to-change-prisons-law/

Nigeria - Why I’m acquiring certificates in prison, by life jail inmate

https://thenationonlineng.net/why-im-acquiring-certificates-in-prison-by-life-jail-inmate/

Americas

Canada - 36% of inmates at Kitchener women's prison are Indigenous — advocate says education could curb disparities

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/grand-valley-institution-women-indigenous-healing-seven-generations-1.6911398

US (Minnesota) - Rate of homelessness drops among newly released inmates, DOC says

https://www.startribune.com/rate-of-homelessness-drops-among-newly-released-inmates-doc-says/600290904/

Europe

The alarming Americanisation of British prisons

https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/62133/the-alarming-americanisation-of-british-prisons

Guernsey prisoners 'released with nowhere to live'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crglkzkl8vno

Landline phones to be installed in Scottish prison cells

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66251887

Review of Swedish criminal code may lead to triple the cell space

https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/review-of-swedish-criminal-code-may-lead-to-triple-the-cell-space/

 

News 19 July

Mandela’s legacy thrives as today's blueprint for prisoners’ rights

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/07/1138822

Americas

Canada - 'We could've lost several lives': Inmate killed, seven hospitalized during Manitoba prison riot

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/we-could-ve-lost-several-lives-inmate-killed-seven-hospitalized-during-manitoba-prison-riot-1.6483908

Honduras wants to build West's only island prison colony and lock gangsters inside

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/honduras-ap-el-salvador-western-hemisphere-tegucigalpa-b2377794.html

US - Children held at former Death Row prison in 133F heat with no AC and limited water in Louisiana

https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/angola-prison-children-heat-louisiana-b2377577.html

US - Illinois is the first state to eliminate cash bail in its prison system

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/19/1188543512/illinois-is-the-first-state-to-eliminate-cash-bail-in-its-prison-system

US - South Carolina prison unit that practices 'restorative justice' has seen fewer violent incidents, study says

https://www.foxnews.com/us/south-carolina-prison-unit-practices-restorative-justice-fewer-violent-incidents-study-says

Europe

England and Wales - Justice Secretary: Places in prison remain under ‘intense pressure’

https://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/national/23664116.justice-secretary-places-prison-remain-intense-pressure/

England and Wales - Prison educators call for government clarity on contracts, pay and pensions

https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/13090/Prison-educators-call-for-government-clarity-on-contracts-pay-and-pensions

Oceania

Australia - Independent investigation to probe what NSW prison officials knew of sexual abuse of inmates

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-19/nsw-investigation-prison-officer-sexual-abuse-inmates/102618520

New Zealand - Youth crime crackdown: Children’s Commissioner ‘frustrated’ at Government plans for more youth ‘prison-like facilities’

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/youth-crime-crackdown-childrens-commissioner-frustrated-at-government-plans-for-more-youth-prison-like-facilities/THLTRX6JJFCI5E2YSOCT2HGTIU/

Samoa prisons could use drones to monitor inmates

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/494050/samoa-prisons-could-use-drones-to-monitor-inmates

 

News 18 July

Africa

Kenya - Over 23,000 inmates freed as 5,000 cases under review in prisons decongestion plan

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/nyanza/2023-07-17-over-23000-inmates-freed-as-5000-cases-under-review-in-prisons-decongestion-plan/

Tanzania announces measures to address congestion in prisons

https://english.news.cn/africa/20230718/ef4bb3f46ad84ef3b4f4484ff9d4b40a/c.html

Americas

U of S research shows therapy dogs can build a stronger social support network in Canada’s prisons

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/u-of-s-research-shows-therapy-dogs-build-stronger-social-support-network-in-canadas-prisons

Trinidad & Tobago - Judge slams delay by Mercy Committee, prisons

https://newsday.co.tt/2023/07/17/judge-slams-delay-by-mercy-committee-prisons/

US - 5,900 Texans have died in custody since 2016, data shows

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/5900-texans-have-died-in-custody-since-2016-data-shows/

Europe

England and Wales - Basic housing to keep offenders off streets and cut crime

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/basic-housing-to-keep-offenders-off-streets-and-cut-crime

England and Wales - Cookham Wood: 'Shocking' violence at youth prison, report says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-66228950

Oceania

New Zealand - Crime And Reoffending Directly Tackled With NZ’s First Community-led Mentor Programme For Prison Leavers

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2307/S00281/crime-and-reoffending-directly-tackled-with-nzs-first-community-led-mentor-programme-for-prison-leavers.htm

New Zealand - Have prisons become default holding pens for unaddressed mental health issues?

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/nutters-club/have-prisons-become-default-holding-pens-for-unaddressed-mental-health-issues/

New Zealand - Govt taking further steps to strengthen youth justice system

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2526837-govt-taking-further-steps-to-strengthen-youth-justice-system

 

News 15 – 17 July

Alarming rise of women in prison must be addressed, rights summit told

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/17/alarming-rise-in-female-inmates-must-be-addressed-womens-rights-summit-told

Africa

Kenya - Former death row inmate speaks on life after prison

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/news/article/2001477304/former-death-row-inmate-speaks-on-life-after-prison

Tanzania - Commission pokes holes in criminal justice system 

https://dailynews.co.tz/commission-pokes-holes-in-criminal-justice-system/

Americas

El Salvador’s mega-prisons as an electoral promise in Colombia

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-07-14/el-salvadors-mega-prisons-as-an-electoral-promise-in-colombia.html

Beyond Prison Walls: Honduran Military Intervention On Gang Violence

https://theowp.org/reports/beyond-prison-walls-honduran-military-intervention-on-gang-violence/

US - While Doing Time in a California Prison, I Was Given a Hysterectomy Without My Consent

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/07/14/california-prison-reproductive-rights-hysterectomy

US - Most Oklahoma jails failed Health Department inspections in 2022

https://www.kosu.org/health/2023-07-14/most-oklahoma-jails-failed-health-department-inspections-in-2022

US - Bill Aims to Address Access to Feminine Hygiene Products in Ohio Prisons

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2023-07-17/criminal-justice/bill-aims-to-address-access-to-feminine-hygiene-products-in-ohio-prisons/a85306-1

Asia

India - 80 percent ‘unnatural deaths’ among prisoners are suicides, government needs to pay heed to NHRC’s advisory on mental health of prisoners

https://theleaflet.in/80-percent-unnatural-deaths-among-prisoners-are-suicides-government-needs-to-pay-heed-to-nhrcs-advisory-on-mental-health-of-prisoners/

India - More time allowed for interaction of prisoners with kin, friends, lawyers

https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/07/16/curbs-on-prisoners-meeting-relatives-friends-and-lawyers-eased.html

Malaysia - Prisons director: OBB programme to ease congested cells, encourage better recovery of inmates

https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/07/15/prisons-director-obb-programme-to-ease-congested-cells-encourage-better-recovery-of-inmates/

Pakistan - No doctor for inmates in 10 Balochistan prisons

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2426566/no-doctor-for-inmates-in-10-balochistan-prisons

Philippines - BJMP says jail congestion rate down to 358 percent

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/15/23/bjmp-says-jail-congestion-rate-down-to-358-percent

Europe

England and Wales - Projected surge in female prison population is 'incredibly worrying', says charity

https://news.sky.com/story/projected-surge-in-female-prison-population-is-incredibly-worrying-says-charity-12920908

England and Wales - HMP Norwich gets extra staff to tackle 'alarming violence'

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23646924.hmp-norwich-gets-extra-staff-tackle-alarming-violence/

Irish prisoners make 1,000 complaints of alleged assault, excessive force and racial abuse

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-prisoners-make-1000-complaints-30478734

Oceania

New Zealand - The Corrections Minister's concerned about an increase in the number of prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing -- which National's blaming on court system backlogs

https://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=380618&fm=newsmain%2Cnrhl

 

News 14 July

Prisons from Hong Kong to Chennai to Georgia are setting up biometric surveillance

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202307/prisons-from-hong-kong-to-chennai-to-georgia-are-setting-up-biometric-surveillance

Americas

Canada - Former Ontario inmates say complaints system is broken after docs reveal medical concerns, abuse allegations

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/inmate-complaints-1.6896550

El Salvador's secretive mega-jail

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-81749d7c-d0a0-48d0-bb11-eaab6f1e6556

DataInSights: Are Pretrial Detentions Fueling Organized Crime in Paraguay?

https://insightcrime.org/news/datainsights-are-pretrial-detentions-fueling-organized-crime-in-paraguay/

US - COVID changed our prison systems — we must not go back

https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/4095385-covid-changed-our-prison-systems-we-must-not-go-back/

US - Study Conducted by Prison Policy Initiative Finds ‘Releasing People Pretrial Doesn’t Harm Public Safety’

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/07/study-conducted-by-prison-policy-initiative-finds-releasing-people-pretrial-doesnt-harm-public-safety/

US - 24% Fewer Persons Were in Federal Prison for Drug Offenses in 2018 Than in 2013

https://www.ojp.gov/news/news-release/24-fewer-persons-federal-prison-drug-offenses-2018-2013

US - Ex-officers at federal women's prison in California plead guilty to multiple sex abuse counts

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/officers-federal-womens-prison-california-plead-guilty-multiple-101251298

US - Texas prisons to phase out physical mail to reduce contraband despite advocate protests

https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-prisons-tdcj-physical-digital-mail-contraband-phase-out/

Asia

India - Prisons overcrowded, but steps on to decongest them: Karnataka Home Minister

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/jul/14/prisons-overcrowded-but-steps-on-to-decongest-them-karnataka-home-minister-2594622.html

Europe

Ten prison guards accused of torturing Tunisian prisoner in Italy

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/07/14/Ten-prison-guards-accused-of-torturing-Tunisian-prisoner-in-Italy

Latvia might abolish conditional prison sentences

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/14.07.2023-latvia-might-abolish-conditional-prison-sentences.a516452/

Scotland - Inspectors call for 'Victorian prison' to be replaced

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/hmp-greenock-inspectors-call-for-victorian-prison-to-be-replaced

Scotland - Dumfries Prison officially opens new wellbeing garden

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/dumfries-prison-officially-opens-new-30450466

Oceania

Vanuatu high risk prison to close after being deemed unfit for inmates

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/493720/vanuatu-high-risk-prison-to-close-after-being-deemed-unfit-for-inmates

 

News 13 July

Africa

Ghana moves to abolish death penalty as parliament advances bill for 2nd, 3rd reading

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-moves-to-abolish-death-penalty-as-parliament-advances-bill-for-2nd-3rd-reading-1802849

Namibia - 6 000 inmates earn qualifications

https://neweralive.na/posts/6-000-inmates-earn-qualifications

Women top drug offence arrests in Zimbabwe- report

https://www.chronicle.co.zw/women-top-drug-offence-arrests-in-zimbabwe-report/

Americas

Canada - Over-representation of Indigenous persons in adult provincial custody, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2023001/article/00004-eng.htm

US - The harrowing reality of life in solitary confinement

https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/60318/1/texas-letters-book-damascus-james-interview-prison-jail-solitary-confinement

US – Opinion:  New data show a dire forecast about incarceration rates didn’t come true

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/07/12/good-news-black-incarceration-rate-declines/

US - After new deaths of prisoners in NYC prisons, the clamor grows to close Rikers and promote alternative prison plans

https://morningexpress.in/after-new-deaths-of-prisoners-in-nyc-prisons-the-clamor-grows-to-close-rikers-and-promote-alternative-prison-plans/

Asia

Pakistan: Families suffer as hundreds jailed far from home

https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-families-suffer-as-hundreds-jailed-far-from-home/a-66203526

Europe

England and Wales - Legal aid cuts denying vulnerable women access to justice, says thinktank

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/jul/13/legal-aid-cuts-vulnerable-women-access-justice-budget-england-wales

England and Wales - Wormwood Scrubs ‘unsuitable for the 21st century’, MP claims

https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/12072023-wormwood-scrubs-unsuitable-for-the-21st-century-mp-claims

Scotland - History of head injury in four out of five Polmont young offenders

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/head-injury-four-out-of-five-polmont-young-offenders-7w02f7h32

Thousands of Ukraine civilians are being held in Russian prisons. Russia plans to build many more

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thousands-ukraine-civilians-held-russian-prisons-russia-plans-101203598

 

News 12 July

Africa

It’s time for Ghana to enshrine its respect for right to life – by abolishing death penalty

https://myjoyonline.com/its-time-for-ghana-to-enshrine-its-respect-for-right-to-life-by-abolishing-death-penalty

Psychological rehabilitation of prisoners to strengthen social cohesion and reconciliation in Rwanda

https://reliefweb.int/report/rwanda/psychological-rehabilitation-prisoners-strengthen-social-cohesion-and-reconciliation-rwanda

Americas

Murders Are Down 92% In El Salvador After Controversial Mass Incarceration Push

https://themessenger.com/news/murders-are-down-92-in-el-salvador-after-controversial-mass-incarceration-push

Asia

Dubai Police train prison inmates in culinary arts

https://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/dubai-police-train-prison-inmates-in-culinary-arts

Japan - Laundry soap made by prison labor selling for triple the price

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14954830

Europe

England and Wales - Stun grenades and police dogs must be banned from children’s prisons, ministers warned

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/stun-grenades-police-dogs-must-30440719

Ireland - 40% of people released from prison re-offend within one year

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41181076.html

Scotland - Family of woman who took own life in prison could be forced to withdraw from FAI

https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/national/23648183.family-woman-took-life-prison-forced-withdraw-fai/

Spain - An alarming state of mental health in prisons

https://codelist.biz/2023/07/12/an-alarming-state-of-mental-health-in-prisons/

 

News 11 July

Africa

Ghana - Women at Kumasi Central Prisons appeal for support

https://myjoyonline.com/women-at-kumasi-central-prisons-appeal-for-support

Delays keep South Africa’s courts in waiting

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/delays-keep-south-africas-courts-in-waiting-10-july-2023/

Americas

US - Dem bill in California would mandate judges to consider race when doling out prison sentences

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-bill-california-mandate-judges-consider-race-when-doling-out-prison-sentences

US - New York City’s Rikers Island jail complex could see federal takeover

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/10/new-york-city-rikers-island-jail-violence-mismanagement

Europe

Portugal - Prison bosses request ‘excuse of responsibility’

https://www.portugalresident.com/prison-bosses-request-excuse-of-responsibility/

Oceania

Australia - WA government illegally held three teenage detainees in prolonged lockdowns, court rules

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/11/wa-government-illegally-held-three-teenage-detainees-in-prolonged-lockdowns-court-rules

Australia - ACT Government announces Independent Review into over-representation of First Nations prisoners

https://nit.com.au/11-07-2023/6747/act-government-announces-independent-review-into-over-representation-of-first-nations-prisoners

 

News 8 – 10 July

Africa

Ghana government spends GH¢1.80 to feed each prison inmate – Director-General

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-government-spends-GH-1-80-to-feed-each-prison-inmate-Director-General-1800203

Ghana: Need for New Prison Facilities Nationwide

https://allafrica.com/stories/202307070678.html

Kenya - MPs want death sentences for capital offenders replaced with life imprisonment

https://nation.africa/kenya/news/mps-want-death-sentences-for-capital-offenders-replaced-with-life-imprisonment--4297540

Liberia: As Funding For Prisons Drops 85 Percent Under Weah Government Endless Pre-Trial Detentions Are Devastating Lives

https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-as-funding-for-prisons-drops-85-percent-under-weah-government-endless-pre-trial-detentions-are-devastating-lives/

Uganda - ‘HIV in prisons is a ticking time bomb’

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-hiv-in-prisons-is-a-ticking-time-bomb--4297698

Americas

Brazil’s ‘sisters-in-law’ strike gold opening prison doors on TikTok

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-07-09/brazils-sisters-in-law-strike-gold-opening-prison-doors-on-tiktok.html

Ecuador prison tensions soar as four inmates found ‘hanged’

https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2023/07/10/ecuador-prison-tensions-soar-as-four-inmates-found-hanged/78803

US - Heat wave in US turns Texas prisons into 'ovens'

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/heat-wave-in-us-turns-texas-prisons-into-ovens/articleshow/101601408.cms?from=mdr

Asia

In India, prisoners 5 times more at risk of TB: Study

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-india-prisoners-5-times-more-at-risk-of-tb-study/articleshow/101627829.cms?from=mdr

India - Maharashtra Prisons Department Initiates Reforms To Improve Inmate Conditions

https://www.mumbailive.com/en/civic/maharashtra-prisons-department-initiates-reforms-to-improve-inmate-conditions-79670

Weak laws in Laos mean death-row inmates won’t face execution anytime soon

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/death-row-inmates-07072023161103.html

Nepal - Procedure drafted for engaging prisoners

https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/procedure-drafted-for-engaging-prisoners

Taiwan - Justice ministry pushes for bill to toughen transfers to minimum security prisons

https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202307100006

Europe

Belgium unveils innovative 'Detention House' in move to improve prison conditions

https://www.brusselstimes.com/593303/belgium-unveils-innovative-detention-house-in-bold-move-to-improve-prison-conditions

England and Wales - UK employers pressed to hire more prison leavers

https://www.ft.com/content/4f8de149-722f-45b3-a14b-db62e5a4fa6a

England and Wales - Retail and logistics firms join drive to fill vacancies with prison leavers

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/retail-and-logistics-firms-join-drive-to-fill-vacancies-with-prison-leavers

England and Wales - Plan to create 20,000 new prison places is 'significantly behind schedule'

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/plan-create-20000-new-prison-8582996

England and Wales - I started work as a prison officer full of optimism, but in a rat-infested jail I saw the ugly, violent reality

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/10/prison-officer-cuts-staff-attrition

 

News 7 July

Americas

US - Study explores incarceration, employment and re-offense during COVID-19 pandemic

https://phys.org/news/2023-07-explores-incarceration-employment-re-offense-covid-.html

US - Arizona says it’s ready to start executing people again

https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona-says-its-ready-to-resume-executions-despite-calls-for-transparency-16568873

Asia

India - Right to Life applies to Prisoners in Jail and Remand

https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b11fc1ac-835c-4cb8-a54f-7df1800b6f4e

India - Prison Dept To Extend Video Calling Service For Foreign Nationals Lodged in Maharashtra Jails

https://www.punekarnews.in/prison-dept-to-extend-video-calling-service-for-foreign-nationals-lodged-in-maharashtra-jails/

Pakistan - Prisoners will learn skills, sentences will be reduced, Teuta, Prisons Department agreed to hold technical courses

https://latestnewsandupdates.com/prisoners-will-learn-skills-sentences-will-be-reduced-teuta-prisons-department-agreed-to-hold-technical-courses-lnu-news/

Death row inmates get pre-execution photo shoots for loved ones in Singapore

https://www.scmp.com/video/asia/3226843/death-row-inmates-get-pre-execution-photo-shoots-loved-ones-singapore

Europe

England and Wales - Acorn Recruitment partners with Wales and South West HM prison services and construction businesses

https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/acorn-recruitment-partners-wales-south-27266017

England and Wales - Temporary cells to be deployed at HMP Northumberland to cope with capacity pressures

https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/temporary-cells-to-be-deployed-at-hmp-northumberland-to-cope-with-capacity-pressures-4210573

Georgia Ranks Second in Europe’s Prison Population, CoE Reports

https://civil.ge/archives/551000

Despite Scotland's presumption against short prison sentences, about 75% of inmates were jailed for six months or less in 2020-21 – Karyn McCluskey

https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/despite-scotlands-presumption-against-short-prison-sentences-about-75-of-inmates-were-jailed-for-six-months-or-less-in-2020-21-karyn-mccluskey-4209518

Turkey - AKP government to expand probation to release thousands from prison except political prisoners

https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/07/06/akp-government-expand-probation-release-thousands-from-prison-except-political-prisoners/

 

News 6 July

Africa

Uganda: Prisons Service appeals for Shs10.8 billion for wards

https://african.business/2023/07/apo-newsfeed/uganda-prisons-service-appeals-for-shs10-8-billion-for-wards

Americas

Canada - Inmate population continues to grow in provincial jails

https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2023/07/05/inmate-population-continues-to-grow-in-provincial-jails

US - Solving the problem of understaffed jails and prisons

https://www.route-fifty.com/public-safety/2023/07/solving-problem-understaffed-jails-and-prisons/388128/

US - People incarcerated in Colorado can now reduce their prison sentence by earning a college degree

https://coloradosun.com/2023/07/05/colorado-prison-higher-education-sentence-reduction/

Europe

England and Wales - Multiple prisoners locked up for 23 hours in single cells in crumbling Victorian prisons

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/multiple-prisoners-locked-up-23-30394428

England and Wales - Public put in ‘greater danger’ due to failure to rehabilitate prisoners in overcrowded jails

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-overcrowding-crisis-rehabilitation-watchdog-b2369806.html

England and Wales - Youth Justice Board moves to tackle probation officer recruitment crisis

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/youth-justice-board-moves-to-tackle-probation-officer-recruitment-crisis

Summer water cuts in prison in one of Turkey's hottest cities trouble prisoners

https://m.bianet.org/english/human-rights/281163-summer-water-cuts-in-prison-in-one-of-turkey-s-hottest-cities-trouble-prisoners

 

News 30 June – 5 July 2023

Nearly half of tuberculosis cases in prisons worldwide go undetected

https://www.newswise.com/articles/half-of-global-prison-tuberculosis-cases-remain-undetected

Americas

US - Inmates Need Internet to Prepare for Life After Prison

https://www.wired.com/story/inmates-need-internet-to-prepare-for-life-after-prison/

US - California promises better care for thousands of inmates as they leave prison

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-29/california-improves-health-care-prison-inmates-parolees

Asia

Ending Japan’s ‘Hostage Justice’ System

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/30/ending-japans-hostage-justice-system

Malaysia scraps mandatory death penalty for crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism

https://www.laprensalatina.com/malaysia-scraps-mandatory-death-penalty-for-crimes-such-as-drug-trafficking-terrorism/

Europe

Significant increase in sanctions and measures without deprivation of liberty in Europe: SPACE II annual statistics for 2022

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/significant-increase-in-sanctions-and-measures-without-deprivation-of-liberty-in-europe-space-ii-annual-statistics-for-2022

England and Wales - Slow progress on reading education in prisons

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/slow-progress-on-reading-education-in-prisons

England and Wales - Support for mothers in prison and on release lacking, according to new report

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/support-mothers-prison-and-release-lacking-according-new-report

England and Wales - End to Friday prison releases calls time on damaging race against the clock

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/end-to-friday-prison-releases-calls-time-on-damaging-race-against-the-clock

England and Wales - HMP Fosse Way: Government opens new prison in expansion pledge

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-66056833

England and Wales - HMP Gartree super prison plans delayed again as decision pushed back

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/hmp-gartree-super-prison-plans-8563795

Ireland - Extradition to Scotland refused after judge notes severe prison overcrowding

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/extradition-to-scotland-refused-after-judge-notes-severe-prison-overcrowding-1495799.html

Malta - Clash of cultures at Corradino prison, former legal officer says

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/clash-cultures-corradino-prison-former-legal-officer-says.1041179

Scotland prisons: Recent spike in deaths sparks concerns

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23624464.scotland-prisons-recent-spike-deaths-sparks-concerns/

Oceania

Australia - ‘Significant update’ of RACGP Prison Standards

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/significant-update-of-racgp-prison-standards

Shock in New Zealand at footage of ‘MMA-style’ fight at youth justice facility

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/05/shock-in-new-zealand-at-footage-of-mma-style-fight-at-youth-justice-facility

 

News 29 June

Africa

Morocco - King Mohammed VI Grants Royal Pardon to 1,434 Individuals on Aid Al Adha

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/06/356189/king-mohammed-vi-grants-royal-pardon-to-1-434-individuals-on-aid-al-adha

Americas

Thousands more prisoners across the U.S. will get free college paid for by the government

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/watertown/news/2023/06/28/thousands-more-prisoners-will-get-free-college-from-u-s-

US - The Unnecessary Risk Of Incarcerating Minimum Security Inmates

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/06/28/the-unnecessary-risk-of-incarcerating-minimum-security-inmates/?sh=4159f3215353

US - Inmates are dying in stifling Texas prisons, but the state seldom acknowledges heat as a cause of death

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/28/texas-prisons-heat-deaths/

US - NJ leads nation in reducing prison population, ACLU says

https://www.njspotlightnews.org/video/nj-leads-nation-in-reducing-prison-population-aclu-says/

US - Pennsylvania Senate approves legislation aimed at reducing the number of people on probation, in jail

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pennsylvania-senate-approves-legislation-aimed-reducing-number-people-probation-jail

Asia

India - NHRC's Advisory to Tackle an Alarming Rise in Prison Deaths Ignores Ground Realities

https://thewire.in/rights/prison-deaths-mental-health-suicide-nhrc

India - Mumbai: Prisoners To Get Remission For Taking Part In Musical Competitions

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-prisoners-to-get-remission-for-taking-part-in-musical-competitions

Philippines - Gov’t starts jail decongestion; new city jails chief named

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1794699/govt-starts-jail-decongestion-new-city-jails-chief-named

Europe

England and Wales - Surge in prison officer absences due to mental health reasons

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-66039586

England and Wales - Youth justice inspectorate calls for training and education improvements

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/youth-justice-inspectorate-calls-for-training-and-education-improvements

Isle of Man Prison boss promises action after critical report

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-66036710

Northern Ireland - Old block at Maghaberry Prison reopens amid inmates total record

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-66043893

Scotland - Firm paid millions to transport prisoners missing more than 50 transfers a week due to staff shortages

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/10888843/firm-paid-millions-to-transport-cons-missing-transfers/

 

News 28 June

Americas

Brazil reinstates national system against prison torture

https://www.inform.kz/en/brazil-reinstates-national-system-against-prison-torture_a4083719

Solitary confinement is still widespread in US prisons and jails

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/27/solitary-confinement-is-still-widespread-in-us-prisons-and-jails

US - People in Florida prisons will get free calls for good behavior in new program

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2023/06/27/people-florida-prisons-will-get-free-calls-good-behavior-new-program/

Asia

India - Tripura to release prisoners who have completed 66% of jail time: Official

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/tripura-release-prisoners-completed-66-jail-time-official-8690101/

Europe

Cyprus - Prison overcrowding among worse in Europe

https://www.financialmirror.com/2023/06/27/prison-overcrowding-among-worse-in-europe/

Pioneering facility offering alternative to women’s prisons opens in England

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/27/drug-rehab-facility-offers-women-an-alternative-to-prison

England and Wales - Prisoners ‘taking bounties’ to carry out attacks at top security Frankland jail

https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/28/prisoners-taking-bounties-to-carry-out-attacks-at-frankland-jail-19014406/

Prison population in the Netherlands low, but pre-trial detention remains high

https://nltimes.nl/2023/06/27/prison-population-netherlands-low-pre-trial-detention-remains-high

Scotland has second highest prison rate in western Europe, study shows

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23618287.scotland-second-highest-prison-rate-western-europe-study-shows/

Oceania

New Zealand - 'Disconnection at all levels': Ombudsman's scathing review of Corrections

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132436299/disconnection-at-all-levels-ombudsmans-scathing-review-of-corrections

 

News 22 – 27 June 2023

Africa

Egypt's prisons are an economic burden in a debt-ridden country

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230627-egypts-prisons-are-an-economic-burden-in-a-debt-ridden-country/

Rwanda: Life Imprisonment Reduction Sparks Intense House Debate

https://allafrica.com/stories/202306270342.html

Uganda – ‘Over 280 children in prison with mothers’

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/over-280-children-in-prison-with-mothers-163480

Americas

IACHR Presents Report on Women Deprived of Their Freedom in the Americas

https://www.oas.org/en/iachr/jsForm/?File=/en/iachr/media_center/preleases/2023/135.asp

Q&A: Latin American Children With Parents in Prison Get No Support

https://insightcrime.org/news/unseen-consequences-latin-american-children-parents-prison/

Antigua & Barbuda - Six juveniles currently being held in national prison  

https://antiguaobserver.com/six-juveniles-currently-being-held-in-national-prison/

Three inmates found hanged at Ecuador prison

https://www.macaubusiness.com/three-inmates-found-hanged-at-ecuador-prison/

El Salvador imprisons dozens of foreign visitors in crackdown on crime

https://theworld.org/stories/2023-06-26/el-salvador-imprisons-dozens-foreign-visitors-crackdown-crime

Honduras adopts El Salvador-style tactics in anti-gang crackdown on prison inmates

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/honduras-pool-hall-shooting-linked-prison-massacre-killed-100386850

Several Honduras prison carnage victims were locked up and set on fire, officials say

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/honduras-prison-carnage-prisoners-burned-b2362181.html

Jamaica - Editorial | Move prisons past Dickensian-era workhouses

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20230625/editorial-move-prisons-past-dickensian-era-workhouses

US - Bureau Of Prisons Changes In Works To Comply With First Step Act

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/06/23/bureau-of-prisons-changes-in-works-to-comply-with-first-step-act/?sh=91c8a055847b

US - Report: Incarcerated populations up 4% post-COVID

https://www.corrections1.com/investigations/articles/report-incarcerated-populations-up-4-post-covid-OuFKuSwQH5duYLfd/

US - Health Care Coverage For The Incarcerated Population To Reduce Opioid-Related Relapse, Overdose, And Recidivism Rates

https://fas.org/publication/health-care-coverage-for-the-incarcerated-population-to-reduce-opioid-related-relapse-overdose-and-recidivism-rates/

US - 1 in 4 inmates killed in Louisiana jails hadn't been tried yet, study finds

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/1-in-4-inmates-killed-in-louisiana-jails-havent-been-tried/article_4b6c9368-11fa-11ee-9df3-634aa261c665.html

Asia

Bangladeshi prisoner gets his sentence reduced by hanging 26 inmates

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/23-Jun-2023/bangladeshi-prisoner-gets-his-sentence-reduced-by-hanging-26-inmates

India - Screen inmates' mental health to prevent in-prison suicides, NHRC recommends

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/jun/23/screen-inmates-mental-health-to-prevent-in-prison-suicides-nhrc-recommends-2587847.html

India - At Yerwada jail, prisoners to get smart cards to call up family members thrice a month

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/yerwada-jail-prisoners-smart-cards-calls-family-members-8682779/

Japan's Justice Ministry compiles plan to prevent prison abuse

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/23/national/justice-ministry-prison-reforms/

Myanmar Insein: A rare glimpse inside a barbaric prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-65959508

Europe

European incarceration rate increased following the end of Covid-19 lockdown measures: Council of Europe’s annual penal statistics released

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/european-incarceration-rate-increased-following-the-end-of-covid-19-lockdown-measures-council-of-europe-s-annual-penal-statistics-released

England and Wales - Half of prison officers do not feel safe at work - “shocking” new survey

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/195928/half-of-prison-officers-do-not-feel-safe-at-work-shocking-new-survey/

England and Wales - Further rollout of Rapid Deployment Cells to boost prison places

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-rollout-of-rapid-deployment-cells-to-boost-prison-places

England and Wales - Sodexo pledge £100,000 to support ex-offenders into apprenticeship training

https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com/2023/06/sodexo-pledge-100000-to-support-ex-offenders-into-apprenticeship-training/

England and Wales - Prisoner who stripped to pants on HMP Frankland roof brought down after seven-hour stand-off

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/prisoner-who-stripped-pants-hmp-27177771

Ireland - Creation of clear transgender policy for women’s prison `urgent and essential’

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/06/25/creation-of-clear-transgender-policy-for-womens-prison-urgent-and-essential/

Isle of Man - Inmates released from prison without addressing offending behaviour

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/inmates-released-from-prison-without-addressing-offending-behaviour/

North Macedonia prosecutor says inmates, psychiatric patients subjected to degrading treatment

https://thetandd.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/north-macedonia-prosecutor-says-inmates-psychiatric-patients-subjected-to-degrading-treatment/article_c141a458-83fd-586e-9934-381f588cfebf.html

Scotland - Under-25s going to prison 'drops by third after new rules brought in'

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/under-25s-going-to-prison-in-scotland-drops-by-third-since-new-sentencing-rules-brought-in-figures-show

Scotland - Covid court case backlog means prisoners are serving entire sentence on remand then being released with no money and nowhere to go – Karyn McCluskey

https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/covid-court-case-backlog-means-prisoners-are-serving-entire-sentence-on-remand-then-being-released-with-no-money-and-nowhere-to-go-karyn-mccluskey-4193089

Council of Europe: Turkey’s Prison Population Rises Beyond 300,000

https://balkaninsight.com/2023/06/27/council-of-europe-turkeys-prison-population-rises-beyond-300000/

Inmates on hunger strike stand against abuse in Turkish prison

https://medyanews.net/inmates-on-hunger-strike-stand-against-abuse-in-turkish-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Prison inmates to be charged 24c a minute for phone calls as NSW scraps cheaper providers

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/27/prison-inmates-to-be-charged-24c-a-minute-for-phone-calls-as-nsw-scraps-cheaper-providers

Australia - Inquiry hears housing crisis and service shortfalls resulting in failures to rehabilitate Tasmanian prisoners

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-25/prison-inquiry-homeless-funding-services-addiction-jail/102511422

 

News 21 June

Americas

Honduras prison violence: At least 41 killed in women's jail riot

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-65969092

US - Life after prison: Mass. leaves thousands of prisoners awaiting education that would help their re-entry

https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2023/06/20/life-after-prison-mass-leaves-thousands-of-prisoners-awaiting-education-that-would-help-their-re-entry

Asia

Expert panel takes aim at Japan’s prison conditions following inmate abuse

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/21/national/crime-legal/ministry-panel-prison-reform/

Europe

German top court tells two states to pay prisoners better

https://www.dw.com/en/german-top-court-tells-two-states-to-pay-prisoners-better/a-65977679

Turkey - 22 prison staff members detained over alleged torture, mistreatment and embezzlement

https://stockholmcf.org/22-prison-staff-members-detained-over-alleged-torture-mistreatment-and-embezzlement/

Oceania

New statistics show Indigenous Australians 12 times more likely to be in jail over general population

https://www.koreaherald.com/global_insite/view.php?ud=x8lx4ar

 

News 20 June

Africa

Ghana - New Narcotic Control Act introduces alternatives to prison sentences for ‘wee smokers’

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/New-Narcotic-Control-Act-introduces-alternatives-to-prison-sentences-for-wee-smokers-1788650

Americas

US - The Impossible Math Behind Pay-Per-Minute Prison Messaging

https://slate.com/technology/2023/06/prison-messaging-cost-gettingout-gtl-viapath.html

US - Alabama inmates’ HIV rates triple rest of population

https://www.al.com/news/2023/06/alabama-inmates-hiv-rates-triple-rest-of-population.html

US (New York) - Legislators look to close loophole allowing slavery for prisoners

https://www.thechiefleader.com/stories/legislators-seek-to-close-loophole-allowing-slavery-for-prisoners,50634?

US (California) - For women ex-prisoners, food insecurity can trigger catastrophe. Activists want more aid

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/california/story/2023-06-19/for-women-ex-prisoners-food-insecurity-can-trigger-catastrophe-activists-want-more-aid

US - 'Game-changing' bill would steer some NJ offenders from courts to mental health care

https://eu.northjersey.com/story/news/2023/06/20/new-bill-would-funnel-nonviolent-offenders-to-help-instead-of-jail/70327403007/

Asia

India - UP prisons to be known as “Reform Homes”

https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/up-prisons-to-be-known-as-reform-homes/

Malaysia - Resentencing Process Must Be a Fair And Meaningful Opportunity for Commutation of Death Sentences

https://www.amnesty.org.au/deathpenalty-malaysia/

Europe

Cyprus - MPs concerned about prison overcrowding

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/06/19/mps-concerned-about-prison-overcrowding/

England and Wales - Thousands of prisoners ‘rotting away with little or no hope of finding justice’

https://www.thejusticegap.com/thousands-of-prisoners-rotting-away-with-little-or-no-hope-of-finding-justice/

England and Wales - Outpatient clinic held in prison helps inmates who have been waiting 'many months' for care

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/health/2023/06/19/outpatient-clinic-held-in-prison-helps-inmates-who-have-been-waiting-many-months-for-care/

Ireland - Prison overcrowding at record levels with four to a cell in some facilities

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41165572.html

Oceania

Australia - Special court for Aboriginal kids to reduce prison rate

https://www.bunburymail.com.au/story/8240997/special-court-for-aboriginal-kids-to-reduce-prison-rate/

 

News 17 – 19 June

Africa

Ghana’s remand prison population reduces significantly-POS Foundation

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-s-remand-prison-population-reduces-significantly-POS-Foundation-1788386

Rwanda Seeks to Reintegrate Genocide Convicts

https://allafrica.com/stories/202306170071.html

Americas

Ecuador authorities confiscate pigs, fighting cocks from prison

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-authorities-confiscate-pigs-fighting-cocks-prison-2023-06-16/

US - Commission urges New England states to prioritize prison education 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/commission-urges-new-england-states-to-prioritize-prison-education/

US - Life With Parole: Probation and parole systems remain understaffed and buggy in Texas.

https://www.sacurrent.com/news/life-with-parole-probation-and-parole-systems-remain-understaffed-and-buggy-in-texas-31980922

Asia

Indonesia - Minister lauds prisoner rehabilitation program at Tanjungpinang

https://en.antaranews.com/news/285504/minister-lauds-prisoner-rehabilitation-program-at-tanjungpinang

Prison riot breaks out in Israel's South, guards regain control

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/prison-riot-breaks-out-in-israels-south-guards-regain-control/ar-AA1cI2wK?li=BBnbfcL

Jordan to release hundreds of prisoners before Eid Al Adha

https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2023/06/19/jordan-prisoners/

Philippines - Bill eyes additional prisons under BuCor

https://manilastandard.net/news/314340990/bill-eyes-additional-prisons-under-bucor.html

Singapore - Prison inmates to receive training for food and beverage sector, and help with securing jobs

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/prison-inmates-to-receive-training-to-secure-them-jobs-in-food-and-beverage-sector

Singapore - Inmates celebrate Father’s Day with their children in largest family reunion at Changi Prison since pandemic

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changi-prison-inmates-celebrate-fathers-day-family-visit-reunion-3571941

Europe

OSCE trains Albanian officials on high-security prison regime

https://www.miragenews.com/osce-trains-albanian-officials-on-high-security-1028915/

Cyprus - Only new prisons can solve overcrowding, says prison guards rep

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/06/16/only-new-prisons-can-solve-overcrowding-says-prison-guards-rep/

England and Wales - Armley Prison: HMP Leeds warned about mental health provision after another prisoner takes their own life

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/armley-prison-hmp-leeds-warned-about-mental-health-provision-after-another-prisoner-takes-their-own-life-4186910

England and Wales - HMP Littlehey: Restraint use on frail prisoner inappropriate says ombudsman

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-65930472

Ireland - More than 4,500 in jail as prison population reaches a record high

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crime/more-than-4500-in-jail-as-prison-population-reaches-a-record-high/a868369587.html

Scotland - Conservatives oppose 'dangerous' plans they claim would cut prison sentences

https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/scottish-news/conservatives-oppose-dangerous-plans-claim-8531055

IHD says conditions in Turkish prisons poor, human rights violations common 

https://stockholmcf.org/ihd-says-conditions-in-turkish-prisons-poor-human-rights-violations-common/

Oceania

Australia - Prison guards threaten strikes after rejecting pay deal

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/prison-guards-threaten-strikes-rejecting-032145495.html

 

News 16 June

Africa

Nigeria - Focus on non-custodial sentences to decongest prisons – CSOs

https://www.icirnigeria.org/focus-on-non-custodial-sentences-to-decongest-prisons-csos/

South African prisoners using TikTok to livestream on the rise

https://www.ecr.co.za/shows/vic-naidoo/south-african-prisoners-using-tiktok-livestream-rise/

Americas

America’s questionable employment of prison labour is adding to domestic clothing makers’ woes

https://www.just-style.com/features/americas-questionable-employment-of-prison-labour-is-adding-to-domestic-clothing-makers-woes/

Asia

India - ‘Inmates of all Pb jails to be screened’

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/inmates-of-all-pb-jails-to-be-screened/articleshow/101033119.cms?from=mdr

Europe

Cyprus - Government to upgrade and expand prison facilities to address overcrowding

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/06/15/government-to-upgrade-and-expand-prison-facilities-to-address-overcrowding/

Hungary - Prison Overcrowding Resolved, Says Justice Minister

https://hungarytoday.hu/prison-overcrowding-resolved-says-justice-minister/

Isle of Man - Prisoner's human rights not breached during Covid

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqld7nk2x1lo

Jail ombudsman warns of prison overcrowding in Italy

https://www.azernews.az/region/211164.html

Northern Ireland - Maghaberry Prison bursting at the seams with concerns raised over death and drugs inside

https://www.armaghi.com/news/maghaberry-prison-bursting-at-the-seams-with-concerns-raised-over-death-and-drugs-inside/213114

SNP told to get a grip of drug scandal at Scots prison with over 1600 incidents in just three years

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-told-grip-drug-scandal-30240894

 

News 15 June

Americas

US - Getting Answers: What's Missing From California's Inmate Recidivism Report

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/cdcr-inmate-recidivism-report-questions-unanswered/

Europe

England and Wales’ Prisons Burdened with Highest Occupancy Rates in Over a Decade

https://emergency-services.news/england-and-wales-prisons-burdened-with-highest-occupancy-rates-in-over-a-decade/

Italy - Prison must respect human dignity and rights says Mattarella

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/06/15/prison-must-respect-human-dignity-and-rights-says-mattarella_ec56f1b2-f0b4-4a5d-b38f-cd48241378d5.html

Oceania

Australia - Almost all WA prison officers are ready to strike

https://www.6pr.com.au/almost-all-wa-prison-officers-are-ready-to-strike/

Australia - Medicare Denial Sees Correctives Systems Destroy Prisoner Health to the Detriment of All 

https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/medicare-denial-sees-correctives-systems-destroy-prisoner-health-to-the-detriment-of-all/

 

News 14 June

Americas

Torture Technique of Breaking Prisoners' Fingers Is Detected in Five States in Brazil

https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2023/06/torture-technique-of-breaking-prisoners-fingers-is-detected-in-five-states-in-brazil.shtml

US - Inside a Remarkable Dance Program at a California Prison

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/13/us/dance-prison-california.html

Asia

India - How education can reform convicts: IG Zaidi opens up on prison lessons

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/how-education-can-reform-convicts-ig-zaidi-opens-up-on-prison-lessons-8661838/

Jordanian courts issued 300 alternatives to prison sentences in May

http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordanian-courts-issued-300-alternatives-prison-sentences-may

Europe

England and Wales - POA calls for ban on tins in prisons

https://insidetime.org/poa-calls-for-ban-on-tins-in-prisons/

England and Wales - HMP Hewell: Prison chess clubs helping rehabilitate inmates

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-65889955

England and Wales - Durham Prison Hub opens to help re-integrate prisoners into society

https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2023-06-13/prison-hub-opens-to-help-re-integrate-inmates-into-society

Ireland - Warning of 'revolving door' for prisoners without further investment

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41162068.html

Italy - Stiffer sentences needed for brutalising inmates - judges

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2023/06/13/stiffer-sentences-needed-for-brutalising-inmates-judges_b9425819-db36-4991-b322-b81bb5537759.html

Oceania

Australia (NSW) - Inmates in lockdown, prisons closed due to chronic correctional officer staff shortages

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-14/inmates-in-lockdown-amid-chronic-prison-staff-storgaes/102454218

 

News 10 – 13 June

Africa

Morocco Adopts Alternative Sentencing Bill To Reduce Prison Overcrowding

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/06/355866/morocco-adopts-alternative-sentencing-bill-to-reduce-prison-overcrowding

Americas

Canada - B.C. community gets Indigenous Justice Centre to help break incarceration cycle

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/chilliwack-indigenous-justice-centre-1.6874142

US - Mellon Foundation to Award Over $5 Million to Expand Prison Education Programs

https://www.diverseeducation.com/student-issues/article/15540367/mellon-foundation-to-award-over-5-million-to-expand-prison-education-programs

US - 'Strange' Texas prison policy keeps some women in solitary wearing gowns

https://www.kut.org/texas/2023-06-12/strange-texas-prison-policy-keeps-some-women-in-solitary-in-gowns

Asia

Israel - Prison, Employment services join forces to help ex-convicts stay out of prison

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-745764

Nepal - Prisoners experiencing skin issues due to scorching heat

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/prisoners-experiencing-skin-issues-due-to-scorching-heat/

Philippines - New bill, same problem: Lawmakers bat for more prison facilities to solve jail congestion

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/09/2272662/new-bill-same-problem-lawmakers-bat-more-prison-facilities-solve-jail-congestion

Europe

Prison staff launch walkout in Belgium after inmate sets fire to his cell

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/prison-staff-launch-walkout-in-belgium-after-inmate-sets-fire-to-his-cell/2920593

Cyprus - Proposal to expand prison to ease overcrowding

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/06/12/proposal-to-expand-prison-to-ease-overcrowding/

England and Wales - Inside the prison where staff feel 'unsafe' and inmates are 'physically and mentally abused'

https://www.itv.com/news/central/2023-06-09/hmp-lowdham-grange-inmates-abused-by-nottinghamshire-prison-staff-whistleblower

Black defendants experience longer remand times in England and Wales, new data shows

https://www.thejusticegap.com/black-defendants-experience-longer-remand-times-in-england-and-wales-new-data-shows/

Northern Ireland - Justice system ‘needs a more targeted approach' to reduce adult re-offending

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/06/12/news/justice_system_needs_a_more_targeted_approach_to_reduce_adult_re-offending-3344128/

Scotland - Changes to children's justice system 'would help break cycle of offending'

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/changes-to-childrens-justice-system-would-help-break-cycle-of-offending

Oceania

New Zealand - A watershed report on solitary confinement in NZ prisons must now trigger real reform

https://theconversation.com/a-watershed-report-on-solitary-confinement-in-nz-prisons-must-now-trigger-real-reform-207597

 

News 9 June

Africa

Ghana - President pledges more support for Prisons Service

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/president-pledges-more-support-for-prisons-service.html

South Africa - ZIZAMELE CEBEKHULU-MAKHAZA | SA's prison reform system needs complete overhaul

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/columnists/2023-06-09-zizamele-cebekhulu-makhaza-sas-prison-reform-system-needs-complete-overhaul/

Americas

US - ‘I call it pretend freedom’: Older adults coming out of Illinois prisons face steep roadblocks in their reentry journey

https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/prisons-and-jails/2023/older-adults-prison-reentry/

US (New Jersey) - A leftover pandemic restriction in prisons deprives some of ‘lifeline’ family visits

https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/06/08/a-leftover-pandemic-restriction-in-prisons-deprives-some-of-lifeline-family-visits/

Asia

India - Incarcerated engineer’s e-bike a big hit in Coimbatore Central Prison

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/incarcerated-engineers-e-bike-a-big-hit-in-prison/articleshow/100863581.cms?from=mdr

Israel - Inmates riot, clash with guards in Beersheba prison riot

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-745736

Nepal - Overcrowded Baglung prison house leaves jailbirds in trouble

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/overcrowded-baglung-prison-house-leaves-jailbirds-in-trouble/

Philippines - Solons seek to address subhuman conditions in PH penal facilities

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203229

Europe

Ireland - Overcrowding Continues In Midlands Prison

https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/overcrowding-continues-in-midlands-prison/

Oceania

Australia - National Children's Commissioner launches major project to reform youth justice system in 'crisis'

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-09/youth-justice-reforms-childrens-commissioner-anne-hollonds/102456772

 

News 8 June

Africa

Kenya - New bedding for prisons under Sh40bn proposal

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/new-bedding-for-prisons-under-sh40bn-proposal--4262096

Americas

Colombia Senators Approve Cannabis Legalization Bill

https://hightimes.com/news/colombia-senators-approve-cannabis-legalization-bill/

Haitians are dying of thirst and starvation in severely overcrowded jails

https://www.wral.com/haitians-are-dying-of-thirst-and-starvation-in-severely-overcrowded-jails/20900482/

US - New York Prison System Reverses Policy Restricting Incarcerated Writers And Artists

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/york-prison-system-reverses-policy-210455864.html

US - Report: Four of California’s prisons ranked worst at handling COVID, care for inmates

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-07/report-four-of-californias-prisons-ranked-worst-at-handling-covid-care-for-inmates

US - How can Gavin Newsom reform California prisons but still allow solitary confinement?

https://calmatters.org/commentary/2023/06/newsom-prison-reforms-solitary-confinement/

Asia

Hong Kong prisons work to compel loyalty to China among young activists

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/deradicalization-hong-kong-democracy-activists/

Europe

England and Wales - Prison turnaround has inspectors gobsmacked after inmates took control and staff feared for safety

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/prison-turnaround-inspectors-gobsmacked-after-27018279

Ireland - New data shows that people who have been subject to probation orders earn up to 30% less than other workers

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a2d5f-new-data-shows-that-people-who-have-been-subject-to-probation-orders-earn-up-to-30-less-than-other-workers/#

Over 800 prisoners left waiting for addiction services in Irish prisons

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/politics/drug-addiction-prison-wait-lists-30177823

Oceania

Australia - First Nations justice reinvestment package to support local solutions

https://www.croakey.org/first-nations-justice-reinvestment-package-to-support-local-solutions/

 

News 7 June

Africa

In Africa, women judges improve trust in courts, bring justice to the less privileged and empower women and girls

https://www.undp.org/news/africa-women-judges-improve-trust-courts-bring-justice-less-privileged-and-empower-women-and-girls

Americas

US - COVID prison releases expose key driver of racial inequity

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/06/covid-prison-releases-expose-key-driver-of-racial-inequity/

US - A New Prison Policy Blocks Incarcerated Journalists and Artists From Publishing Their Work

https://nysfocus.com/2023/06/06/doccs-prison-blocks-journalism-artists-creative-work

Asia

Lebanon: Sharp increase of deaths in custody must be a wake-up call for authorities

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/06/lebanon-sharp-increase-of-deaths-in-custody-must-be-a-wake-up-call-for-authorities/

S.Korea to abolish 30-yr period of prescription for death sentence

https://themeghalayan.com/s-korea-to-abolish-30-yr-period-of-prescription-for-death-sentence/

Thailand - Convicts can now seek detention outside prison

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2587099/convicts-can-now-seek-detention-outside-prison

Europe

Belgium -- No more detainees sleeping on floor in Ghent Prison

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/539694/no-more-detainees-sleeping-on-floor-in-ghent-prison

England and Wales - Prisons are a festering wound in our public services – they need urgent reform

https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/prisons-festering-wound-public-services-need-urgent-reform

England and Wales - Inspection skills qualification launches for youth offending inspectors

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/inspection-skills-qualification-launches-for-youth-offending-services-inspectors

Netherlands - Four prisoners found dead in Zaanstad prison last month

https://nltimes.nl/2023/06/06/four-prisoners-found-dead-zaanstad-prison-last-month

Scotland - Shotts Prison probe as three inmates die after taking lethal cocktail of drugs

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/shotts-prison-probe-three-inmates-27070176

Oceania

Australia - Violent and vulnerable: Ricky, 14, has been to jail 15 times. In Queensland’s youth justice system, he lost hope

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/07/violent-and-vulnerable-ricky-14-has-been-to-jail-15-times-in-queenslands-youth-justice-system-he-lost-hope

 

News 2-6 June

Global study of miscarriages of justice highlights ‘myth of exceptionality’

https://www.thejusticegap.com/global-study-of-miscarriages-of-justice-highlights-institutional-reluctance-of-justice-systems/

Africa

How international standards and norms help to build resilient prisons: Lessons learned from COVID-19 in Africa

https://ghana.un.org/en/234885-how-international-standards-and-norms-help-build-resilient-prisons-lessons-learned-covid-19

Americas

Prisoners Defenders Reports on Torture in Cuban Prisons

https://havanatimes.org/features/prisoners-defenders-reports-on-torture-in-cuban-prisons/

US - Solitary confinement intensifies problems for incarcerated people

https://www.kunc.org/2023-06-02/solitary-confinement-intensifies-problems-for-incarcerated-people

US - California is closing its last youth prisons. Will what replaces them be worse?

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-02/california-closing-youth-prisons-will-what-replaces-them-be-worse

Asia

Bangladesh - High Court: Save the poor by appointing prison doctors immediately

https://www.dhakatribune.com/court/2023/06/06/high-court-save-the-poor-by-appointing-prison-doctors-immediately

Iran prisoner spends 1,000 days in solitary confinement

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-65754099

UN document: UAE keeping rights activists in jail past end of sentences

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-document-uae-keeping-rights-activists-jail-past-end-sentences-2023-06-02/

Europe

Inmates at Belgian prison fed exclusively frozen meals last year

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/539141/inmates-at-belgian-prison-fed-exclusively-frozen-meals-last-year

England and Wales - Violence on rise at Full Sutton prison, where some of UK's most dangerous inmates are held

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/violence-rise-full-sutton-prison-8494958

Northern Ireland criminal justice system 'at breaking point'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65786894

Oceania

Australia - Cheaper to call Vatican City: Why is it so expensive to make phone calls from prison?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-06/prison-phone-calls-costs-australia/102409868

Australia - ‘Extreme self-harm’: Queensland Labor faces internal criticism over prison system

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/04/extreme-self-harm-queensland-labor-faces-internal-criticism-over-prison-system

 

News 1 June 2023

Africa

Kenya - Gov’t to decongest prisons by half in the next 1 year – Kindiki

https://www.pd.co.ke/news/kindiki-says-govt-to-decongest-prisons-by-half-in-the-next-1-year-182862/

Americas

US - Black-led organizations are leading charge in reform of prisons and the death penalty 

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4026668-black-led-organizations-are-leading-charge-in-reform-of-prisons-and-the-death-penalty/

US - Study cites concerning gaps in suicide reporting by prisons

https://fronterasdesk.org/content/1848341/study-cites-concerning-gaps-suicide-reporting-prisons

US - New policies needed for maternal health care among incarcerated people with COVID-19, according to NICHD-funded researchers

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/news/053123-maternal-health-care

US - Solitary Confinement Under The Guise Of Public Health: Lessons Learned From COVID-19 And HIV

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/solitary-confinement-under-guise-public-health-lessons-learned-covid-19-and-hiv

Asia

Guards beat prison inmates to death in Myanmar’s Bago region, sources say

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/bago-prison-beatings-05312023060213.html

Philippines - Technology as key to freedom and digital inclusivity of persons deprived of liberty

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/01/opinion/technology-as-key-to-freedom-and-digital-inclusivity-of-persons-deprived-of-liberty/1893928

Taiwan - Youth justice amendments approved

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/06/01/2003800810

Europe

Netherlands - Female prison inmates subjected to sexual harassment by guards

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/05/female-prison-inmates-subjected-to-sexual-harassment-by-guards/

Oceania

Australia - Indigenous legal centre will improve access to justice

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8218576/indigenous-legal-centre-will-improve-access-to-justice/

 

News 31 May

Americas

US (Connecticut) - House advances bill that requires study, not limits, of strip searches

https://ctmirror.org/2023/05/30/ct-strip-search-prison-end-bill-study/

US - Chronic understaffing at Hawaiʻi prisons balloons overtime costs

https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2023-05-30/chronic-understaffing-at-hawai%CA%BBi-prisons-balloons-overtime-costs

US - “Moral injuries”: Solitary confinement intensifies problems for incarcerated people. It also changes the Colorado therapists who send them there.

https://coloradosun.com/solitary-confinement-clinicians-moral-injury/

US - The war on drugs fills Missouri prisons with poor, rural women. That isn’t justice | Opinion

https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article275909651.html

Asia

Cambodia - Ministry to end inmates’ illegal use of phones in prison

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501299238/ministry-to-end-inmates-illegal-use-of-phones-in-prison/

Europe

Belarus must release all prisoners held on political grounds and protect their rights: UN experts

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2470910-belarus-must-release-all-prisoners-held-on-political-grounds-and-protect-their-rights-un-experts

England and Wales - Prison and Probation Service plans new body-worn video deployment

https://www.ukauthority.com/articles/prison-and-probation-service-plans-new-body-worn-video-deployment/

England and Wales - Concerns at Nottinghamshire's HMP Lowdham Grange prison after three deaths in three weeks

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/concerns-nottinghamshires-hmp-lowdham-grange-8481999

England and Wales - Keepmoat and HM Prison Service launch bricklaying academy to teach prisoners new skills

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/hr-skills-news/keepmoat-hm-prison-service-launch-bricklaying-academy-teach-prisoners-new-skills/127290/

Scotland - Prison suicides of two young Glaswegians to be investigated by court

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/prison-suicides-two-young-glaswegians-27021051

 

News 27 – 30 May

Americas

Canada - Isolation cells in women’s prisons used almost exclusively for Indigenous prisoners, panel finds

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-isolation-cells-in-womens-prisons-used-almost-exclusively-for/

Report: At least 153 people arrested under special powers have died in Salvadoran prisons

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/report-153-people-arrested-special-powers-died-salvadoran-99684093

US - Incarcerated people use TikTok videos to expose Alabama’s prison conditions

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/26/alabama-prison-conditions-tiktok

US - San Francisco Jail First in Nation to Provide Free Content to Incarcerated People

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco-jail-free-content-incarcerated-people/3239560/

Asia

Number of people prosecuted in China’s courts up 12% in five years, report shows

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/29/number-of-people-prosecuted-china-courts-up-12-per-cent-report-shows

Women in Indian prisons denied menstrual products despite rules

https://www.devex.com/news/women-in-indian-prisons-denied-menstrual-products-despite-rules-105565

India - To free up prison spaces, authorities weigh plan to pay for undertrials’ bail

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/to-free-up-prison-spaces-authorities-weigh-plan-to-pay-for-undertrials-bail/article66905497.ece

Europe

England and Wales - Prisons in 'catastrophic' state with space set to run out in six weeks, jail chiefs warn

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/prisons-catastrophic-state-space-set-30103587

England and Wales - HMP Northumberland: Prison farm shop to sell inmates' produce

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-65719785

England and Wales - Prisoners locked up for too long at HMP Birmingham, report finds

https://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/prisoners-locked-up-for-too-long-at-hmp-birmingham-report-finds-4162022

Ireland needs to build more prisons, says outgoing Justice Minister Simon Harris

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ireland-needs-to-build-more-prisons-says-outgoing-justice-minister-simon-harris/a151381884.html

Ireland - Third of prisoners awaiting mental health services, report finds

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/third-of-prisoners-awaiting-mental-health-services-report-finds-1480891.html

HMP Addiewell: Life in one of Scotland’s last private prisons

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23551275.hmp-addiewell-life-one-scotlands-last-private-prisons/

Scotland’s prisons chief warns against courts caging more women when new £85m jail opens

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/10741725/scotlands-prisons-chief-warns-against-courts-caging-women/

Scotland - Prisoners at Barlinnie to get landlines installed in their cells

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/prisoners-barlinnie-landlines-installed-cells-112312405.html

Oceania

Australia - Over-representation of Aboriginal people in New South Wales prisons "highest on record"

https://nit.com.au/30-05-2023/6145/over-representation-of-aboriginal-people-in-new-south-wales-prisons-highest-on-record

 

News 26 May

Africa

Egypt's female 'prisoners of poverty' struggle with stigma

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/egypts-female-prisoners-poverty-struggle-with-stigma-2023-05-25/

Kenya - Kiambu Prison Rehabilitates Offenders Through Running A Farm Nursery

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kiambu-prison-rehabilitates-offenders-through-running-a-farm-nursery/

South Africa - Prison life: The daily routine of an inmate

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/prison-journalism/prison-life-daily-routine-of-an-inmate/

Americas

Canada - Tightened Bail Restrictions Unlikely To Curb Violent Crime, Experts Warn

https://www.readthemaple.com/tightened-bail-restrictions-unlikely-to-curb-violent-crime-experts-warn/

U.S. among 17 countries that practice forced labor, a form of ‘modern slavery,’ report finds

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/25/slavery-united-states-forced-prison-labor/

All 123 US federal prisons need 'maintenance': Inspector general

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/123-us-federal-prisons-maintenance-022602879.html

US - Ex-guard charged with 95 counts of sexual abuse in California women’s prison

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/25/california-womens-prison-guard-sexual-assault

US - Maryland’s Solitary Confinement Reform Bill Stalls in the Democratic State Legislature

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/maryland-solitary-confinement-bill-stalls/

Asia

India - What is the Model Prisons Act announced by the MHA?

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/model-prisons-act-mha-8630225/

Europe

England and Wales - Pentonville prison slammed for overcrowding again as inspectors return to find more inmates than last time

https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/pentonville-prison-slammed-overcrowding-again-26987652

England and Wales - The trouble with 'failing' Exeter Prison as it reaches critical point

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/trouble-failing-exeter-prison-reaches-8459901

Ireland - Lack of oversight of restorative justice as government officials failed to meet with schemes for year and a half

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/05/25/news/lack_of_oversight_of_restorative_justice_as_government_officials_failed_to_meet_with_schemes_for_year_and_a_half-3304212/

Prison overcrowding and maximum security use criticised in latest Irish Penal Reform Trust report

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/05/26/prison-overcrowding-and-maximum-security-use-criticised-in-latest-irish-penal-reform-trust-report/

Scotland - The £85m prison with no bars on the windows

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-65715387

 

News 25 May

Africa

Kenya - I choose jail: Why Lamu prison is teeming with repeat offenders

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/big-read/2023-05-25-i-choose-jail-why-lamu-prison-is-teeming-with-repeat-offenders/

Americas

Program allows incarcerated women to raise their children inside Canadian prisons

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/05/24/program-incarcerated-women-raise-their-children-prisons-canada/

El Salvador’s Prison State

https://www.aljazeera.com/program/fault-lines/2023/5/24/el-salvadors-prison-state

US - The ongoing debate on prison labor: is it a form of slavery?

https://goldengatexpress.org/103150/campus-original/the-ongoing-debate-on-prison-labor-is-it-a-form-of-slavery/

US - Editorial: Two Alabama governors who supported the death penalty explain why it's wrong

https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-two-alabama-governors-who-supported-the-death-penalty-explain-why-its-wrong/article_586799ba-f999-11ed-8da2-0bf6edda55f9.html

Asia

India - Tracking devices, separate transgender cells: Centre outlines new prison rules

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-model-prison-act-2023-proposes-electronic-tracking-devices-for-convicts-on-parole-and-separate-zones-for-transgender-prisoners-101684952976989.html

Malaysia - Home Ministry: Prison Dept is not considering public flogging for drug offences as alternative to abolished mandatory death penalty

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/24/home-ministry-prison-dept-is-not-considering-public-flogging-for-drug-offences-as-alternative-to-abolished-mandatory-death-penalty/70828

Philippines - Nearly 6,000 inmates freed under Marcos administration

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/05/24/524787/nearly-6000-inmates-freed-under-marcos-administration/

Europe

England and Wales - Suicidal women are being sent to prison, although they’ve committed no crime

https://inews.co.uk/opinion/suicidal-women-prison-committed-crime-2360296

England and Wales - Crime reoffending rates being tackled with new bricklaying academy at Doncaster prison

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/business/crime-reoffending-rates-being-tackled-with-new-bricklaying-academy-at-doncaster-prison-4155285

Scotland - Significant progress on courts backlog

https://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/news/significant-progress-on-courts-backlog

 

News 24 May 2023

Africa

Egypt has renewed pre-trial detention of over 20,000 people in 9 months, says rights group

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230524-egypt-has-renewed-pre-trial-detention-of-over-20000-people-in-9-months-says-rights-group/

Americas

Cuba - Socialism, death penalty and criminal punitiveness: notes on the Penal Code

https://oncubanews.com/en/cuba/society-cuba/socialism-death-penalty-and-criminal-punitiveness-notes-on-the-penal-code/

New report reveals over 122K are held in solitary confinement in U.S. prisons and jails

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-report-reveals-122k-are-held-solitary-confinement-us-prisons-jails-rcna84840

US (New Jersey) - As prison population grays, calls grow for ‘geriatric parole’

https://newjerseymonitor.com/2023/05/23/as-prison-population-grays-calls-grow-for-geriatric-parole/

Asia

India - Training in beekeeping given to inmates of open air prison in Coimbatore

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/training-in-beekeeping-given-to-inmates-of-open-air-prison-in-coimbatore/article66884510.ece

Philippines - PH pledges support for UN Nelson Mandela Rules

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202138

Europe

England and Wales - Prison 'job centres' and business link-ups help boost ex-offender employment

https://news.sky.com/story/prison-job-centres-and-business-link-ups-help-boost-ex-offender-employment-12887776

England and Wales - 200 Albanian offenders to be sent home from UK cells in prison transfer scheme

https://www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk/news/national/23543027.200-albanian-offenders-sent-home-uk-cells-prison-transfer-scheme/

England and Wales - Prison services rules ‘actively preventing’ women and children from rehabilitation

https://www.thejusticegap.com/26072-2/

England and Wales - TV presenter Fred Sirieix launches third prison restaurant run by inmates

https://www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk/news/national/23542875.tv-presenter-fred-sirieix-launches-third-prison-restaurant-run-inmates/

Scotland - Young offenders praise 'life-changing' Rangers charity scheme to help them into work

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/young-offenders-praise-life-changing-153218123.html

Oceania

New Zealand - Corrections restructuring proposals goes to staff

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/wellington/132133675/corrections-restructuring-proposals-goes-to-staff

 

News 23 May

Africa

Medical neglect: The gateway to slow death in Egypt prisons

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-medical-neglect-the-gateway-to-slow-death-in-egypt-prisons/

Americas

US - ‘Worse than what we thought’: New data reveals deeper problems with the Bureau of Prisons’ Covid response https://www.statnews.com/2023/05/23/prisons-covid-response/

US - 'Air Conditioning is a Human Right.' Heat-Related Prison Deaths Are Rising Due to Climate Change

https://time.com/6281702/prisons-heat-deaths-climate-change-air-conditioning/

US - Colette Peters’ Challenge: Change The Culture Of The Bureau Of Prisons

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/05/22/colette-peters-challenge-change-the-culture-of-the-bureau-of-prisons/?sh=6e61733e631b

US - A History of Incarceration by Women Who Have Lived Through It

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/a-history-of-incarceration-by-women-who-have-lived-through-it

US - Prison conditions raise concern among people impacted by Georgia criminal system, advocates

https://thesoutherneronline.com/92275/news/prison-conditions-raise-concern-among-people-impacted-by-georgia-criminal-system-advocates/

US - Calls Are Free, But California Prisoners Still Face Communication Obstacles

https://theappeal.org/viapath-california-prison-phones-tablets-messaging/

US - In Maryland, the older a prisoner gets, the less likely he or she will be paroled, report finds

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/justice-policy-institute-report-parole-maryland-jail-release-6C6DJVL7G5GOVDNQQVIUH2IF5Y/

Asia

India - Chandigarh Health Department to screen over 1K jail inmates for AIDS, TB

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/chandigarh-health-department-to-screen-over-1k-jail-inmates-for-aids-tb-510369

Malaysia - Experts welcome recent drug law reforms

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/22/experts-welcome-recent-drug-law-reforms

Europe

England and Wales - Indefinite jail terms are state-sanctioned cruelty

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/may/22/indefinite-jail-terms-are-state-sanctioned-cruelty

England and Wales - Breaking the cycle – A Senedd Committee finds the criminal justice system is failing Welsh women

https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/breaking-the-cycle-a-senedd-committee-finds-the-criminal-justice-system-is-failing-welsh-women/

Student behind bars: Prisoners studying for degrees in German prison

https://starconnectmedia.com/student-behind-bars-prisoners-studying-for-degrees-in-german-prison/

93 inmates have died in Turkish prisons in the last 17 months: report

https://stockholmcf.org/93-inmates-have-died-in-turkish-prisons-in-the-last-17-months-report/

Oceania

Australia - Queensland changes laws to accommodate UN prisons inspectors

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/23/queensland-changes-laws-to-accommodate-un-prisons-inspectors

 

News 20-22 May

Africa

South Africa - Vetting blamed for delays in filling vacancies on prison parole boards

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/vetting-blamed-for-delays-in-filling-vacancies-on-prison-parole-boards-e18bc7cd-2d30-4131-87e7-15af46e24d82

Uganda - Shock figures reveal crisis state of prisons

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/shock-figures-reveal-crisis-state-of-prisons-4240990

Zimbabwe Releases More Than 4,000 Prison Inmates

https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabwe-releases-more-than-4-000-prison-inmates/7100918.html

Americas

Deaths of Indigenous people in Atlantic Canadian jails spark calls for review, change

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/deaths-indigenous-people-atlantic-canadian-192026210.html

Canada - Justice minister says federal government could not go much further on bail reform

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/lametti-bail-reform-constitution-limits-1.6850914

US - Native Hawaiians Are Overrepresented In Prisons. Cultural Education Could Help

https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/05/native-hawaiians-are-overrepresented-in-prisons-cultural-education-could-help/

US - Staffing crisis in WV prisons persists as lawmakers reflect on rejected bills

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/staffing-crisis-in-wv-prisons-persists-as-lawmakers-reflect-on-rejected-bills/article_73aec4a2-ffef-56e7-b35d-971df26334b6.html

US - California Confronts Overdose Epidemic Among Former Prison Inmates

https://www.noozhawk.com/california-confronts-overdose-epidemic-among-former-prison-inmates/

US - Illinois organizers push to abolish cash bail as they await court ruling

https://prismreports.org/2023/05/19/illinois-fight-to-end-cash-bail/

US - How a ‘Blue Wall’ Inside N.Y. State Prisons Protects Abusive Guards

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/nyregion/how-a-blue-wall-inside-ny-state-prisons-protects-abusive-guards.html

Asia

India - Manhunt for 573 absconding prisoners released during Covid-19 pandemic

https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2023/5/22/Manhunt-for-573-absconding-prisoners-released-during-Covid-19-pandemic.html

Iran - Executed Prisoners’ Families Tear-Gassed And Shot

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202305205684

Europe

England and Wales - Overcrowding in prisons is a ‘powder keg waiting to blow’

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-overcrowding-figures-disorder-sentences-b2342257.html

England and Wales - COVID-19 experience for children in custodial settings

https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/covid-19-experience-children-custodial-settings/159283/

England and Wales - ‘We just got left’: How children of prisoners are abandoned by the state

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/children-parent-prison-ignored-impact-assessment/

 

News 19 May 2023

The death penalty: a breach of human rights and ethics of care

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01004-8/fulltext

Africa

South Africa - 'One escape from lawful custody is one too many': Lamola gives assurance SA prisons are intact

https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/parliament/one-escape-from-lawful-custody-is-one-too-many-lamola-gives-assurance-sa-prisons-are-intact-20230518

Americas

Canada - Staff shortages at Nova Scotia jails prompt Charter challenges by inmates

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-jail-staff-shortages-inmate-charter-challenge-1.6848260

El Salvador gangs: Mass arrests bring calm but at what price?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-65596471

Haiti Sees Rise of ‘Vigilante Justice’ as Gang Violence Soars

https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/haiti-sees-rise-of-vigilante-justice-as-gang-violence-soars/

US - Opinion: Eliminate solitary confinement in prisons, jails

https://tulsaworld.com/opinion/column/opinion-eliminate-solitary-confinement-in-prisons-jails/article_014987b4-ee00-11ed-95ee-234088b2cb1d.html

US - Covid-19 Suit Removal Dashed in Pennsylvania Prisoner Litigation

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/covid-19-suit-removal-dashed-in-pennsylvania-prisoner-litigation

Europe

England and Wales - Inquest begins into young offender found dead in Warrington Prison

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/23530898.inquest-begins-young-offender-found-dead-warrington-prison/

 

News 18 May 2023

Americas

Sint Maarten - Prosecutor: Hundreds of prison sentences not executed in 2022 due to lack of beds

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/prosecutor-hundreds-of-prison-sentences-not-executed-in-2022-due-to-lack-of-beds

US - W.Va. Lower Than National Average For Prison Incarcerations

https://wvpublic.org/w-va-lower-than-national-average-for-prison-incarcerations/

Asia

Parliamentary panel expresses concern over Indian prison system, safety

https://www.siasat.com/parliamentary-panel-expresses-concern-over-indian-prison-system-safety-2591986/

Not Guilty But In Jail: The best hope for India’s undertrial prisoners – district-level undertrial review committees – are failing

https://www.moneycontrol.com/europe/?url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/not-guilty-but-in-jail-the-best-hope-for-indias-undertrial-prisoners-district-level-undertrial-review-committees-are-failing-10609701.html

Pakistan’s Criminal Justice System: Challenges and Reforms

https://dailytimes.com.pk/1094319/pakistans-criminal-justice-system-challenges-and-reforms/

Europe

England and Wales - How internet-free laptops are transforming lives in UK prisons

https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/18/how-internet-free-laptops-are-transforming-lives-in-uk-prisons-18803174/

England and Wales - The law is gone but they are still in jail: who will free Britain’s most wronged prisoners?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/18/jail-law-britain-prisoners-ipp-sentences

England and Wales - Stoke Heath prison told to make improvements after prisoner died of heart attack

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/north-shropshire/market-drayton/2023/05/17/stoke-heath-prison-told-to-make-improvements-after-prisoner-died-of-heart-attack/

Isle of Man - Independent review into recent prison deaths commissioned

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/independent-review-into-recent-prison-deaths-commissioned/

 

News 17 May 2023

Africa

Number of Prisoners in Morocco Increased 10% in 2022

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/05/355479/number-of-prisoners-in-morocco-increased-10-in-2022

Americas

In Brazil, prisons without guards offer inmates path to recovery

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/16/in-brazil-prisons-without-guards-offer-inmates-path-to-recovery

Canada - Ontario, Bell won't say how much money they made from jail system that charged 'exorbitant' rates for inmate phone calls

https://montrealgazette.com/news/canada/ontario-bell-wont-say-how-much-money-they-made-from-inmate-phone-calls

US - How inflation is hitting prison inmates

https://www.npr.org/2023/05/16/1176506767/how-inflation-is-hitting-prison-inmates

US - Youth Justice by the Numbers

https://www.sentencingproject.org/policy-brief/youth-justice-by-the-numbers/

US - Why some states are reforming minimum sentencing requirements

https://www.fox47news.com/why-some-states-are-reforming-minimum-sentencing-requirements

US - Bill to let some inmates serving life in prison seek new sentences approved by Alabama House

https://www.al.com/news/2023/05/bill-to-let-some-inmates-serving-life-in-prison-seek-new-sentences-approved-by-alabama-house.html

US - Editorial: California locks people in prisons, and locks out reporters and even lawmakers

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-16/editorial-reporters-lawmakers-need-access-to-prisons-and-jails

US - For the 78,000 people released from prisons in Texas every year, finding a job isn’t easy

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2023/05/16/for-the-78000-people-released-from-prisons-in-texas-ever-year-finding-a-job-isnt-easy/

Asia

Cambodia - Focus on predicament of children in prison

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/05/17/focus-on-predicament-of-children-in-prison

India - Serious about bail, serious about justice

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-editorial/serious-about-bail-serious-about-justice/articleshow/100285470.cms?from=mdr

Indonesia - New penal code offers hope of abolishing death penalty

https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2023/05/17/new-penal-code-offers-hope-of-abolishing-death-penalty.html

Singapore executes second prisoner in three weeks

https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/singapore-executes-second-prisoner-in-three-weeks-1219434.html

Europe

Cyprus - Prison guards threaten with measures citing “indifference” of justice ministry

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/05/16/prison-guards-threatens-with-measures-citing-indifference-of-justice-ministry/

England and Wales - New annual report finds conditions remain 'very poor' at Aylesbury Vale prison

https://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/people/new-annual-report-finds-conditions-remain-very-poor-at-aylesbury-vale-prison-4144413

England and Wales - Staff shortages take toll on prisoners’ experience at HMP Stocken, report finds

https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2023/05/staff-shortages-take-toll-on-prisoners-experience-at-hmp-stocken-report-finds/

Ireland - Restorative justice referrals decreased last year despite Government promise to build capacity

https://www.thejournal.ie/restorative-justice-referrals-decrease-6069162-May2023/

Northern Ireland - High Court: Information given to prison inmates on the potential monitoring of phone calls 'does not meet human rights standards'

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/05/16/news/high_court_information_given_to_prisoners_on_the_potential_monitoring_of_their_telephone_calls_does_not_meet_human_rights_-3281650/

Oceania

Australia - Laws to move young offenders to adult jails the moment they turn 18 introduced in State Parliament

https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-politics/laws-to-move-young-offenders-to-adult-jails-the-moment-they-turn-18-introduced-in-state-parliament-c-10678565

 

News 16 May

Global use of death penalty at highest rate for five years - new report

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/global-use-death-penalty-highest-rate-five-years-new-report

Americas

Canada - Justice minister planning to introduce bail reforms this week

https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/beyond-local/justice-minister-planning-to-introduce-bail-reforms-this-week-7003005

US (Connecticut) - Federal Prison Employees Ask the Supreme Court to Review COVID Hazard Pay Case

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2023/05/federal-prison-employees-ask-supreme-court-review-covid-hazard-pay-case/386366/

US (Vermont) - The Department of Corrections will end its work crew program. Prosecutors are not pleased.

https://vtdigger.org/2023/05/15/the-department-of-corrections-will-end-its-work-crew-program-prosecutors-are-not-pleased/

US - Colorado bill makes phone calls free in prisons and youth detention facilities

https://coloradosun.com/2023/05/16/colorado-prison-calls-bill/

Asia

India - Counselling and skilling: How the state reforms its prisoners

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/100263800.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Singapore’s death row ‘main element of its drug policy’

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/16/singapores-death-row-main-element-of-its-drug-policy

Europe

England and Wales - Personality disorders in prison and probation: Are specialist units working?

https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/personality-disorders-in-prison-and-probation-are-specialist-units-working/

England and Wales - Children in custody held ‘miles from home’ miss out on family visits, HMI prisons warns

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/children-in-custody-held-miles-from-home-miss-out-on-family-visits-hmi-prisons-warns

Hungarian government to release 700 foreign criminals from jail

https://dailynewshungary.com/hungarian-government-to-release-foreign-criminals-from-jail/

Ireland - Prison boss says short sentences should be ‘discouraged’ to ease overcrowding

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crime/prison-boss-says-short-sentences-should-be-discouraged-to-ease-overcrowding/a180816670.html

 

News 13-15 May

Africa

Nigeria - Prison decongestion: FG asks governors to waive minor fines owed by inmates

https://www.thecable.ng/prison-decongestion-fg-asks-governors-to-waive-minor-fines-owed-by-inmates

Zimbabwe - President grants amnesty to prisoners

https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-grants-amnesty-to-prisoners/

Americas

US - California is one of 16 states that allows forced labor, but a constitutional amendment seeks to change that

https://www.ijpr.org/law-and-justice/2023-05-14/california-is-one-of-16-states-that-allows-forced-labor-but-a-constitutional-amendment-seeks-to-change-that

Asia

Bangladesh - Dozens of foreigners in jail after serving out term

https://www.newagebd.net/article/201623/dozens-of-foreigners-in-jail-after-serving-out-term

India - Centre finalises ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’, new law to allow reform and rehabilitation of prisoners

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-finalises-model-prisons-act-2023-new-law-to-allow-reform-and-rehabilitation-of-prisoners-11683909898840.html

Iran hangs seven people in one day after UN voices concern over execution surge

https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/12/iran-hangs-seven-people-in-one-day-after-un-voices-concerns-18774328/

Malaysia seeks to decriminalise possession, use of small amounts of drugs

https://news.yahoo.com/malaysia-seeks-decriminalise-possession-small-084636318.html

Philippines - The decongestion goes on: BuCor releases 267 prisoners

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1769305/the-decongestion-continuous-bucor-releases-267-prisoners

Europe

Revealed: almost 1,000 rapes in prisons in England and Wales since 2010

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/may/13/revealed-almost-1000-rapes-in-prisons-in-england-and-wales-since-2010

Ireland - Cork judge 'pushing community service' in light of prison overcrowding

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41137900.html

Oceania

Australia (Victoria) - State says sorry for Indigenous deaths in custody, as prisoners say nothing has changed

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/state-says-sorry-for-its-role-in-indigenous-deaths-in-custody-as-prisoners-say-nothing-has-changed-20230515-p5d8j7.html

New Zealand - ‘Systemic failures’ by Corrections revealed after ‘vulnerable’ inmate released without meds, care plan dies two days after 21st by suicide

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/systemic-failures-by-corrections-revealed-after-vulnerable-schizophrenic-inmate-released-without-meds-or-care-plan-dies-two-days-after-21st-by-suicide/3UPQYFSYUVFAVEOK6LAACSGJ5Q/

 

News 12 May 2023

Africa

Namibia bans tattoos on prison officers - report

https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/11/namibia-bans-tattoos-on-prison-officers-report/

Nigeria - Prison decongestion: NGO said it resolved 1400 Pre-trial cases in five years

https://guardian.ng/news/prison-decongestion-ngo-said-it-resolved-1400-pre-trial-cases-in-five-years/

Americas

US - Children Suffer When Parents Are Imprisoned

https://www.vera.org/news/children-suffer-when-parents-are-imprisoned

US - First Hearing Held on Ohio Legislation to Abolish the Death Penalty

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/first-hearing-held-on-ohio-legislation-to-abolish-the-death-penalty

Asia

India - Open Prison as a Jail reform

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/open-prison-as-a-jail-reform/

Europe

EU prisons in 2021: populations & overcrowding

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20230512-2

England and Wales - Improving resettlement support for prison leavers

https://www.fenews.co.uk/skills/improving-resettlement-support-for-prison-leavers/

England and Wales - Inside Swansea Prison's kitchen where Wagamama is teaching inmates to cook its food

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/inside-swansea-prison-kitchen-workshop-26894001

England and Wales - Salvation Army's prison partnership has bags of opportunity

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/news/salvation-armys-prison-partnership-has-bags-opportunity

Ireland - Report recommends prison service keeps responsibility for healthcare

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/report-recommends-prison-service-keeps-resonsibility-for-healthcare

Turkey - Strip-search is an ongoing practice in Edirne prison, opposition deputy says

https://stockholmcf.org/strip-search-is-an-ongoing-practice-in-edirne-prison-opposition-deputy-says/

Oceania

Australian Prisons Have a Hepatitis C Problem, and Drug Criminalisation is to Blame

https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgwdnw/australian-prisons-have-a-hepatitis-c-problem-and-drug-criminalisation-is-to-blame

Australia - 'Litany of failings' in Indigenous man's death after prison altercation

https://www.9news.com.au/national/indigenous-death-in-custody-wayne-fella-morrison-litany-of-failings-coroner-finds-south-australia/07a7512e-eb05-4bed-8ab4-15277e26b4ff

 

News 11 May 2023

Africa

Nigeria - Prison inmates deserve improved living conditions: PCC

https://gazettengr.com/prison-inmates-deserve-improved-living-conditions-pcc/

Americas

As El Salvador’s Gang Crackdown Continues, Citizens Wonder What’s Next?

https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/05/el-salvadors-gang-crackdown-continues-citizens-wonder-whats-next

US - New Report Shows Mass Incarceration Doesn’t Stop at the Prison Walls

https://scheerpost.com/2023/05/10/new-report-shows-mass-incarceration-doesnt-stop-at-the-prison-walls/

US - Solitary Confinement Tragedies Expose Flaws in Rhode Island’s Prison System

https://upriseri.com/solitary-confinement-rhode-islands-prison-system/

US - Louisiana leads nation in percentage of people in adult prisons for crimes they committed as kids

https://thelensnola.org/2023/05/10/louisiana-leads-nation-in-percentage-of-people-in-adult-prisons-for-crimes-they-committed-as-kids/

Asia

India - Prisons Dept seeks job opportunities for inmates in hospitality industry

https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/prisons-dept-seeks-job-opportunities-for-inmates-in-hospitality-industry-518159

Philippines - Vaccinate inmates, personnel vs COVID, jail officials urged

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/vaccinate-inmates-personnel-vs-covid-jail-officials-urged/

Europe

England and Wales - Yorkshire prisoner lands chef job thanks to prison work scheme

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/yorkshire-prisoner-lands-chef-job-26884666

England and Wales - HMP Bronzefield and the ethics of pregnant women in prison

https://www.theweek.co.uk/news/society/960790/hmp-bronzefield-and-the-issue-of-pregnant-women-in-prison

Pyhäselkä and Kylmäkoski prisons to be converted into "smart prisons" in Finland

https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/23531-pyhaeselkae-and-kylmaekoski-prisons-to-be-converted-into-smart-prisons-in-finland.html

 

News 10 May

Africa

Kenya - State to spend Sh3 billion to modernise prisons

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/central/2023-05-09-state-to-spend-sh3-billion-to-modernise-prisons/

Americas

Canada's justice system favours those who can afford a lawyer, say experts

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/canadian-court-system-lawyers-fairness-justice-1.6836073

Cayman Islands - Report recommends ‘transformational change’ in prison system

https://www.caymancompass.com/2023/05/10/report-recommends-transformational-change-in-prison-system/

US - California Confronts Overdose Epidemic Among Former Prison Inmates

https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/california-overdose-epidemic-former-prison-inmates-narcan-kits/

Asia

Iran: Over 200 executed since January; Türk calls for end to death penalty

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136497

Europe

Belgium violated serial killer’s rights, European rights court rules

https://www.politico.eu/article/belgium-serial-killer-should-not-be-denied-possibility-of-early-release-european-court-rules/

England and Wales - HMP Gartree: Increase in violence at 'dark and dingy' prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-65540294

England and Wales - Jump in self-harm and assaults at women’s jails

https://insidetime.org/jump-in-self-harm-and-assaults-at-womens-jails/

Ireland - New accommodation block ends ‘slopping out’ at Limerick Prison

https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/05/10/new-accommodation-block-ends-slopping-out-at-limerick-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Advocate slams Darwin Prison's decision to separate newborns from their mothers

https://nit.com.au/10-05-2023/5874/advocate-slams-decision-to-take-newborns-off-mums-in-darwin-prison

Australia - First Nations women respond to Banksia Hill riots with call for immediate reform to youth justice

https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/first-nations-women-respond-banksia-hill-riots-call-immediate-reform

 

News 6 – 9 May

Africa

COVID-19, conflict, climate change, and the human rights of people living in African prisons

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00080-3/fulltext

Kenya - Govt Prison Decongestion Plan To Halve Inmate Population: Kindiki

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2023/05/govt-prison-decongestion-plan-to-halve-inmate-population-kindiki/

Americas

US - How the Prison Litigation Reform Act Blocks Justice for Prisoners

https://theappeal.org/prison-litigation-reform-act-repeal-unjust/

US - Minnesota may make prison phone calls free to keep families connected, reduce recidivism

https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/08/minnesota-may-make-prison-phone-calls-free-to-keep-families-connected-reduce-recidivism/

Asia

India - How Gangwars Have Played Out In Maharashtra’s Prisons

https://www.outlookindia.com/national/how-gangs-wars-have-played-out-in-maharashtra-prisons-news-284717

Islamic State: Hundreds of women on hunger strike at Iraqi prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-65498377

Malaysia - Give ex-prisoners a second chance, says prison director

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/907362/give-ex-prisoners-second-chance-says-prison-director

Philippines - 75 COVID-19 positive NBP inmates still in isolation

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/05/06/2264166/75-covid-19-positive-nbp-inmates-still-isolation

Europe

England and Wales - Watchdog: ‘Ministers blocked Covid jabs for prisoners’

https://insidetime.org/watchdog-ministers-blocked-covid-jabs-for-prisoners/

England and Wales - Figures reveal scale of rape and violence reported at Salford's troubled Forest Bank prison

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-investigated-27-reports-rape-26869172

Ireland - 400 new jail places to house 620 extra inmates

https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2023/may/400-new-jail-places-to-house-620-extra-inmates

Ireland - Prison overcrowding behind surge in assaults – Prison Officers’ Association

https://www.newstalk.com/news/prison-overcrowding-behind-surge-in-assaults-prison-officers-association-1463574

Ireland - Sensory garden for children of prisoners opens in Wheatfield Prison

https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2023/0508/1382495-sensory-garden/

Netherlands - More research needed into drugs use in Dutch prisons: Trimbos

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2023/05/more-research-needed-into-drugs-use-in-dutch-prisons-trimbos/

Oceania

Australia - ACT Government delays raising the age to 14, defying advice from Aboriginal, legal and human rights organisations

https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2023/05/09/act-raise-age

New Zealand - Waikato prison to resume in-person visits for first time since start of pandemic

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/489489/waikato-prison-to-resume-in-person-visits-for-first-time-since-start-of-pandemic

 

News 5 May 2023

UNAIDS calls for access to HIV prevention, treatment and care in prisons, including access to life saving harm reduction services

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/unaids-calls-access-hiv-prevention-treatment-and-care-prisons-including-access-life-saving-harm-reduction-services

Americas

US - Dying Behind Bars: Another Form Of Capital Punishment

https://theappeal.org/aging-prison-healthcare-death-by-incarceration/

US - Prisoners in cages doesn’t violate policy because there is no policy, says Texas official

https://www.tpr.org/news/2023-05-04/prisoners-in-cages-doesnt-violate-policy-because-there-is-no-policy-says-texas-official

US (Virginia) – The COVID-19 pandemic created a courts backlog, and people are still waiting in jail

https://www.vpm.org/news/2023-05-04/virginia-circuit-courts-civil-family-criminal-case-backlog-jail-waiting

Asia

India - High time prisoners are allowed to vote: Experts

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/may/05/high-time-prisoners-are-allowed-to-vote-experts-2572181.html

Europe

England and Wales - 50k prison-leavers to plug labour shortages – new report urges

https://www.fenews.co.uk/skills/50k-prison-leavers-to-plug-labour-shortages-new-report-urges/

Ireland - Mountjoy Prison overcrowding — is a new Dublin jail really the solution?

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/mountjoy-prison-overcrowding-is-a-new-dublin-jail-really-the-solution/a1332095217.html

Moldova expands harm reduction services to all prisons

https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2023/may/20230505_moldova-expands-harm-reduction-services-prisons

 

News 4 May 2023

Americas

Antigua & Barbuda - Prison boss to introduce tighter policies to reduce Covid-19 outbreaks

https://antiguaobserver.com/prison-boss-to-introduce-tighter-policies-to-reduce-covid-19-outbreaks/

US - Prison Labor: Where ‘Dead-End’ Jobs Meet 21st Century Slavery

https://theappeal.org/prison-labor-slavery/

Asia

Questions raised over facial recognition use in Indian prisons

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202305/questions-raised-over-facial-recognition-use-in-indian-prisons

India - Delhi government proposes virtual court appearance for those under trial

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-government-proposes-video-conferencing-for-undertrial-prisoners-to-minimise-security-risks-and-cost-of-logistics-involved-101683139766144.html

Philippines - As COVID-19 cases rise, BuCor suspends visitation in New Bilibid Prison

https://www.rappler.com/nation/covid-19-cases-rise-bucor-suspends-visitation-new-bilibid-prison/

Europe

England and Wales - Teenager who gave birth alone in prison cell was vulnerable to exploitation – inquest

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/03/teenager-who-gave-birth-alone-in-prison-cell-was-vulnerable-to-exploitation-inquest

Almost half of inmates at Scottish prison report abuse from staff

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/almost-half-inmates-scottish-prison-063926076.html

Scotland - Serious safety issues found at HMP Addiewell

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-65472523

Oceania

Australia - WA Kids in Adult Prison Crisis Worsens, Despite State Having Proven Punitive Measures Fail

https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/wa-kids-in-adult-prison-crisis-worsens-despite-state-having-proven-punitive-measures-fail/

 

News 3 May

Africa

Kenya - 7, 000 Petty Offenders Freed From Prison In Decongestion Program

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2023/05/7-000-petty-offenders-freed-from-prison-in-decongestion-program/

South Africa - Questions over what Correctional Services will do with Mangaung prison after contract terminated

https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/questions-over-what-correctional-services-will-do-with-mangaung-prison-after-contract-terminated-2d87ed18-d5d9-49dd-b3ab-4ba09ce8e8cb

Americas

The number of medically-assisted deaths in Canada's prisons a concern for some experts

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/the-number-of-medically-assisted-deaths-in-canada-s-prisons-a-concern-for-some-experts-1.6380440

Asia

Thailand - Phuket prison inmates to train as boatbuilders in rehabilitation project

https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-prison-inmates-to-train-as-boatbuilders-in-rehabilitation-project

Europe

England and Wales - Decision delayed for second time on controversial super prison near Harborough

https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/environment/decision-delayed-for-second-time-on-controversial-super-prison-near-harborough-4127667

England and Wales - HMP Stoke Heath 'still to recover' from Covid restrictions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-65454585

England and Wales - Inquest launched into death of baby at HMP Bronzefield

https://www.thejusticegap.com/inquest-launched-into-death-of-baby-at-hmp-bronzefield/

Ireland - Prison officers don riot gear to tackle psychotic inmates

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41130154.html

Oceania

Australia - Why a new $1.1 billion prison in Victoria is sitting empty

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/why-a-new-1-1-billion-prison-in-victoria-is-sitting-empty-20230503-p5d59c.html

 

News 28 April – 2 May

Africa

Madagascar: Extreme prison overcrowding needs urgent fix, UN experts

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/05/madagascar-extreme-prison-overcrowding-needs-urgent-fix-un-experts

South Africa - G4S served with notice to scrap Mangaung prison contract

https://sundayworld.co.za/news/g4s-served-with-notice-to-scrap-mangaung-prison-contract/

Americas

US - Federal prisons want inmates to pay victims, before making phone calls or buying shoes

https://www.npr.org/2023/04/28/1170505972/federal-prisons-want-inmates-to-pay-victims-before-making-phone-calls-or-buying-

US - Why Inflation Price Hikes Are Even Worse Behind Bars

 https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/05/02/why-inflation-price-hikes-are-even-worse-behind-bars

Europe

England and Wales - Terrorists face tougher prison rules to prevent the spreading of extremist views behind bars

https://news.sky.com/story/terrorists-face-tougher-prison-rules-to-prevent-the-spreading-of-extremist-views-behind-bars-12869930

England and Wales - Prisons haven’t really recovered from Covid

https://insidetime.org/prisons-havent-really-recovered-from-covid/

France prison population reaches all-time record with 120% capacity

https://www.france24.com/en/france/20230429-france-prison-population-reaches-all-time-record-with-120-capacity

Irish prison overcrowding leads to early release of inmates, including attempted murderers

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-prison-overcrowding-leads-early-29855642

Norway has ditched the word 'prison'. Scotland should think about doing the same – Karyn McCluskey

https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/norway-has-ditched-the-word-prison-scotland-should-think-about-doing-the-same-karyn-mccluskey-4124022

European Court Fines Russia for Abuse of 'Outcast' Prisoners

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/05/02/european-court-fines-russia-for-abuse-of-outcast-prisoners-a81009

Oceania

Australia - ‘Too much money is spent on jails and policing’: what Aboriginal communities told us about funding justice reinvestment to keep people out of prison

https://theconversation.com/too-much-money-is-spent-on-jails-and-policing-what-aboriginal-communities-told-us-about-funding-justice-reinvestment-to-keep-people-out-of-prison-200531

 

News 28 April

Americas

US - Rates of Chronic Conditions, Asthma in Prisons May Be Severely Undertreated, Study Finds

https://www.ajmc.com/view/rates-of-chronic-conditions-asthma-in-prisons-may-be-severely-undertreated-study-finds

US - Tablets Seen as Tool to Improve Behavior of Prison Inmates

https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/tablets-seen-as-tool-to-improve-behavior-of-prison-inmates

US (Michigan) - Declining prison population does not translate to decreased spending

https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/declining-prison-population-translate-decreased-17922378.php

US - ‘We went from almost no lockdowns to daily lockdowns’: The mental health crisis inside California women’s prisons

https://www.statnews.com/2023/04/28/lockdowns-prisons-mental-health/

US - UN group to tour Los Angeles jails accused of ‘squalid, inhumane’ conditions

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/28/united-nations-tour-los-angeles-jails-meet-families

Asia

China rehabilitation scheme makes morticians of murderers

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/china-rehabilitation-scheme-makes-morticians-031108156.html

Europe

England and Wales - Self-harm incidents rise by more than a third in women’s prisons

https://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-former/press-release/2023/04/28/self-harm-incidents-rise-by-more-than-a-third-in-womens-prisons/

England and Wales - Body-worn video cameras for every prison officer to boost prison safety

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/body-worn-video-cameras-for-every-prison-officer-to-boost-prison-safety

England and Wales - Conditions at Cookham Wood young offender unit deemed a scandal

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-65415006

Ireland - Prison overcrowding being driven by 50% rise in number of sexual offenders

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/04/28/increase-in-sexual-offenders-driving-prison-overcrowding/

Ireland - Prison Service says it's unacceptable to detain people with mental health issues

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0428/1379612-prison-mental-health/

Oceania

Australia - ‘Children don’t belong in prison’: We shouldn’t wait four years to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/children-don-t-belong-in-prison-we-shouldn-t-wait-four-years-to-raise-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-to-14/ar-AA1arzvr?ocid=Peregrine

Guam - Major: DOC's local prison population highest in 29 years

https://www.guampdn.com/news/major-docs-local-prison-population-highest-in-29-years/article_a763f3b4-e581-11ed-9a5a-132d4f7d4f7f.html

 

News 27 April

Americas

Canada - Inmates in Hamilton, Ontario jail hold week-long hunger strike against deplorable conditions

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/04/27/ekrj-a27.html

Curacao - Justice Minister wants new prison with help from the Netherlands

https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/local/justice-minister-wants-new-prison-with-help-from-the-netherlands/

US - When a prison sentence becomes a death sentence

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/04/27/1172320844/when-a-prison-sentence-becomes-a-death-sentence

Asia

India - Many overcrowded Bihar jails have double or more than double prisoner capacity

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/many-overcrowded-bihar-jails-have-double-or-more-than-double-prisoner-capacity/article66784463.ece

Jordan must renew Defense Order 28 to avoid prison overcrowding — expert

https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-109/News/Jordan-must-renew-Defense-Order-28-to-avoid-prison-overcrowding-expert-28324

Pakistan’s Premier, Punjab Officials Take Up Prison Reform

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/04/26/pakistans-premier-punjab-officials-take-prison-reform

Europe

Ireland - POA concern over 'pack 'em, stack 'em' prison policy

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0427/1379372-prisons-overcrowding-poa/

Ireland - Harris promises 620 more prison beds over next five years to address overcrowding

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41125960.html

Ireland - Rise in assaults on officers and increase in prison violence 'of major concern'

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41126104.html

 

News 26 April

Africa

81% of Nigerians experience legal challenges as experts canvass community justice system 

https://guardian.ng/news/81-of-nigerians-experience-legal-challenges-as-experts-canvass-community-justice-system/

Americas

Canada - Ontario to pay $33M in proposed settlement for class actions over London jail conditions

https://963bigfm.com/news/9649245/proposed-33m-settlement-reached-in-class-actions-over-conditions-at-emdc/

Canada - Inmates sleeping on the ground at Windsor Prison as overcrowding continues

https://irshadgul.com/inmates-sleeping-on-the-ground-at-windsor-prison-as-overcrowding-continues-ig-news/

US - America’s book bans have already come for prisons

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/prison-book-bans-florida-texas-b2324553.html

US - 'A lot of bang for your buck' with jail-based arts programs

https://www.vermontpublic.org/2023-04-25/a-lot-of-bang-for-your-buck-with-jail-based-arts-programs

Asia

India - Soon, e-cycles to make patrolling easy for wardens in central prisons

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/soon-e-cycles-to-make-patrolling-easy-for-wardens-in-central-prisons/articleshow/99774170.cms?from=mdr

Singapore hangs Indian-origin man over smuggling of 1 kg of cannabis

https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/singapore-man-human-trafficker-hanged-execution-capital-punishment-ban-2364743-2023-04-26

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoner is suicide risk after more than two years in solitary, high court hears

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/25/prisoner-kevan-thakrar-is-suicide-risk-after-more-than-two-years-in-solitary-high-court-hears

England and Wales - West London prison blighted by 'unacceptable levels of violence' with prisoners too scared to leave cells for fear of being beaten up

https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/west-london-prison-blighted-unacceptable-26777273

Oceania

Australia (Victoria) - Keeping Young People Out Of Criminal Justice System

https://www.miragenews.com/keeping-young-people-out-of-criminal-justice-993478/

 

News 25 April

Africa

Kenya - Alternative dispute resolution key to end overcrowding in prisons

https://kbc.co.ke/top-story/article/38175/alternative-dispute-resolution-key-to-end-overcrowding-in-prisons

Americas

US - Prisons and pandemic preparedness

https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj.p860

US - A hectic job made worse by staffing shortages – a look inside a Louisiana prison

https://www.afscme.org/blog/a-hectic-job-made-worse-by-staffing-shortages-a-look-inside-a-louisiana-prison

US - How a 1970s Prisoner-Organized Literacy Program Changed Maryland’s Penitentiaries

https://therealnews.com/how-a-1970s-prisoner-organized-literacy-program-changed-marylands-penitentiaries

Europe

England and Wales - Dorset prison violence concern after inmate's throat cut

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-65384441

Northern Ireland - Diplock courts: Use of non-jury trial system to continue in NI

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65384593

Swiss Prison Inmate Numbers Remain Below Pandemic Level

https://menafn.com/1106082217/Swiss-Prison-Inmate-Numbers-Remain-Below-Pandemic-Level

 

News 22 – 24 April

Africa

Eid Al Fitr: Morocco’s King pardons nearly 1,520 inmates

https://northafricapost.com/67097-eid-al-fitr-moroccos-king-pardons-nearly-1520-iinmates.html

First phase of new detention centre in Seychelles expected end of October

http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/18564/First+phase+of+new+detention+centre+in+Seychelles+expected+end+of+October

South Africa - Prison watchdog needs more teeth to curb graft

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/prison-watchdog-needs-more-teeth-to-curb-graft-4166704c-a250-4b50-9f66-243ad5c44322

Uganda - Minister Lugoloobi to push for better prison conditions

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-lugoloobi-to-push-for-better-prison-conditions-4210456

Americas

Canada - Rally calls for improved prison conditions as inmates in Hamilton and Niagara refuse food

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-niagara-prisoner-hunger-strike-1.6819132

US - Washington state eliminates death penalty from law

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/21/politics/washington-state-death-penalty-eliminated/index.html

US - Michigan Clears Criminal Records for Thousands of Low-Level, Nonviolent Offenders–‘Meaningful 2nd Chances’

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/michigan-clears-criminal-records-for-thousands-of-nonviolent-offenders/

Asia

Pakistan: Women in prison subjected to discrimination, mistreatment

https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-women-in-prison-subjected-to-discrimination-mistreatment/1533432/

How Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Pushed Through Asia’s First Cannabis Legalization

https://time.com/6273768/anutin-charnvirakul-interview-cannabis/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners 'running the wings', 'inmates off their t*ts', staff who have 'lost control' - the jail that's had £1bn of public money

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/prisoners-running-wings-inmates-tts-25966807

Ireland - Minister 'should no longer pick people to Prison Visiting Committees'

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41122921.html

Irish Prison Service confirms overcrowding issues

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0423/1378662-irish-prison-service-confirms-overcrowding-issues/

Luxembourg - Ten prisoners escape from Walloon prison, four still on the run

https://www.brusselstimes.com/468098/ten-prisoners-escape-from-walloon-prison-four-still-on-the-run

 

News 21 April

Africa

Kenya: Thika Prison to Be Decongested, Inmates Shifted After Cholera Outbreak

https://allafrica.com/stories/202304200295.html

Nigeria - Decongesting death row

https://thenationonlineng.net/decongesting-death-row/

Americas

Costa Rica Segura: President Chaves’ plan to tackle crime and violence

https://ticotimes.net/2023/04/20/costa-rica-segura-president-chaves-plan-to-tackle-crime-and-violence

US - Prison educational programs were impacted by COVID-19

https://america.cgtn.com/2023/04/20/prison-educational-programs-were-impacted-by-covid-19

US - The fight to limit solitary confinement in California prisons is set to roil Sacramento again

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-04-20/solitary-confinement-segregated-gavin-newsom-california-prison-jail-torture-safety

US - Fewer activities, more assaults: Maryland prisons are short 3,400 officers, union warns

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/maryland-prison-staffing-shortages-report-UKJR6D3ECVA4PAXUVGRRX3U6R4/

US - Shackling pregnant inmates would be banned in Pennsylvania prisons under proposed law

https://www.phillyvoice.com/incarcerated-pregnant-women-shackling-solitary-confinement-morgan-cephas-pennsylvania-house/

Asia

Pakistan - Women in prison

https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Apr-2023/women-in-prison

Philippines - 580 inmates freed from BuCor prisons

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/04/21/2260488/580-inmates-freed-bucor-prisons

Singapore to resume executions after 6-month break

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/singapore-resume-executions-after-6-month-break-98718781

Europe

Germany struggles to reform 1930s law jailing fare dodgers

https://www.macaubusiness.com/germany-struggles-to-reform-1930s-law-jailing-fare-dodgers/

 

News 20 April

Africa

Women in Egypt’s Prisons: Tales of Oppression, Abuse and Human Rights Violations

https://timep.org/2023/04/19/women-in-egypts-prisons-tales-of-oppression-abuse-and-human-rights-violations/

South Africa - Another G4S employee arrested in connection with Thabo Bester escape plot

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/another-g4s-employee-arrested-in-connection-with-thabo-bester-escape-plot-20230419

Americas

New wave of violence in Ecuador’s prisons leaves 19 inmates dead in four days

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/04/19/new-wave-of-violence-in-ecuadors-prisons-leaves-19-inmates-dead-in-four-days/

Unpacking Honduras’ Plan for Real Disarmament and Prison Reform

https://ticotimes.net/2023/04/19/unpacking-honduras-plan-for-real-disarmament-and-prison-reform

US - As pandemic prison populations fell, proportion of Black prisoners rose

https://news.yale.edu/2023/04/19/pandemic-prison-populations-fell-proportion-black-prisoners-rose

Asia

India - Delhi Prisons Introduce New Rule Granting Remission For Good Conduct During Undertrial Period

https://menafn.com/1106052904/Delhi-Prisons-Introduce-New-Rule-Granting-Remission-For-Good-Conduct-During-Undertrial-Period

Israeli criminal justice system 'overloaded,' needs reform - Gideon Sa'ar

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-739665

Malaysia - Prisoner release programme can ease overcrowding and help with reconciliation, say NGOs

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/20/prisoner-release-programme-can-ease-overcrowding-and-help-with-reconciliation-say-ngos

Philippines - Improving PH jail system

https://opinion.inquirer.net/162516/improving-ph-jail-system

Europe

England and Wales - What does it mean to be an older person in prison?

https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-older-person-in-prison

Oceania

Australia - New Queensland drug laws will keep thousands of people out of justice system, advocates say

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-20/drug-laws-end-to-war-on-drugs-qld-advocates-say/102235406

New Zealand - Double-bunking rises at Rimutaka as Corrections grapples with NZ prison staffing 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131807749/doublebunking-rises-at-rimutaka-as-corrections-grapples-with-nz-prison-staffing

New Zealand - Probation staff on strike over cost of living, pay gap with private sector

https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/300858456/probation-staff-on-strike-over-cost-of-living-pay-gap-with-private-sector

 

News 18-19 April

Africa

3,298 inmates in Nigerian prisons to face hangman’s noose – Official

https://persecondnews.com/2023/04/19/61832/

South Africa needs an effective prison rehabilitation programme

https://mg.co.za/thoughtleader/opinion/2023-04-18-south-africa-needs-an-effective-prison-rehabilitation-programme/

Americas

Antigua & Barbuda - Prison officers taking polygraphs in bid to stamp out ‘integrity issues’

https://antiguaobserver.com/prison-officers-taking-polygraphs-in-bid-to-stamp-out-integrity-issues/

New clashes aggravate prison crisis in Ecuador

https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/04/18/new-clashes-aggravate-prison-crisis-in-ecuador/

US - Sentencing policy sparks clash over future criminal justice bills

https://rollcall.com/2023/04/18/sentencing-policy-sparks-clash-over-future-criminal-justice-bills/

US - Efforts Spreading to Curb Generational Incarceration

https://www.route-fifty.com/public-safety/2023/04/efforts-spreading-curb-generational-incarceration/385346/

Asia

Thailand - Reforms 'can't end' with legalised cannabis

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2551486/reforms-cant-end-with-legalised-cannabis

Europe

Belgium - Long-term perspective: Flemish prison education overhauled

https://www.brusselstimes.com/461772/long-term-perspective-flemish-prison-education-overhauled

Ireland - Overhaul of Prison Visiting Committees recommended, Cabinet told

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/04/18/overhaul-of-prison-visiting-committees-recommended-cabinet-told/

Malta - Reform to cut criminal court delays, trim prison terms for early admissions

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/oneyear-limit-compilation-evidence-proposed-justice-reform.1026134

Russian Prisons ‘Lost’ Up to 17,000 Convicts in 2022 - Mediazona

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/17/russian-prisons-lost-up-to-17000-convicts-in-2022-mediazona-a80859

Sweden could need up to 16 new prisons due to tougher stance on crime

https://www.thelocal.se/20230418/sweden-could-need-up-to-16-new-prisons-due-to-tougher-stance-on-crime

Oceania

Australia - Queensland among worst violators of children’s rights in youth justice system, research finds

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/19/queensland-among-worst-violators-of-childrens-rights-in-youth-justice-system-research-finds

New Zealand - A $4 million Corrections recruitment drive boosts prison officer ranks by 53 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131801785/a-4-million-corrections-recruitment-drive-boosts-prison-officer-ranks-by-53

 

News 15 – 17 April

Africa

Protracted Pre-trial Detention Crowding Prisons and Undermining Access to Justice in Liberia

https://thenewdawnliberia.com/protracted-pre-trial-detention-crowding-prisons-and-undermining-access-to-justice-in-liberia/

South Africa - Corruption in prisons threatens the criminal justice system

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/corruption-in-prisons-threatens-the-criminal-justice-system-4715f354-666a-4c0c-bc14-e31518d4cfa8

Americas

Canada - New program to house, help Indigenous women who are released from jail opens in Saskatoon

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatoon-tribal-council-transition-home-women-leaving-jail-1.6811495

Colombia - 4,000 Inpec guards are investigated for irregularities in prisons

https://www.breakinglatest.news/news/4000-inpec-guards-are-investigated-for-irregularities-in-prisons/

Gang clash leaves at least 12 dead in Ecuador prison

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/gang-clash-leaves-least-12-dead-ecuador-prison-2023-04-15/

U.S. prison inmates undertreated for chronic health conditions

https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2023/04/14/prison-inmates-medical-care/7121681487882/

US - New Report Reveals Systemic Medical Neglect and Violence in CA Women’s Prisons

https://truthout.org/articles/new-report-reveals-systemic-medical-neglect-and-violence-in-ca-womens-prisons/

Asia

Giving China’s Death Row Inmates a Second Chance

https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1012714

India - Court directs jail authorities not to strip search undertrial prisoners

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/tada-court-rules-strip-search-of-undertrial-prisoners-a-violation-of-fundamental-rights-mumbai-court-directs-use-of-scanners-for-searches-101681498474206.html

Iraqi prisons overcrowded up to 300 percent capacity: Justice ministry

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/140420231

Malaysia - Abolish solitary confinement, says Bar Council

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/abolish-solitary-confinement-says-bar-council-DB10880056

Myanmar military pardons more than 3,000 prisoners for New Year

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/17/myanmar-military-pardons-more-than-3000-prisoners-for-new-year

Philippines - BJMP congestion rate down by 367%

https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/16/bjmp-congestion-rate-down-by-367

Singapore - Ex-offenders to work with prison officers to keep former convicts from reoffending

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ex-offenders-to-work-with-prison-officers-to-keep-former-convicts-from-reoffending

Europe

Portuguese prisoners build confessionals ahead of Pope's visit

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/2419760-portuguese-prisoners-build-confessionals-ahead-of-popes-visit

Oceania

Australia - Six officers injured in ‘major disturbance’ involving juvenile detainees at WA’s Casuarina adult prison

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/16/six-officers-injured-in-major-disturbance-involving-juvenile-detainees-at-was-casuarina-adult-prison

Australia - WA Department of Justice not going far enough to implement coronial findings, Inspector of Custodial Services finds

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-17/wa-justice-department-prematurely-closing-coronial-findings/102232146

 

News 14 April

Africa

South Africa - Mangaung prison an unaffordable strain for correctional service

https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-04-14-mangaung-prison-an-unaffordable-strain-for-correctional-service/

Zim prison conditions, a recipe for disaster

http://www.thestandard.co.zw/editorials/article/200010122/zim-prison-conditions-a-recipe-for-disaster

Americas

St Vincent and the Grenadines - Legal practitioners knock conditions at the prisons – Acting prison boss says its not that bad

https://www.searchlight.vc/news/2023/04/14/legal-practitioners-knock-conditions-prisons-acting-prison-boss-says-not-bad/

US - New York’s ‘Problem-Solving’ Courts Were Shuttered by Covid. They Haven’t Rebounded.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-yorks-problem-solving-courts-were-shuttered-by-covid-they-havent-rebounded-dec06833?mod=us_more_pos1

US - Post-Parkland, Florida OKs easier path for death penalty

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/florida-ap-ron-desantis-tallahassee-nikolas-cruz-b2319554.html

Asia

India - More than half of prisoners released during peak COVID-19 yet to surrender as 15-day SC deadline ends

https://www.news9live.com/india/prisoners-released-during-peak-covid-19-yet-to-surrender-as-15-day-sc-deadline-ends-au2209-2105066

Iran executions surged in 2022 to 'spread fear' - report

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-65262012

Europe

England and Wales - Catalogue of failures in damning prison report on Evesham's HMP Long Lartin

https://www.eveshamobserver.co.uk/news/catalogue-of-failures-in-damning-prison-report-on-eveshams-hmp-long-lartin/

England and Wales - Court backlog: MoJ 'likely to miss target'

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/court-backlog-moj-likely-to-miss-target/5115725.article

 

News 13 April

Africa

Kenya - Inmates and prison staff deserve better than this

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/editorial/article/2001470817/inmates-and-prison-staff-deserve-better-than-this

Liberia: Senior prison managers meet to validate a new strategic plan for the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR)

https://thenewdawnliberia.com/iberia-senior-prison-managers-meet-to-validate-a-new-strategic-plan-for-the-bureau-of-corrections-and-rehabilitation-bcr/

Americas

Antigua & Barbuda - Prisoners clamour for early release amid Covid outbreak and overcrowding

https://antiguaobserver.com/prisoners-clamour-for-early-release-amid-covid-outbreak-and-overcrowding/

Six inmates found hanged in Ecuador prison

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/04/12/Six-inmates-found-hanged-in-Ecuador-prison-

US - ‘Ava’s Law’ would allow pregnant women facing prison in Florida to delay their sentence

https://www.wokv.com/news/florida/avas-law-would-allow-pregnant-women-facing-prison-florida-delay-their-sentence/SO2B6VYEBNEVDG72RG6DN4TH3A/

US - Colorado reduces prison sentences for inmates pursuing higher education

https://www.coloradopolitics.com/legislature/colorado-reduced-prison-time-higher-education/article_76145bba-d969-11ed-bca8-137d2541a234.html

US (Indiana) - Man with schizophrenia was left naked in jail cell for weeks before death, video shows

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/12/indiana-jail-schizophrenia-solitary-cell-joshua-mclemore-video

Europe

England and Wales - Investigation after 12-hour Strangeways prison roof standoff with inmate

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-65260439

England and Wales - Major prison expansion as cells for extra 103 female criminals to be built

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/major-prison-expansion-cells-extra-8346484

Ireland - Government can address new surge in prison overcrowding without building more prisons

https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41114629.html

Oceania

New Zealand - Nearly 2000 community Corrections workers walk off the job in strike for better pay

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nearly-2000-community-corrections-workers-walk-off-the-job-in-strike-for-better-pay/3A5XGGRKMBDNJEEL7TVNF7Z7WY/

 

News 6 – 12 April 2023

Americas

Covid outbreak in Antigua’s prison

https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/covid-19/covid-outbreak-in-antiguas-prison/

US - New York flouts prison solitary confinement rules: lawsuit

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/new-york-ap-albany-the-box-luis-garcia-b2315715.html

US - Inflation Is Putting Food Out of Reach in New York Prisons

https://www.nysfocus.com/2023/04/11/prison-package-ban-inflation-hunger/

US - Federal judge orders major changes to fix 'unconstitutional' conditions in Arizona prisons

https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/04/07/judge-orders-arizona-prisons-to-improve-health-care-detention-conditions/70093792007/

Asia

India - MHA to provide financial help to poor jail inmates unable to afford penalty, bail amount

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mha-financial-help-poor-jail-inmates-unable-to-afford-penalty-bail-amount-8544329/

India - Covid relief over, 3,000 undertrials return to Delhi prisons today

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/covid-relief-over-3000-undertrials-return-to-delhi-prisons-today-8543276/

Philippines - 700 Bilibid guards replaced as part of prison reform

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/12/2258376/700-bilibid-guards-replaced-part-prison-reform

Philippines - Books behind bars: Inmates read their way out of cramped jails

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/12/2257832/books-behind-bars-inmates-read-their-way-out-cramped-jails

Europe

Recruitment drive brings in prison staff but Belgian cells still overcrowded

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/453020/recruitment-drive-brings-in-prison-staff-but-belgian-cells-still-overcrowded

England and Wales - Prison officers 'at breaking point' as sick leave for mental stress surges

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/prison-officers-at-breaking-point-29661835

England and Wales - HMP Whitemoor: Jail was dirtiest ever seen by prison inspector

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-65243787

England and Wales - Pentonville Prison: Ex-inmate explains impact of overcrowding

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-64869698

Concerns over safety with almost 200 inmates sleeping on Irish prison floors

https://www.newstalk.com/news/concerns-over-safety-with-almost-200-inmates-sleeping-on-irish-prison-floors-1454672

Justice on trial: The challenges facing Scotland's courts, prisons and police

https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,justice-on-trial-the-challenges-facing-scotlands-courts-prisons-and-police

Oceania

Australia - The NT raised the age of criminal responsibility, but advocates say the change is too slow

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-12/nt-raising-age-of-criminal-responsibility-delay-questioned/102198822

 

News 5 April

Worldwide Executions for Drugs More Than Doubled in 2022

https://filtermag.org/global-drug-executions-2022/

Africa

South Africa - Thabo Bester: Parliamentary briefing on prison escape postponed as G4S fails to appear, citing law

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/thabo-bester-parliamentary-briefing-on-prison-escape-postponed-as-g4s-fails-to-appear-citing-law-20230404

Americas

Three inmates dead in latest Ecuador prison riot

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230404-three-inmates-dead-in-latest-ecuador-prison-riot

Guyana - First quarter of prison agri programme very productive – Elliot

https://www.stabroeknews.com/2023/04/05/news/guyana/first-quarter-of-prison-agri-programme-very-productive-elliot/

US rule to allow some inmates to stay home after COVID emergency lifts

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-rule-allow-some-inmates-stay-home-after-covid-emergency-lifts-2023-04-04/

U.S. panel to consider expanding compassionate release for prisoners

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-panel-consider-expanding-compassionate-release-prisoners-2023-04-05/

US - A month after a hunger strike, some Texas prisoners say they will do it again

https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-prison-hunger-strike-extended-solitary-confinement/

Asia

Justice system plagued by low budgets: India Justice Report 2022

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/justice-system-plagued-by-low-budgets-india-justice-report-2022-8539575/

Rethinking Jordan’s overcrowded jails

https://asiatimes.com/2023/04/rethinking-jordans-overcrowded-jails/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners unable to do basic tasks at weekends, inspectorate finds

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/national/23435499.prisoners-unable-basic-tasks-weekends-inspectorate-finds/

England and Wales - Victims and Prisoners Bill would swell prison population by 680

https://insidetime.org/victims-and-prisoners-bill-would-swell-prison-population-by-680/

England and Wales - Lewes Prison: Inmates face squalid conditions and violence, inspectors say

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-65173903

Oceania

The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

https://phys.org/news/2023-04-aussie-teens-detention-justice-fall.html

 

News 4 April

Africa

Nigeria - Prison Decongestion in Sight as Item Moves to Concurrent List

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/04/04/prison-decongestion-in-sight-as-item-moves-to-concurrent-list/

South Africa - Prisons, profits and privatisation’s perils

https://mg.co.za/opinion/2023-04-04-prisons-profits-and-privatisations-perils/

Americas

US - The high cost of staying in touch while incarcerated can linger long after release

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/the-high-cost-of-staying-in-touch-while-incarcerated-can-linger-long-after-release

Asia

Israel Prison Service inaugurates inmate-run chocolate factory

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-736317

Malaysia - Consider rehabilitative justice, not punishment only

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/04/consider-rehabilitative-justice-not-punishment-only

Europe

England and Wales - Isle of Sheppey prison is improving despite 'high risk of violence' and staff shortages

https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/isle-sheppey-prison-improving-despite-8317653

England and Wales - More male staff could help with violent offenders - probation boss

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65168181

Netherlands - More plea bargains agreed in bid to ease strain on courts

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2023/04/more-plea-bargains-agreed-in-bid-to-ease-strain-on-courts/

Scotland - Growing number of phones and drugs being smuggled into prison via drones, figures show

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/growing-number-phones-drugs-being-29619869

 

News 1 – 3 April 2023

El Salvador: One year into state of emergency, authorities are systematically committing human rights violations

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/04/el-salvador-state-emergency-systematic-human-rights-violations/

Mexico - 40 people die in a Ciudad Juárez detention centre fire, after guards refused to open the doors

https://www.thecanary.co/global/2023/03/31/40-people-die-in-a-ciudad-juarez-detention-centre-fire-after-guards-refused-to-open-the-doors/

Trinidad & Tobago - Prisons Commissioner backs release of reformed inmates

https://newsday.co.tt/2023/04/01/prisons-commissioner-backs-release-of-reformed-inmates/

US - 'Nobody's paying attention.' Advocates decry 'stringent' application of medical parole

https://eu.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/politics/state/2023/03/31/social-justice-advocates-ma-medical-parole-policy-stringent/70064223007/

Asia

Malaysia parliament approves law to remove mandatory death penalty

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-parliament-approves-law-remove-mandatory-death-penalty-2023-04-03/

Europe

England and Wales - Report reveals concerns about prison overcrowding as two prisoners share cell made for one

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/report-reveals-concerns-prison-overcrowding-26610319

Turkey’s Human Rights Association calls on authorities to end torture in prisons

https://medyanews.net/turkeys-human-rights-association-calls-on-authorities-to-end-torture-in-prisons/

Oceania

Australia - Woman left in 'urine-soaked clothes' in prison van

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8146407/woman-left-in-urine-soaked-clothes-in-prison-van/

 

News 31 March

Africa

South Africa - Government seeks options to dump G4S prison contract

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-03-31-government-seeks-options-to-dump-g4s-prison-contract/

Americas

Falklands Prison audit outcomes and recommendations published

https://en.mercopress.com/2023/03/30/falklands-prison-audit-outcomes-and-recommendations-published

US - The history of prison-run newspapers and why they're on the rise

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/30/1167185901/the-history-of-prison-newspapers-and-why-theyre-on-the-rise

US (New Jersey) - Budget plan includes wage hike for incarcerated people working prison jobs

https://newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/budget-plan-includes-wage-hike-for-incarcerated-people-working-prison-jobs/

US - Texas House says no to executing killers with 'severe mental illness'

https://eu.caller.com/story/news/local/texas/state-bureau/2023/03/30/ban-on-executing-mentally-ill-inmates-wins-texas-house-approval/70061778007/

US (Connecticut) - New Limits on Prison Strip Searches Stall in Committee as Lawmakers Explore Alternatives

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2023/03/31/new-limits-on-prison-strip-searches-stall-in-committee-as-lawmakers-explore-alternatives/

US (California) - Inmates sue Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation over COVID outbreak

https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/employment-law/inmates-sue-department-of-corrections-and-rehabilitation-over-covid-outbreak/441275

Asia

Malaysia - Ensure long-term prisoners’ dignity intact, govt told

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/03/31/ensure-long-term-prisoners-dignity-intact-govt-told/

Europe

Scotland - Prison: Burden of care falls disproportionately on women

https://www.scottishlegal.com/articles/women-spending-more-than-half-their-income-supporting-someone-in-prison

Oceania

New Zealand - Three years since in-person prison visits allowed at some North Island facilities

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/487055/three-years-since-in-person-prison-visits-allowed-at-some-north-island-facilities

 

News 30 March

Africa

Zimbabweans Start Debate on Ending Death Penalty

https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabweans-start-debate-on-ending-death-penalty-/7026859.html

Americas

US - Prisons Use Menstruation as a Form of Punishment

https://time.com/6265653/prison-menstruation-punishment/

US - Colorado’s prison system is backlogged and costing millions

https://www.nbc11news.com/2023/03/29/colorados-prison-system-is-backlogged-costing-millions/

Asia

Malaysia - Home Ministry: Prisons nationwide have an excess of 6,675 inmates

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/30/home-ministry-prisons-nationwide-have-an-excess-of-6675-inmates/62282

Europe

England and Wales - Report reveals damaging role of gambling in prisons

https://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-former/press-release/2023/03/30/report-reveals-damaging-role-of-gambling-in-prisons/

England and Wales - Young Offenders Warn Settings are ‘Too Risky’ for their Families To Visit

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/young-offenders-warn-settings-are-too-risky-for-their-families-to-visit

Why books could help empty France's prisons

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230330-why-books-could-help-empty-france-s-prisons

Ireland - Cork Prison Hosts Pop-Up Restaurant

https://westernpeople.ie/2023/03/29/cork-prison-hosts-pop-up-restaurant/

Russian Prison Boss Offers Inmate Labor to Boost Military Production

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/29/russian-prison-boss-offers-inmate-labor-to-boost-military-production-a80655

 

News 29 March

Americas

Trinidad & Tobago - Judge: Prison Service must review sentences for 2 ‘lifers’

https://newsday.co.tt/2023/03/28/judge-prison-service-must-review-sentences-for-2-lifers/

Asia

India - 'Out Of Box Thinking Needed To Declog Prisons' : Supreme Court Tells Centre, States

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/out-of-box-thinking-needed-to-declog-prisons-supreme-court-tells-centre-states-225017

India - Delhi Prisons to start skill development programme

https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/delhi-prisons-to-start-skill-development-programme-513290

Omani initiative aims to release 1,300 prisoners during Ramadan

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/03/28/omans-community-group-aims-to-release-1300-prisoners-during-ramadan/

In Pakistan’s Overcrowded Prisons, Inmates Deprived Of Healthcare: Human Rights Watch Report

https://voicepk.net/2023/03/in-pakistans-overcrowded-prisons-inmates-deprived-of-healthcare-human-rights-watch-report/

Europe

Malta - Minister urges banks not to discriminate against former prison inmates

https://newsbook.com.mt/en/minister-urges-banks-not-to-discriminate-against-former-prison-inmates/

Small cells at Scottish prison 'breached international standards'

https://news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/hmp-inverness-small-cells-breach-international-standards-hm-inspectorate-of-prisons-for-scotland

Oceania

Australia - SA home detention instead of jail saves $200m

https://indaily.com.au/news/2023/03/29/sa-home-detention-instead-of-jail-saves-200m/

Australia - No plans to build new Northern Territory prison amid record inmate numbers and proposed tougher bail changes

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-29/no-plans-for-new-prisons-in-nt-amid-unprecedented-pressure/102150996

 

News 28 March

Asia

Cambodia - Prison living conditions ‘better now’, says official

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501263144/prison-living-conditions-better-now-says-official/

UN human rights office ‘deeply concerned’ about North Korean prison camps

https://www.nknews.org/2023/03/un-human-rights-office-deeply-concerned-about-north-korean-prison-camps/

Philippines - Remulla to new BuCor chief: Help me clean up prison, penal colonies

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/remulla-to-new-bucor-chief-help-me-clean-up-prison-penal-colonies/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisons to overhaul racism complaints system

https://insidetime.org/prisons-to-overhaul-racism-complaints-system/

England and Wales - Justice Committee publishes survey on public attitudes towards sentencing

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/194480/justice-committee-publishes-survey-on-public-attitudes-towards-sentencing/

England and Wales - New jails ‘will struggle to find staff’, watchdogs warn

https://insidetime.org/new-jails-will-struggle-to-find-staff-watchdogs-warn/

England and Wales - HMP Lowdham Grange confirms third prisoner death in 3 weeks

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/hmp-lowdham-grange-confirms-third-8296928

Scotland - Bail and Release from Custody Bill: In Context

https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,bail-and-release-from-custody-bill-in-context

Oceania

Australia - New report reveals the ACT's prison system is 'screaming out for reform'

https://the-riotact.com/new-report-reveals-the-acts-prison-system-is-screaming-out-for-reform/646909

 

News 25 – 27 March

Africa

South Africa - Prison break: Dozens of inmates escape from jails around the country

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/prison-break-dozens-of-inmates-escape-from-jails-around-the-country-20230327

Americas

The rampant abuse in El Salvador’s prisons: ‘They beat him to death in the cell and dragged him out like an animal’

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-03-26/the-rampant-abuse-in-el-salvadors-prisons-they-beat-him-to-death-in-the-cell-and-dragged-him-out-like-an-animal.html

Trinidad & Tobago - Transforming prisoners through music

https://newsday.co.tt/2023/03/25/transforming-prisoners-through-music/

Push to expand voting rights in US for those held in jails

https://www.aol.com/news/push-expand-voting-rights-us-162745978.html

US - Idaho governor signs firing squad execution bill into law

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/idaho-governor-signs-firing-squad-execution-bill-into-law/

Asia

Malaysia - Bill to abolish mandatory death penalty tabled for first reading

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/03/27/bill-to-abolish-mandatory-death-penalty-tabled-for-first-reading

Europe

Pregnant women in English jails are seven times more likely to suffer stillbirth

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/25/pregnant-women-in-english-jails-are-seven-times-more-likely-to-suffer-stillbirth

England and Wales - New scheme to kickstart prison literacy drive and cut crime

https://www.fenews.co.uk/fe-voices/new-scheme-to-kickstart-prison-literacy-drive-and-cut-crime/

England and Wales - Hundreds of children made to wear GPS tags by UK's Ministry of Justice

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2365642-hundreds-of-children-made-to-wear-gps-tags-by-uks-ministry-of-justice/

Italy - Nordio vows to ease jail overcrowding

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2023/03/24/nordio-vows-to-ease-jail-overcrowding_8d48c699-f073-44c1-8a69-7919f3e9aa02.html

Oceania

Australia - Northern Territory prison population rises to record levels

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/crime/northern-territory-prison-population-rises-to-record-levels/video/17ef5f92df2d40a1981ca199933cc2c9

New Zealand - How many guards have been hired after Corrections' $4m ad campaign?

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/27/how-many-guards-have-been-hired-after-corrections-4m-ad-campaign/

 

News 24 March

Americas

Trinidad & Tobago - PM: Criminal justice system slow, but it has not collapsed

https://newsday.co.tt/2023/03/24/pm-criminal-justice-system-slow-but-it-has-not-collapsed/

US - Private prisons ban closer to law in Minnesota, flogging ‘perverse incentives’ lawmakers say

https://www.fox9.com/news/private-prisons-ban-closer-to-law-in-minnesota-flogging-perverse-incentives-lawmakers-say

Asia

India - Supreme Court Directs All Prisoners Who Were Released On COVID-19 Parole To Surrender Within 15 Days

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-directs-all-prisoners-who-were-released-on-covid-19-parole-to-surrender-within-15-days-224643

Torture, forced abortions and insects for food: Life inside North Korean jails, says this NGO

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/23/asia/north-korea-torture-prison-report-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

Europe

England and Wales - MPs and peers call for prison education to be renationalised

https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/12848/MPs-and-peers-call-for-prison-education-to-be-renationalised

England and Wales - Why it makes no sense to increase prison places for women 

https://www.thejusticegap.com/why-it-makes-no-sense-to-increase-prison-places-for-women/

Italy - 23 prison officers suspended in inmate 'torture'

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2023/03/23/23-prison-officers-suspended-in-inmate-torture_0bf34c91-dc02-4bb7-8d79-8dbddea63d16.html

Oceania

Australia - ‘Bully or be bullied’: Harassment, sexism rife among staff in Victoria’s prisons, report finds

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/bully-or-be-bullied-harassment-sexism-rife-among-staff-in-victoria-s-prison-report-finds-20230324-p5cv0e.html

 

News 23 March

Africa

Kenya: Prisons Target 10 Million Trees in Decongestion Drive to See Petty Offenders Freed

https://allafrica.com/stories/202303220458.html

Americas

Salvadoran government points out that its new prison is the “safest” in America

https://qcostarica.com/salvadoran-government-points-out-that-its-new-prison-is-the-safest-in-america/

Asia

In Kyrgyzstan's only female prison, Nowruz brings a moment of respite

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230323-in-kyrgyzstan-s-only-female-prison-nowruz-brings-a-moment-of-respite

Europe

England and Wales - Leading UK bosses join mission to get thousands more prisoners into work

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/leading-uk-bosses-join-mission-to-get-thousands-more-prisoners-into-work

Ireland - ‘Nobody should be at risk of violence in prison' – Justice Minister says new rules on management of trans offenders to be published

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nobody-should-be-at-risk-of-violence-in-prison-justice-minister-says-new-rules-on-management-of-trans-offenders-to-be-published-42398546.html

Oceania

Experts, lawyers lift lid on Australia's 'woefully under-funded' prison mental health services

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-23/prison-mental-health-woefully-under-funded-experts-say/101972274

 

News 22 March

Africa

Egypt replaces 15 traditional prisons with rehabilitation centres: Interior ministry

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/492106.aspx

Ugandan MPs pass bill imposing death penalty for homosexuality

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/21/ugandan-mps-pass-bill-imposing-death-penalty-homosexuality

Americas

State Prison Sentences in the U.S. Are Getting Longer—But Not Necessarily Keeping Us Safer

https://time.com/6264655/state-prisoners-us-long-sentences/

US - Here’s How the Prisons Agency Fared During the Pandemic

https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2023/03/heres-how-prisons-agency-fared-during-pandemic/384261/

Asia

Bahrain - Open prisons set to be launched

https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1207408/Open-prisons-set-to-be-launched

Malaysia - Home Ministry: Out of every 800 inmates released, only one returns to prison

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/22/home-ministry-out-of-every-800-inmates-released-only-one-returns-to-prison/60972

Europe

Belgium announces new prisons to tackle 'catastrophic' detention system

https://www.brusselstimes.com/418966/belgium-announces-new-prisons-to-tackle-catastrophic-detention-system

Northern Ireland - Stormont inertia may hinder prison care, says ombudsman

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65028739

With crowded jails, North Macedonia adopts pandemic amnesty

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/crowded-jails-north-macedonia-adopts-pandemic-amnesty-98008101

Oceania

Australia - ‘Jailing is failing’: How to fix a justice system that punishes disadvantage

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/jailing-is-failing-how-to-fix-a-justice-system-that-punishes-disadvantage-20230320-p5ctsr.html

Australia - Victoria's Centre of Excellence VET program helps prisoners gain skills to prepare for employment

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-22/victoria-vet-program-helps-prisoners-prepare-for-employment/102123510

 

News 21 March

Africa

Egypt: Human rights groups warn of 'torture and abuse' at Badr prison complex

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-badr-prison-abuse-torture-rights-groups

Americas

Canada - More detentions won’t improve public safety

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/03/20/more-detentions-wont-improve-public-safety.html

US - Arizona plans to dramatically increase hepatitis C testing and treatment in prisons

https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/20/arizona-hepatitis-c-prison/

US - Idaho bill to execute inmates by firing squad clears Legislature, heads to governor

https://www.aol.com/news/idaho-bill-execute-inmates-firing-182320162.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADMgEnxoJCE1ynC7urtg4S8oiXqev0KZHAkqz6wS05_OoWAOKyhS1NbmrybqcjT-YgrWRfr9RjQ3d9cJl2oMdAFW5eqhLm6M4-Coa1TsaeAMihh7sssfKGwPZ6OXlPmphaxaX7cVBjP51qe6npLf0oV4NaisDC35jK-y4sQhEgIv

Asia

Malaysia - Govt looking to end natural life imprisonment

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/03/21/govt-looking-to-end-natural-life-imprisonment/

Malaysia - ‘Imprisonment should be last resort’

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/03/21/imprisonment-should-be-last-resort

Model prisoners hired by Thai fruit exporter due to worker shortage

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/model-prisoners-hired-by-thai-fruit-exporter-due-to-worker-shortage

UAE President orders release of 1,025 prisoners for Ramadan

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-president-orders-release-of-1025-inmates-for-ramadan

Europe

England and Wales - Empowering Former Inmates through Scaffolding

https://scaffmag.com/2023/03/empowering-former-inmates-through-scaffolding/

 

News 18 – 20 March

Americas

Canada - Report outlines significant deprivations of liberty in provincial jails in Nova Scotia

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/report-outlines-significant-deprivations-of-liberty-in-provincial-jails-in-nova-scotia-1.6319409

Costa Rican President Implements Tougher Measures for Criminals in Jail

https://ticotimes.net/2023/03/17/costa-rican-president-implements-tougher-measures-for-criminals-in-jail

Sint Maarten - Court calls end to prison strike, orders medical examinations

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/court-calls-end-to-prison-strike-orders-medical-examinations

US - What does it take to end a life sentence? For these formerly incarcerated actors, it’s theater

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-03-17/actors-gang-ubu-the-king-immigrants-of-the-state

US - Families of 14 inmates who died in West Virginia jail allege negligence

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/19/west-virginia-southern-regional-jail-inmates-families-federal-investigation

Asia

Cambodia - Over 1,200 prisoners pardoned last year

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/1257840/over-1200-prisoners-pardoned-last-year/

India - 20 new high-tech jails to come up in U.P.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/20-new-high-tech-jails-to-come-up-in-up-101679237416104.html

India - Maharashtra prisons overcrowded; government plans five new jails, expansion

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-prisons-overcrowded-government-plans-five-new-jails-expansion/articleshow/98745662.cms

India - How Delhi prisons are dealing with inmates' health issues

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/how-delhi-prisons-are-dealing-with-inmates-health-issues/articleshow/98793908.cms?from=mdr

Philippines - BJMP congestion rate dips to 370%

https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/17/bjmp-congestion-rate-dips-to-370-2

Europe

England and Wales - MP condemns government over ‘shocking’ violence at maximum security jail

https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/18/mp-condemns-government-over-shocking-violence-at-top-security-jail-18435891/

Oceania

Australia - Human rights advocates sound alarm as Queensland passes "dangerous" youth justice changes

https://nit.com.au/20-03-2023/5334/human-rights-advocates-sound-alarm-as-queensland-passes-dangerous-youth-justice-changes

 

News 17 March

Surge in executions of drug offenders in 2022, more on death row

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/16/surge-in-executions-of-drug-offenders-in-2022-more-on-death-row

Africa

Kenya - Community Urged To Help Re-Integrate Released Inmates

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/community-urged-to-help-re-integrate-released-inmates/

Zimbabwe - Govt kickstarts public hearings on death penalty

https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008903/govt-kickstarts-public-hearings-on-death-penalty

Americas

Guyana - ‘Respect them’ – no emotional or physical abuse of prisoners – Benn tells Prison Service

https://newsroom.gy/2023/03/16/respect-them-no-emotional-or-physical-abuse-of-prisoners-benn-tells-prison-service/

St Vincent and the Grenadines - Prisoners with mental health issues to get further attention

https://www.searchlight.vc/news/2023/03/17/prisoners-mental-health-issues-get-attention/

US - The Rise of Life-Without-Parole Sentences

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/03/16/life-without-parole-the-wire-prison-comedy

US - How Incarceration Is Passed Down From Father To Son

https://www.fatherly.com/health/incarceration-passed-down-father-son

US - California to transform infamous San Quentin prison with Scandinavian ideas, rehab focus

https://news.yahoo.com/ending-san-quentin-know-california-120049869.html

US - Oregon’s Prison Population Is Aging, Fast

https://www.wweek.com/news/courts/2023/03/16/oregons-prison-population-is-aging-fast/

US - Restraint chairs in Alabama jails linked to controversial cases and deaths

https://www.al.com/news/2023/03/what-if-they-start-bashing-their-head-into-the-wall-sheriffs-still-use-restraint-chairs-in-alabama-jails.html

Asia

India - 15,000 additional prisoners lodged in 59 jails: Bihar government

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/15000-additional-prisoners-lodged-in-59-jails-bihar-government/articleshow/98718673.cms

Europe

Cyprus - Prison guards call for end to overcrowding

https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/03/16/prison-guards-call-for-end-to-overcrowding/

England and Wales - Fast-track plan to open jails will free up space for new convicts in secure units

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/fast-track-plan-to-open-jails-will-free-up-space-for-new-convicts-in-secure-units/ar-AA18IsCh

 

News 16 March

Americas

El Salvador: 2,000 more to prison, vows will 'never return'

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/el-salvador-2000-prison-vows-return-97895269

US - ACLU of Alaska sues over prison involuntary medication rules

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/aclu-alaska-sues-over-prison-221124484.html

US - Connecticut Department of Correction discusses reform after leaders visit Norwegian prisons

https://www.ctpublic.org/news/investigative/2023-03-15/connecticut-department-of-correction-discusses-reform-after-leaders-visit-norwegian-prisons

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners may have been set free in error thanks to Dominic Raab’s ‘unlawful’ Parole Board reform

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prisoners-dominic-raab-parole-board-reform-prison-probation-mistake-high-court-b1067467.html

England and Wales - Decision delayed on controversial super prison near Harborough

https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/crime/decision-delayed-on-controversial-super-prison-near-harborough-4066100

Ireland - Tens of thousands of court summonses backlogged

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0316/1363521-courts-service-summons/

Turkey - Report on rights violations in prisons in earthquake regions

https://m.bianet.org/english/human-rights/275752-report-on-rights-violations-in-prisons-in-earthquake-regions

 

News 15 March

Americas

Canada - N.S. prisoners deprived of basic entitlements during pandemic: advocacy group

https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/ns-prisoners-deprived-basic-entitlements-during-pandemic-advocacy-group-100834029/

US - Bureau Of Prisons Sees End Of Cares Act Home Confinement, Some Prisoners Will Be Left Behind

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/03/14/bureau-of-prisons-sees-end-of-cares-act-home-confinement-some-prisoners-will-be-left-behind/?sh=3c134a1c51c0

US - Federal program seeks to standardize criminal justice data

https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/police-prisons-criminal-justice-data-latino

Asia

India - 33 jails to be monitored via CCTVs

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/33-jails-to-be-monitored-via-cctvs/articleshow/98646354.cms

Japan court orders retrial of longest-serving death row convict over 1966 murder case

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/630684/World/Asia/Japan-court-orders-retrial-of-longest-serving-death-row-convict-over-1966-murder-case

Myanmar - Inmates’ families in Arakan State call for allowing prison visits

https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/inmates-families-arakan-state-call-allowing-prison-visits

Europe

Northern Ireland - Concern over Prison Service resources to support inmates with multiple needs

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/concern-over-prison-service-resources-to-support-inmates-with-multiple-needs-4064674

Oceania

Australian boy, 13, spent six weeks in solitary confinement

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-64960479

 

News 14 March

Africa

Kenya - Lamu prison receives computers to boost digital literacy

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/coast/2023-03-13-lamu-prison-receives-computers-to-boost-digital-literacy/

Americas

US - COVID-19 is Not Over for People Who Are Incarcerated

https://www.aclu.org/news/criminal-law-reform/covid-19-is-not-over-for-people-who-are-incarcerated

US - Calif. prison program trains, graduates inmates as addiction counselors

https://www.corrections1.com/re-entry-and-recidivism/articles/calif-prison-program-trains-graduates-inmates-as-addiction-counselors-hVId5MEsY0pyWt3V/

US - California Lawmakers Introduce New Effort to Ban Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime in California Prisons

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/03/california-lawmakers-introduce-new-effort-to-ban-involuntary-servitude-as-punishment-for-crime-in-california-prisons/

US - New study highlights opioid overdose risk following release from Oregon prisons

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/03/13/new-study-highlights-opioid-overdose-risk-following-release-from-oregon-prisons/

Asia

India - Convicts in Coimbatore central prison get life skills training

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/mar/14/convicts-in-coimbatore-central-prison-get-life-skills-training-2555779.html

India - Faridabad: Under open jail plan, convicts to get flats on prison premises

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/under-open-jail-plan-convicts-to-get-flats-on-prison-premises-487754

Iran grants amnesty to tens of thousands of prisoners

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230313-iran-grants-amnesty-to-tens-of-thousands-of-prisoners/

Malaysia - Risk assessment required before inmates eligible for community rehabilitation: Prisons Dept

https://www.thesundaily.my/home/risk-assessment-required-before-inmates-eligible-for-community-rehabilitation-prisons-dept-BC10746227

Philippines - BJMP to add new jail libraries as it includes reading as part of PDL's rehab program

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/863778/bjmp-to-add-new-jail-libraries-as-it-includes-reading-as-part-of-pdl-s-rehab-program/story/

Europe

Belgium - 300 inmates given reduced sentences due to prison overcrowding

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/406094/300-inmates-given-reduced-sentences-due-to-prison-overcrowding

England and Wales - HMP Aylesbury ‘thrown into chaos’ by MoJ policy change, says watchdog

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/14/hmp-aylesbury-thrown-into-chaos-by-moj-policy-change-says-watchdog

England and Wales - Campaigners say evidence for super prison near Harborough is ‘flimsy’

https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/environment/campaigners-say-evidence-for-super-prison-near-harborough-is-flimsy-4061926

England and Wales - Senedd told inadequate support leads to women re-offending

https://nation.cymru/news/senedd-told-inadequate-support-leads-to-women-re-offending/

Italy - Drug addicts should be in rehab not jail: Delmastro

https://ilglobo.com/en/news/drug-addicts-should-be-in-rehab-not-jail-delmastro-91151/

Russia Turns to Women's Prisons for Fresh Recruits – Reports

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/03/13/russia-turns-to-womens-prisons-for-fresh-recruits-reports-a80470

Humza Yousaf vows to halve Scottish female prison population

https://www.thenational.scot/news/23381781.humza-yousaf-vows-halve-scottish-female-prison-population/

 

News 11-13 March

Africa

Kenya - Government plans to upgrade prisons facilities

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2023-03-13-government-plans-to-upgrade-prisons-facilities/

Americas

Barbados - Court backlog still plaguing swift delivery of justice

https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/03/11/court-backlog-still-plaguing-swift-delivery-of-justice/

Canada - Justice minister commits to targeted bail reform to address repeat violent offenders

https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/federal-and-provincial-justice-ministers-meeting-to-discuss-bail-reform

Turks & Caicos - Prison remains squalid, as govt mulls programme to fix drainage issues

https://tcweeklynews.com/prison-remains-squalid-as-govt-mulls-programme-to-fix-drainage-issues-p13082-127.htm

US (Nevada) - Low wages for prison inmates ‘remnants of slavery,’ says lawmaker seeking to outlaw practice

https://eu.rgj.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/10/low-wages-for-prison-inmates-remnants-of-slavery-says-lawmaker-seeking-to-outlaw-practice/69996255007/

US - Two Vermont prisons are experimenting with giving incarcerated people more independence

https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2023-03-13/two-vermont-prisons-are-experimenting-with-giving-incarcerated-people-more-independence

Asia

India - Maha: 9,284 inmates lodged in jails of Thane district against capacity of 3,794

https://theprint.in/india/maha-9284-inmates-lodged-in-jails-of-thane-district-against-capacity-of-3794/1439788/

Europe

Belgium - Record number of prisoners move to 'humane' prison in Dendermonde

https://www.brusselstimes.com/403188/record-number-of-prisoners-move-to-humane-prison-in-dendermonde

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, February 2023

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-february-2023/title-hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-february-2023

England and Wales - Magistrates ‘disappointed’ as sentencing powers cut amid prison places crisis

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/magistrates-association-government-sentencing-powers-prison-places-b1066416.html

England and Wales - ‘Systemic failure’ fuelling worsening homelessness and health among prison leavers in Newcastle

https://www.crisis.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/systemic-failure-fuelling-worsening-homelessness-and-health-among-prison-leavers-in-newcastle/

Oceania

Australia - Perth man on remand spends 15 days isolated at Casuarina Prison amid COVID-19 restrictions

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-13/perth-man-on-remand-15-days-in-isolation-solitary-casuarina-jail/102076150

Australia - Girls will be locked up for longer if Queensland passes new youth justice laws, advocates warn

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-13/queensland-watch-house-youth-justice-laws-girls-detention/102076746

 

News 10 March

Americas

US - Oregon looking at allowing people in prison to vote

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/oregon-looking-at-allowing-people-in-prison-to-vote/

Asia

India - State duty-bound to provide medical treatment to prisoners, says Bombay HC; awards Rs 10 lakh compensation to family of dead undertrial

https://theleaflet.in/state-duty-bound-to-provide-medical-treatment-to-prisoners-says-bombay-hc-awards-rs-10-lakh-compensation-to-family-of-dead-undertrial/

Philippines - CHR urges review of cases involving ‘arbitrary arrest, detention’ to decongest jails

https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/10/chr-urges-review-of-cases-involving-arbitrary-arrest-detention-to-decongest-jails/

Europe

Belarus approves death penalty for officials convicted of high treason

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/belarus-approves-death-penalty-officials-convicted-high-treason-2023-03-09/

England and Wales - The failures of education in prison are criminal

https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/the-failures-of-education-in-prison-are-criminal/

England and Wales - Eastwood Park Prison staff shortages impacting safety

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-64904946

England and Wales - Gang culture being ‘tacitly encouraged’ inside London prison, watchdog warns

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/feltham-prison-youths-gang-culture-watchdog-b1065975.html

England and Wales - Deaths, fights and cold food - report reveals shocking reality of life inside Wormwood Scrubs prison

https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/deaths-fights-cold-food-report-26434087

England and Wales - Top Sheffield Crown Court judge highlights serious problems as prisons battle overcrowding 'crisis'

https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/top-sheffield-crown-court-judge-highlights-serious-problems-as-prisons-battle-overcrowding-crisis-4057193

Oceania

Australia - Prison is no place for those trapped by mental illness

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/western-australia/prison-is-no-place-for-those-trapped-by-mental-illness-20230309-p5cqww.html

Australia - Think tank proposes prisoners work full time to fill job vacancies, save economy $2bn

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/think-tank-proposes-prisoners-work-full-time-to-fill-job-vacancies-save-economy-2bn/news-story/405baab8fb475e1530f2203dfb380d6f

Detainees with disabilities in 'spiral of hopelessness' after cancelled United Nations visit to Australia

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-10/cancelled-un-detention-visit-disability-prisoners/102068996

New Zealand - Only one prison fully staffed as shortage of guards grows

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300827133/only-one-prison-fully-staffed-as-shortage-of-guards-grows

 

News 9 March

Americas

US - The Bureau Of Prisons Evolving Calculation Of First Step Act

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/03/08/the-bureau-of-prisons-evolving-calculation-of-first-step-act/

US (Nevada) - Prison inmates would earn ‘living wage’ under Legislature bill

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/2023-legislature/prison-inmates-would-earn-living-wage-under-legislature-bill-2741010/

Asia

Thailand: Annual report paints bleak picture of prison conditions

https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/thailand/thailand-annual-report-paints-bleak-picture-of-prison-conditions

Europe

Prison staff in Belgium go on 24-hour strike

https://www.brusselstimes.com/397856/prison-staff-strike-in-belgium-impacting-prisoners

England and Wales - HMP Northumberland: Prison says post-release opportunities improving

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-64888418

England and Wales - Prison: Justice system makes many women reoffend, report finds

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-64890994

England and Wales - HMP Leeds: Armley prison told to take 'urgent action' after prisoner's suicide weeks after entering

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/health/hmp-leeds-armley-prison-told-to-take-urgent-action-after-prisoners-suicide-weeks-after-entering-4056476

First Assisted Suicide In Swiss Prison

https://www.barrons.com/news/first-assisted-suicide-in-swiss-prison-6d0d0572

Oceania

Australia - Youth prison guards walk off job at Banksia Hill Detention Centre as industrial dispute escalates

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-09/guards-walk-off-job-at-banksia-hill-as-indusrial-action-escalat-/102075480

 

News 8 March

Africa

In prison for debt, thousands of women are the ‘double victims’ of poverty in Egypt

https://www.equaltimes.org/in-prison-for-debt-thousands-of

Americas

US - Study: Transition to adulthood brings mental health declines for Black youth who interact with juvenile justice system

https://phys.org/news/2023-03-transition-adulthood-mental-health-declines.html

Asia

India - ‘Prisons fare poorly in menstrual hygiene’

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/mar/08/prisons-fare-poorly-in-menstrual-hygiene-2554184.html

Malaysia - Community service for offenders helps prisons reduce overcrowding

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/07/community-service-for-offenders-helps-prisons-reduce-overcrowding

Saifuddin: Malaysia to decriminalise minor drug offences to solve overcrowding in prisons

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/08/saifuddin-msia-to-decriminalise-minor-drug-offences-to-solve-overcrowding-in-prisons

Europe

England and Wales - Black inmates face disproportionate force, prison watchdog warns

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/black-inmates-disproportionate-force-wormwood-scrubs-ministry-of-justice-b1065317.html

Oceania

Australia - Health care offered to women in prison should match community standards – and their rights

https://theconversation.com/health-care-offered-to-women-in-prison-should-match-community-standards-and-their-rights-200656

 

News 7 March

Africa

Zimbabwe - Ministry Of Justice To Seek Public Opinion On Death Penalty

https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/07/ministry-of-justice-to-seek-public-opinion-on-death-penalty/

Americas

Inside El Salvador’s mega prison: the jail giving inmates less space than livestock

https://www.ft.com/content/d05a1b0a-f444-4337-99d2-84d9f0b59f95

Guyana - IDB loan to assist in prison reform

https://www.stabroeknews.com/2023/03/07/news/guyana/idb-loan-to-assist-in-prison-reform/

Europe

England and Wales - New early release scheme unveiled by Government

https://insidetime.org/new-early-release-scheme-unveiled-by-government/

Ireland - Prisoners to be given access to fertility treatment

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41086438.html

Scottish Prison Service faces first UK prosecution for corporate homicide

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-64841142

 

News 4 – 6 March

Africa

Two guards killed in gunfire as four break out of Mauritania jail

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/two-guards-killed-gunfire-four-break-out-mauritania-jail-2023-03-06/

Parliament flags overcrowding in Zimbabwe prisons

https://www.zimlive.com/parliament-flags-overcrowding-in-zimbabwe-prisons/

Americas

Guyana - 39 prisoners graduate from crop husbandry & culinary art courses

https://newsroom.gy/2023/03/05/39-prisoners-graduate-from-crop-husbandry-culinary-art-courses/

Report Documents Devastating Findings Regarding Female Incarceration in USA and Role of COVID-19 Pandemic

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/03/report-documents-devastating-findings-regarding-female-incarceration-in-usa-and-role-of-covid-19-pandemic/

US - Voting rights restored to more than 55,000 Minnesotans under new felon voting rights law

https://www.startribune.com/voting-rights-restored-to-50000-minnesotans-under-new-felon-voting-rights-law/600256008/

Asia

Caste system in Indian Prisons: Unconstitutional but legal – State prison manuals legitimise caste-based rules for prisoner activities, from cleaning to cooking. Judiciary must step in to strike down offending provisions

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/caste-system-in-indian-prisons-unconstitutional-but-legal-state-prison-manuals-legitimise-caste-based-rules-for-prisoner-activities-from-cleaning-to-cooking-judiciary-must-step-in-to-stri/

Europe

England and Wales - Criminals will be spared jail to avoid pressure on overcrowded prisons

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/criminals-will-be-spared-jail-to-avoid-pressure-on-overcrowded-prisons/ar-AA18cfhm

England and Wales - Prisoners are demanding a pay rise as jail shops become unaffordable amid costing of living crisis

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/10315469/cost-of-living-prisoners-pay-rise/

Isle of Man - Showdown in court over jail’s Covid rules

https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/showdown-in-court-over-jails-covid-rules-598780

Pressure on Scottish Government to replace Greenock's crumbling prison

https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/23357166.pressure-scottish-government-replace-greenocks-crumbling-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Indigenous woman alleges she was subject to torture and inhuman treatment in ACT prison

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/06/indigenous-woman-alleges-she-was-subject-to-torture-and-inhuman-treatment-in-act-prison

Australian prisons a "merry-go-round" of hepatitis C reinfection

https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/7/australian-prisons-a-merry-go-round-of-hepatitis-c-reinfection/

 

News 3 March

Americas

Guyana - Lusignan Prison inmates transitioning into new state-of-the-art facility

https://www.stabroeknews.com/2023/03/03/news/guyana/lusignan-prison-inmates-transitioning-into-new-state-of-the-art-facility/

Minister Phillip advocates for changes to Prison Work Programme in St. Kitts and Nevis

https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/121347

US - Rehab on hold: COVID devastated prison learning programs

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-california-covid-los-angeles-isolation-b2292940.html

Understanding mass incarceration in the US is the first step to reducing a swollen prison population

https://theconversation.com/understanding-mass-incarceration-in-the-us-is-the-first-step-to-reducing-a-swollen-prison-population-200041

US - California faces hefty court fines for lagging efforts to prevent prisoner suicides

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-02/california-faces-hefty-fines-in-prisoner-suicides-case

Europe

England and Wales - 'My Friday prison release led to a disastrous mistake'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64831235

England and Wales - Norwich Prison installs quick-build cells to meet demand

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-64829261

Oceania

New Zealand - Prisoners to get free phone calls, but face-to-face visits still lacking

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131294850/prisoners-to-get-free-phone-calls-but-facetoface-visits-still-lacking

 

News 2 March

Africa

Egypt: Why inmates are dying in Sisi's new 'model' prison

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-why-inmates-dying-model-prison-badr

Americas

British Virgin Islands - E-tagging could ease prison issues, governor says

https://www.bvibeacon.com/e-tagging-could-ease-prison-issues-governor-says/

Health Care in U.S. Correctional Facilities — A Limited and Threatened Constitutional Right

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms2211252?query=featured_home

US - Human rights attorneys urge UN to review the solitary confinement of Black Americans

https://www.yahoo.com/news/human-rights-attorneys-urge-un-181754022.html

US - Hunger strike in Texas prisons ends after seven weeks, for now

https://www.tpr.org/news/2023-03-01/hunger-strike-in-texas-prisons-ends-after-seven-weeks-for-now

US - Georgia prisons see unprecedented number of suicides

https://www.swoknews.com/coronavirus/georgia-prisons-see-unprecedented-number-of-suicides/article_6f116cc7-1f2a-54ff-918b-3667e301f833.html

Asia

India - What a string of deaths in one jail says about the state of Jammu and Kashmir’s prisons

https://scroll.in/article/1044788/what-a-string-of-deaths-in-one-jail-says-about-the-state-of-jammu-and-kashmirs-prisons

Behind bars, women of Iran's Evin prison refuse to give in

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/behind-bars-women-of-irans-evin-prison-refuse-to-give-in/ar-AA187npz

Philippines - Prison reform a cornerstone of Marcos gov’t, DoJ chief tells UN

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/03/01/507897/prison-reform-a-cornerstone-of-marcos-govt-doj-chief-tells-un/

Europe

England and Wales - Investigation after inmate dies at Devon prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clkrpyv1nl9o

Scotland - Latest quarterly criminal court figures continue to show progress

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/scs-news/2023/03/02/latest-quarterly-criminal-court-figures-continue-to-show-progress

 

News 1 March

Americas

El Salvador - Bukele shows off thousands of imprisoned gang members in new mega prison

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-02-28/bukele-shows-off-thousands-of-imprisoned-gang-members-in-new-mega-prison.html

El Salvador Jailed 64,000 Gangsters in Crime Crackdown, Defense Minister Says

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-28/el-salvador-has-jailed-64-000-gangsters-defense-minister-says?leadSource=uverify%20wall

US - Drug Courts: Effective, Inexpensive, and Out of Reach for Many Americans

https://whowhatwhy.org/apprentice-stories/drug-courts-effective-inexpensive-and-out-of-reach-for-many-americans/

US - A new push to ban involuntary servitude in California prisons

 https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2023-02-28/essential-california-involuntary-servitude-ban-essential-california

Asia

Philippines - PH looks into ‘outside-the-box solutions’ to problems of congested prison facilities

https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/01/ph-looks-into-outside-the-box-solutions-to-problems-of-congested-prison-facilities/

Europe

England and Wales - Multiple failings identified after burglar found dead in cell at Hull Prison

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/multiple-failings-identified-after-burglar-8193985

NI prison service gets new 'game changer' body scanners

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64803571

Draft protocol for restorative justice in Northern Ireland published

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/draft-protocol-for-restorative-justice-in-northern-ireland-published

Oceania

Australia - Prison officers at private jail walk off the job in NSW

https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/8104542/prison-officers-at-private-jail-walk-off-the-job-in-nsw/

 

News 28 February

Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo - Sixty-six die at Kinshasa's main jail from January

https://kalkinemedia.com/news/world-news/sixty-six-die-at-kinshasas-main-jail-from-january

Egypt: Release Prison Population Figures

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/28/egypt-release-prison-population-figures

Americas

US - Bureau of Prisons: Assessment of Health Care Reentry Policies and Procedures Needed

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105610

Asia

Bangladesh - 2,162 convicts now in condemned cells: Report

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/court/2162-convicts-now-condemned-cells-report-591542

Europe

England and Wales - New East Yorkshire 'all-electric' prison to be named HMP Millsike

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-64787360

Ireland – Over half of female prisoners are on methadone, new figures reveal

https://www.newstalk.com/news/over-half-of-female-prisoners-are-on-methadone-new-figures-reveal-1441930

Oceania

Australia - Aboriginal man taken off waiting list for mental health bed a week before prison suicide, inquest told

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-28/tim-garner-death-in-custody-inquiry/102033654

Australia - Queensland boy held in solitary confinement in breach of youth justice laws, court hears

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-28/queensland-boy-held-in-solitary-confinement-youth-justice/102033586

 

News 25 – 27 February

Americas

El Salvador Transfers First Prisoners to the Country’s New Mega Prison, With Capacity for 40,000 Inmates 

https://thegoaspotlight.com/2023/02/25/el-salvador-transfers-first-prisoners-to-the-countrys-new-mega-prison-with-capacity-for-40000-inmates-world/

Trinidad & Tobago - NGOs question delay in restarting prison rehab programmes

https://newsday.co.tt/2023/02/26/ngos-question-delay-to-restart-prison-rehab-programmes/

US - Fighting the High Cost of Prison Phone Calls

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/02/25/prison-phone-calls-colorado-biden-securus

UCLA Law Releases New Database to Monitor Deaths in U.S. Prisons  

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2023/02/ucla-law-releases-new-database-to-monitor-deaths-in-u-s-prisons/  

Asia

India - Jailhouse Rock in Ludhiana: A radio station by and for the prisoners

https://m.timesofindia.com/city/ludhiana/jailhouse-rock-in-ludhiana-a-radio-station-by-and-for-the-prisoners/amp_articleshow/98252204.cms

Israel: UN experts alarmed by potential reinstatement of death penalty for “terrorism offences”

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/02/israel-un-experts-alarmed-potential-reinstatement-death-penalty-terrorism

Singapore Prison Service to study effectiveness of imprisonment, community-based corrections

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/singapore-prison-service-to-study-costs-and-benefits-of-imprisonment-amid-greater-use-of-community-based-corrections

Europe

Trans violent offenders banned from women’s prisons in England and Wales

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/feb/26/transgender-women-male-genitalia-banned-from-womens-prisons

Netherlands - Some 8,000 convicted criminals are evading prison, most are abroad

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2023/02/some-8000-convicted-criminals-are-evading-prison-most-are-abroad/

Oceania

Australia - More than a third of prisoners are locked up without a sentence. For decades, that number has been growing

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-25/one-third-of-australian-prisoners-are-unsentenced-on-remand/102015092

Australian Institute of Criminology looks at intergenerational incarceration in NSW

https://www.themandarin.com.au/213146-australian-institute-of-criminology-looks-at-intergenerational-incarceration-in-nsw/

 

News 24 February

Americas

U.S. prison population fell 10th straight year in 2021

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/feb/23/us-prison-population-fell-10th-straight-year-2021/

US -Lethal injection debate swirls around Texas executions

https://www.newagebd.net/article/195219/lethal-injection-debate-swirls-around-texas-executions

Asia

Number of people on remand in Hong Kong jails pending trial hits decade high, but figures for new prisoners and detained suspects drop

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3211314/number-people-remand-hong-kong-jails-pending-trial-hits-decade-high-figures-new-prisoners-detained

Europe

England and Wales - The mental health crisis in women’s prisons

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/women-prisons-crisis-mental-health-unsafe-mothers-children-england-wales/

Ireland - Legal obstacles impeding investigations into deaths in custody, says prison watchdog

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/legal-obstacles-impeding-investigations-into-deaths-in-custody-says-prison-watchdog-1437376.html

Oceania

Australia - Watchdog says Qld youth laws will 'erode basic rights'

https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/8098649/watchdog-says-qld-youth-laws-will-erode-basic-rights/

 

News 23 February

Americas

Jamaica - Correctional services offers expanded skills training options for inmates

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230222/correctional-services-offers-expanded-skills-training-options-inmates

US - The Sentencing Project Launches Education Campaign on Mass Incarceration

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/the-sentencing-project-launches-education-campaign-on-mass-incarceration/

US - Frail people are left to die in prison as judges fail to act on a law to free them

https://radio.wpsu.org/2023-02-21/frail-people-are-left-to-die-in-prison-as-judges-fail-to-act-on-a-law-to-free-them

US - All former Washington prisoners can now vote. So far, few have

https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/all-former-washington-prisoners-can-now-vote-so-far-few-have,24007

Asia

Malaysia - Bill related to abolition of mandatory death penalty to be tabled at parliament next month

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/882691/bill-related-abolition-mandatory-death-penalty-be-tabled-parliament-next

Europe

England and Wales - Report criticises healthcare at HMP The Verne, Portland

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/23339675.report-criticises-healthcare-hmp-verne-portland/

Lithuania: Prisons Need Modernising To Curb Violence

https://www.miragenews.com/lithuania-prisons-need-modernising-to-curb-953512/

Northern Ireland prisons paramilitary separation won't be easy to scrap, MPs told

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-prisons-paramilitary-separation-26301798

 

News 22 February

Americas

US Plans to Allow Medicaid for Drug Treatment in Prisons

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-02-21/us-plans-to-allow-medicaid-for-drug-treatment-in-prisons

US (Colorado) - House passes bill to reduce prison sentences for inmates pursuing higher education

https://www.coloradopolitics.com/legislature/house-passes-bill-to-reduce-prison-sentences-for-inmates-pursuing-higher-education/article_29fb3766-b214-11ed-96fe-53cdcfb460e6.html

Asia

Asia-Pacific prisons deploy ‘dehumanising’ facial recognition

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2023/02/22/asia-pacific-prisons-deploy-dehumanising-facial-recognition/

Myanmar prison guards injure more than 80 inmates when argument turns violent

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/prisoners-02212023160713.html

Europe

Belarus wants to implement death penalty for treason: law passes second reading

https://www.yahoo.com/news/belarus-wants-implement-death-penalty-130008454.html

England and Wales - Young black boys almost THREE times more likely to enter youth justice system https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/young-black-boys-almost-three-29277193

Scotland - 61% reduction in the trials backlog accrued during the COVID-19 Pandemic

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/scs-news/2023/02/21/61-reduction-in-the-trials-backlog-accrued-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

 

News 17 – 21 February

Africa

Uganda - Embrace alternatives to custodial sentences to curb prison congestion

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/embrace-alternatives-to-custodial-sentences-to-curb-prison-congestion-4131380

Americas

Latin America’s prisons are overcrowded and violent

https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2023/02/16/latin-americas-prisons-are-overcrowded-and-violent

El Salvador prisoner ‘rearrests’ fuel new concerns

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/17/el-salvador-prisoner-rearrests-fuel-new-concerns

US - As the Pandemic Swept America, Deaths in Prisons Rose Nearly 50 Percent

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/19/us/covid-prison-deaths.html

Sen. Cory Booker Wants To Reform Exploitative Prison Labor In The U.S.

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/cory-booker-prisons-reform_n_63ee5565e4b022eb3e353ffe

US - How ‘Cruel and Not Unusual’ Conditions Persist in Many Lockups

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/02/18/texas-arizona-alabama-rikers-prison-conditions

US (Florida) - After report outlines private prison problems, lawmakers demand fixes

https://eu.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/17/florida-private-prisons-report-shows-pattern-of-failed-oversight-and-compliance/69910767007/

Asia

India - Prisoners injured while working in jail entitled to compensation, says Delhi HC

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/prisoners-injured-working-jail-entitled-compensation-delhi-hc-8452473/

India - Odisha to get the largest jail of India, to house 2500 inmates

https://kalingatv.com/state/odisha-to-get-the-largest-jail-of-india-to-house-2500-inmates/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisons should improve transparency in death investigations to improve prison safety, report finds

https://phys.org/news/2023-02-prisons-transparency-death-prison-safety.html

England and Wales - Nightingale Courts to remain open to boost capacity and speed up justice

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nightingale-courts-to-remain-open-to-boost-capacity-and-speed-up-justice

England and Wales - Overcrowded prison to get more inmates

https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/overcrowded-prison-to-get-more-inmates

England and Wales - New figures cast more doubt on super prison plans near Harborough, say campaigners

https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/people/new-figures-cast-more-doubt-on-super-prison-plans-near-harborough-say-campaigners-4033800

Ireland - End of ‘slopping out’ in Limerick Prison as compensation costs mount

https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/02/18/end-of-slopping-out-in-limerick-prison-as-compensation-costs-mount/

Oceania

Australia’s credibility on human rights at risk as UN terminates visit to Australia

https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2023/2/21/un-terminates-aus-visit

 

News 11 – 16 February

Africa

Egypt's model prison rife with abuses, inmates' families and activists say

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/egypts-model-prison-rife-with-abuses-inmates-families-activists-say-2023-02-15/

HIV Treatment and Prevention in Zambian Prisons May be Model for Prisons Worldwide

https://www.einnews.com/amp/pr_news/617194648/hiv-treatment-and-prevention-in-zambian-prisons-may-be-model-for-prisons-worldwide

Americas

3 Dead, 43 Injured In Brazil's Prison Fire

https://menafn.com/1105582882/3-Dead-43-Injured-In-Brazils-Prison-Fire

British Virgin Islands - Governor endorses ‘electronic tags’ for non-violent prisoners

https://bvinews.com/governor-endorses-electronic-tags-for-non-violent-prisoners/

Watchdogs, MPs slam Canada’s prison officials on treatment of Black, Indigenous inmates

https://globalnews.ca/news/9480097/federal-watchdogs-mps-prison-officials-treatment-black-indigenous-inmates/

Canada - Prison watchdog calls for more harm-reduction services to prevent drug overdoses and deaths

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-prison-watchdog-harm-reduction-overdose-crisis/

US - Long prison sentences are cruel and ineffective: here’s the proof

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/13/opinion/long-prison-sentences-are-cruel-ineffective-heres-proof/

US - We’ve Been Asking the Same Question About Prison Tech Training for 50 Years

https://slate.com/technology/2023/02/prison-tech-training-programming-higher-education.html

US - Senate prison system inquiry reveals ‘national disgrace,’ Ossoff says

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/10/jon-ossoff-bop-prison-abuse-hearings/

US - What Are Some Common Problems With Rural Jails In America?

https://www.rebellionresearch.com/what-are-some-common-problems-with-rural-jails-in-america

US - Suicides persist in New York's prisons and jails

https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/tracking-inmate-suicides-new-york-s-prisons-jails-17747439.php

US (Arizona) - How a Giant Egg Farm Made Money Off Women Prisoners in Dangerous Conditions

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a42710907/women-prisoners-at-hickmans-farms/

US - Alabama prison staff shortage worsens despite court order

https://www.wtok.com/2023/02/13/alabama-prison-staff-shortage-worsens-despite-court-order/

US - California and Nevada may ban slavery, forced prison labor

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/california-ap-nevada-sacramento-slavery-b2283264.html

Asia

India - Odisha approves compensation for family of prisoners who die in jail

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bhubaneswar/odisha-approves-compensation-for-family-of-prisoners-who-die-in-jail-8443608/

Malaysia - Govt mulls new temporary act for inmates undergoing mandatory death penalty

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/879802/govt-mulls-new-temporary-act-inmates-undergoing-mandatory-death-penalty

Saudi Arabia - Prisons chief inaugurates rehabilitation project at Riyadh women’s prison

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/629865

Europe

One-third of people in prison in Europe suffer from mental health disorders

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/15-02-2023-one-third-of-people-in-prison-in-europe-suffer-from-mental-health-disorders

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, January 2023

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-january-2023/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-january-2023

England and Wales - Nottinghamshire prison workshops meant to teach inmates new skills 'lying empty'

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/nottinghamshire-prison-workshops-meant-teach-8140355

England and Wales - HMP Exeter: Shocking standards at prison slammed by inspectors

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/hmp-exeter-shocking-standards-prison-8152896

Ireland - At least 15 prisoners took their own lives over past decade

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41070293.html

Ireland - Women still sleeping on floors in Limerick Prison

https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/02/10/women-still-sleeping-on-floors-in-limerick-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Justice Dept admits not knowing how long Banksia Hill detainees have been locked in cells

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-15/banksia-hill-justice-department-parliamentary-committee/101978614

 

News 10 February

Africa

Helping to Improve Conditions for Detainees in Ethiopia

https://allafrica.com/stories/202302100332.html

Liberia: Justice Minister Dean Alarms Potential Food Shortage At Prison Facilities

https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-justice-minister-dean-alarms-potential-food-shortage-at-prison-facilities/

Americas

Anguilla - Prisoners given opportunity to provide input on improving prison conditions

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/prisoners-given-opportunity-to-provide-input-on-improving-prison-conditions

Canada - Justice minister says federal government giving bail reform 'serious consideration'

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/justice-minister-says-federal-government-giving-bail-reform-serious-consideration-1.6267422

Canada - B.C. prison system failing incarcerated Indigenous people: auditor general

https://www.myprincegeorgenow.com/173198/news/b-c-prison-system-failing-incarcerated-indigenous-people-auditor-general/

Asia

Malaysia - Prisons Dept calls for halfway houses to accommodate paroled female convicts

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/02/10/prisons-dept-calls-for-halfway-houses-to-accommodate-paroled-female-convicts/54265

Malaysia - Give ex-convicts a chance, Prisons Dept urges employers

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/10/give-ex-convicts-a-chance-prisons-dept-urges-employers

Europe

England and Wales - Chronic backlog of serious-crime cases hits courts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64586483

'No value' to mandatory sentencing guidelines - Irish Penal Reform Trust

https://www.newstalk.com/news/no-value-to-mandatory-sentencing-guidelines-irish-penal-reform-trust-1436143

Trans prisoners in Scotland to be first sent to jails matching their birth gender

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/09/trans-prisoners-in-scotland-to-be-first-sent-to-jails-matching-their-birth-gender

Three inmates dead in earthquake-hit Turkey prison riot

https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/02/09/three-inmates-dead-in-earthquake-hit-turkey-prison-riot/

 

News 9 February

Africa

Zambia Commutes Nearly 400 Death Sentences After Law Change

https://www.barrons.com/news/zambia-commutes-nearly-400-death-sentences-after-law-change-01675886708

Americas

Trinidad & Tobago - Criminal activity behind bars

https://www.guardian.co.tt/opinion/criminal-activity-behind-bars-6.2.1629494.e3307de207

US - Reconstructive Justice — Public Health Policy to End Mass Incarceration

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms2208239?query=featured_home

US - Bill introduced to prohibit forced births in Arizona prisons

https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2023/02/09/arizona-bill-prisons-reform-forced-births/69885437007/

Asia

Singapore - Four in 10 former inmates released from prison in 2017 ended up behind bars again

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/four-in-10-former-inmates-released-from-prison-in-2017-ended-up-behind-bars-again

Europe

England and Wales - MPs regret government rejecting review of IPP sentences

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/186118/mps-regret-government-rejecting-review-of-ipp-sentences/

England and Wales - Why are we still sending children to prison?

https://www.thejusticegap.com/why-are-we-still-sending-children-to-prison/

England and Wales - Oxfordshire support scheme for prisoners' children set to expand

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-64579339

Ireland - Cork Prison now operating at 100% capacity

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41067221.html

Oceania

Australia - Jails are filling up with drug offenders but the government could reap $1 billion

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/jails-are-filling-up-with-drug-offenders-but-the-government-could-reap-1-billion-20230125-p5cfc7.html

 

News 8 February

Americas

Bahamas - Prison parole programme to begin with Grand Bahama inmates

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/feb/07/prison-parole-programme-begin-grand-bahama-inmates/?news

Ottawa still crafting Black Canadian justice strategy as advocates call for reform

https://globalnews.ca/news/9469806/ottawa-black-canadian-justice-strategy/

Jamaican government encouraging citizens to use restorative justice to settle disputes

https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/caribbean-news/jamaican-government-encouraging-citizens-to-use-restorative-justice-to-settle-disputes/

US - Incentives for Those on Probation Can Improve Outcomes and Rein in Costs

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2023/02/07/incentives-for-those-on-probation-can-improve-outcomes-and-rein-in-costs

US (Texas) - Men put in prison cages without bathrooms or beds, say reform groups

https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-02-07/men-put-in-prison-cages-without-bathrooms-or-beds-say-reform-groups

US - California will try to limit solitary confinement — again

https://www.capradio.org/articles/2023/02/07/california-will-try-to-limit-solitary-confinement-again/

US (California) - ‘Every day matters’: Newsom told 123 prisoners they could get out early. Why are a third still behind bars?

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-08/gavin-newsom-california-commutations

US - Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Arrests in California

https://www.ppic.org/publication/assessing-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-arrests-in-california/

Asia

India - Delhi HC seeks Centre’s response on plea against solitary confinement of jail inmates

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-hc-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-against-solitary-confinement-of-jail-inmates/article66481645.ece

India - 89 convicts availed educational remission by completing degrees, courses while serving sentences: Maharashtra Prisons Department

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/89-convicts-educational-remission-completing-degrees-courses-serving-sentences-maharashtra-prisons-department-8430950/

Europe

England and Wales - Most probation services are over capacity, leaked data reveals

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64344284

England and Wales - Ethnic minority defendants ‘more likely to be charged than white British people’

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/national/23306282.ethnic-minority-defendants-more-likely-charged-white-british-people/

Northern Ireland - Council fails to deliver prison leaver employment project in district which receives millions in rates from two prisons

https://www.northernirelandworld.com/news/politics/council/council-fails-to-deliver-prison-leaver-employment-project-in-district-which-receives-millions-in-rates-from-two-prisons-4018640

Oceania

Australia - Victorian courts plagued by delays as tens of thousands of criminal cases wait to be heard

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-08/victorias-court-backlog-as-thousands-of-cases-delayed/101942714

 

News 7 February

Africa

Poor Kenyans likely to end up on death row: study

https://www.dw.com/en/poor-kenyans-likely-to-end-up-on-death-row-study/a-64600740

Americas

El Salvador’s Super Prison

https://theatlasnews.co/politics/2023/02/06/el-salvadors-super-prison/

US - After Decades in Prison, Should Adults Convicted as Teens Get A Second Chance? A Growing Number of State Laws Say Yes

https://theappeal.org/second-look-sentencing-reform-cordell-miller/

US (Delaware) - Judge Upholds Punitive Damage Award in Prison Strip Search

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/delaware/articles/2023-02-06/judge-upholds-punitive-damage-award-in-prison-strip-search

US (Vermont) - Vt. Senate bill would eliminate ‘life without parole’ prison sentence

https://www.wcax.com/2023/02/06/vt-senate-bill-would-eliminate-life-without-parole-prison-sentence/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners set to be held in police cells due to overcrowding

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-64545715

Ireland - Women's wing at Limerick Prison has 50 prisoners despite 28-bed capacity

https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/womens-wing-at-limerick-prison-has-50-prisoners-despite-28-bed-capacity/

Oceania

First prisoners moved into new prison in New Caledonia

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/483776/first-prisoners-moved-into-new-prison-in-new-caledonia

 

News 4-6 February

Africa

Zimbabwe - Prisons Decongest Chikurubi Female Prison

https://www.zimeye.net/2023/02/05/prisons-decongest-chikurubi-female-prison/

Americas

Catholics press for prison reform in post-Bolsonaro Brazil

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2023/02/catholics-press-for-prison-reform-in-post-bolsonaro-brazil

Jamaica - Alternative justice programme to be expanded

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230206/alternative-justice-programme-be-expanded

US - 9th Circuit upholds California prison reforms, citing abuse of inmates with disabilities

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-03/citing-abuse-9th-circuit-upholds-body-camera-other-reform-mandates-in-california-prisons

US - Vermont is shutting down some prison work programs

https://vtdigger.org/2023/02/03/vermont-is-shutting-down-some-prison-work-programs/

US - Calls grow for Louisiana to stop sending kids to adult prison  

https://www.courthousenews.com/calls-grow-for-louisiana-to-stop-sending-kids-to-adult-prison/

Asia

India - 672,000 cases pending in district, subordinate courts for 20 yrs: Rijiju

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/672-000-cases-pending-in-district-subordinate-courts-for-20-yrs-rijiju-123020301421_1.html

India - 1236 sick, elderly prisoners set free in past 11 months in Uttar Pradesh

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/1236-sick-elderly-prisoners-set-free-in-past-11-months-in-uttar-pradesh-101675532853888.html

India - 'Jail restaurants' in Bihar catch the fancy of people to dine ‘behing bars’

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/jail-restaurants-in-bihar-catch-the-fancy-of-people-to-dine-behind-bars/articleshow/97631211.cms

Iran’s supreme leader pardons ‘tens of thousands’ of prisoners

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/5/iran-supreme-leader-pardons-tens-of-thousands-of-prisoners

Europe

'Own prisons, own penal code': Flemish Minister wants to split Belgium's justice system

https://www.brusselstimes.com/364022/own-prisons-own-penal-code-flemish-ministers-wants-to-split-belgiums-justice-system

Denmark - Record waiting time in court for victims seeking justice

https://cphpost.dk/2023-02-03/news/record-waiting-time-in-courts-for-victims-seeking-justice/

Ireland - Inquest jury recommends medical care review at Cork Prison

https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2023/0203/1353676-inquest-medical-care-cork-prison/

Jersey - Plans to be submitted for a prisoner-staffed coffee shop

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2023/02/04/plans-to-be-submitted-for-a-prisoner-staffed-coffee-shop/

Oceania

Australia - Queensland’s draconian approach to youth justice sets kids up to fail

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/feb/04/queenslands-draconian-approach-to-youth-justice-sets-kids-up-to-fail

 

News 3 February

Americas

US - Students learn alongside incarcerated classmates at Washington State Penitentiary

https://whitmanwire.com/feature/2023/02/02/students-learn-alongside-incarcerated-classmates-at-washington-state-penitentiary/

Asia

India - Consider Modifying Prisoners’ Bail Conditions if Bonds Not Furnished Within a Month: SC to Courts

https://thewire.in/law/consider-modifying-prisoners-bail-conditions-if-bonds-not-furnished-within-a-month-sc-to-courts

Malaysia - Prisons Dept takes measure to reduce overcrowding and recidivism

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876134/prisons-dept-takes-measure-reduce-overcrowding-and-recidivism

UAE - Dubai jail inmates’ cookbook released at Emirates Airlines Literature Festival

https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-jail-inmates-cookbook-released-at-emirates-airlines-literature-festival-1.93617813

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners’ mental and physical health at ‘historically low levels’

https://www.thejusticegap.com/prisoners-mental-and-physical-health-at-historically-low-levels/

England and Wales - Prison with blood-stained cell and scratched walls is ‘worst ever seen’ by inspector

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/women-prison-eastwood-park-cells-b2274708.html

England and Wales - Prison challenged to meet young people’s complex needs at HMYOI Wetherby

https://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2023/02/02/prison-challenged-to-meet-young-peoples-complex-needs-at-hmyoi-wetherby/

Ireland - 'Grave concern' at prison overcrowding as inmates sleep on floors

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41063390.html

Irish prisons full at ‘watershed moment’ for penal policy

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/irish-prisons-full-at-watershed-moment-for-penal-policy

Italian anarchist’s hunger strike rekindles debate over harsh prison regime

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/03/italian-anarchist-alfredo-cospito-hunger-strike-rekindles-debate-harsh-prison-regime

Oceania

Australia - ROGS: Indigenous overrepresentation in ACT justice system worsening

https://canberraweekly.com.au/rogs-indigenous-overrepresentation-in-act-justice-system-worsening/

 

News 2 February

Americas

US - DOJ report outlines steps to limit solitary confinement in prisons, as its use only increases under Biden

https://news.yahoo.com/doj-report-outlines-steps-limit-171229085.html

US - Massachusetts prisoners who donate organs may get less prison time

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64488678

US - Georgia Prison Crisis Worsens Amid Federal Investigations

https://theappeal.org/georgia-prisons-crisis-doj-federal-investigation/

US - Florida could end unanimous jury requirement for executions

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/florida-end-unanimous-jury-requirement-executions-96840774

Asia

India - SC issues guidelines to ensure prisoners are not held up despite getting bail

https://scroll.in/latest/1043107/5000-undertrial-prisoners-in-jails-despite-being-granted-bail-nalsa-tells-supreme-court

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Insufficient’ prison officer apprenticeships found at Sodexo

https://feweek.co.uk/insufficient-prison-officer-apprenticeships-found-at-sodexo/

England and Wales - 'Dirty' HMP Wymott prison where unvaccinated inmates wait 'three years for counselling'

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/dirty-hmp-wymott-prison-unvaccinated-26118883

England and Wales - Man at South London prison died after 1 day behind bars as jail staff didn't know CPR

https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/man-south-london-prison-died-26139057

 

News 1 February

Africa

Kenya - Courts to review cases of mothers in jail with children

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001466310/courts-to-review-cases-of-mothers-in-jail-with-children

Kenya Prisons Service Wants Salaries Increased By 150pc

https://allafrica.com/stories/202302010252.html

Americas

Canada - 192 Ontario jail deaths call for urgent action on staffing and drug screening: landmark report

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/01/31/192-people-died-inside-ontario-jails-in-just-eight-years-most-were-legally-innocent.html

El Salvador president unveils mega-prison for gangsters

https://insiderpaper.com/el-salvador-president-unveils-mega-prison-for-gangsters/

US - Prison, jail staff rarely face legal consequences after sex abuse of inmates, report finds

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/01/31/sex-abuse-inmates-prison-jail-underreported-and-ongoing/11155572002/

Asia

India - Union Budget: Govt to support to poor prisoners unable to afford bail amounts

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/union-budget-govt-to-support-to-poor-prisoners-unable-to-afford-bail-amounts-101675237525936-amp.html

India - Maharashtra: State prisons to become manufacturing hubs; goods produced by inmates to be made available online

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-state-prisons-to-become-manufacturing-hubs-goods-produced-by-inmates-to-be-made-available-online

Europe

Ireland - Ministers 'committed' to diverting people with mental health issues away from prison

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41060879.html

Northern Ireland - Maghaberry Prison ‘Stitch in Time Gang’ crocheting hats for premature babies

https://www.ballymoneybubble.co.uk/community/maghaberry-prison-stitch-in-time-gang-crocheting-hats-for-premature-babies/32082/

Oceania

Unsentenced prisoners make up a third of Australia’s prison population as bail refusals boom

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/31/unsentenced-prisoners-make-up-a-third-of-australias-prison-population-as-bail-refusals-boom

 

News 31 January

Africa

Kenya - Govt pushes for plea bargain to decongest prisons

https://www.kbc.co.ke/news/local-news/article/35197/govt-pushes-for-plea-bargain-to-decongest-prisons

Americas

US - Federal Bureau Of Prisons Set To End Home Confinement Under CARES Act

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/01/31/federal-bureau-of-prisons-set-to-end-home-confinement-under-cares-act/?sh=7a43b3c838af

US - Hundreds of prison releases delayed after ADOC fails to notify victims

https://eu.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2023/01/30/hundreds-of-prison-releases-delayed-after-adoc-fails-to-notify-victims/69855946007/

US - Bill that would restore right to vote for Minnesotans on probation, parole nears House vote

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-lawmakers-consider-whether-to-restore-convicted-felons-voting-rights/

US (Hawaii) - Lawmakers Want More Information Made Public On Inmate Deaths In State Prisons And Jails

https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/01/lawmakers-want-more-information-made-public-on-inmate-deaths-in-state-prisons-and-jails/

Asia

India - Delhi’s prisons have a plan for inmates: Stop court visits, move hearings online

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhis-prisons-have-a-plan-for-inmates-stop-court-visits-move-hearings-online-8414133/

Secretive Saudi executions leave families in the dark

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64338876

Europe

Fiala Calls For Reduction In Czech Prison Population

https://brnodaily.com/2023/01/31/news/politics/fiala-calls-for-reduction-in-czech-prison-population/

England and Wales - Urgent action needed to curb rise in prison deaths linked to spice, say UK researchers

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/31/urgent-action-needed-rise-prison-deaths-uk-researchers

England and Wales - New drive to cut number of women prisoners

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/ministry-of-justice-blueprint-cut-number-women-prisoners-b1056797.html

England and Wales - Dominic Raab’s changes to open prison conditions ‘making public less safe’, Parole Board chief says

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dominic-raab-prisons-open-parole-b2272703.html

England and Wales - HMP Foston Hall: Plans for new open blocks at England's 'most violent' women's prison

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/hmp-foston-hall-plans-new-8093919

Jersey - La Moye prison wings renamed in modernisation programme

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-64453747

Oceania

Australia - Number of Aboriginal Tasmanians in prison more than doubles in a decade

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-31/tasmanian-indigenous-incarceration-rising/101907924

 

News 28 – 30 January

Americas

Canada’s top court takes a tough stance on mandatory minimum sentences

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadas-top-court-takes-a-tough-stance-on-mandatory-minimum-sentences/

Canada - Doubling of inmate deaths in Ontario prompts call for correctional oversight body

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/calls-for-answers-grow-as-deaths-double-in-ontario-jails-1.6725844

Leaked database reveals prison abuses under El Salvador’s state of emergency

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-01-27/leaked-database-reveals-prison-abuses-under-el-salvadors-state-of-emergency.html

Jamaica - Rehabilitation for incarcerated should be top priority

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230130/rehabilitation-incarcerated-should-be-top-priority

Asia

Bangladesh - Deaths of inmates in prisons must be investigated

https://www.newagebd.net/article/193043/deaths-of-inmates-in-prisons-must-be-investigated

India - Imperative To Ensure Proactive Legal Help In Prisons: Report

http://bweducation.businessworld.in/article/Imperative-To-Ensure-Proactive-Legal-Help-In-Prisons-Report/30-01-2023-463657/

India - In 2022, 165 death penalties handed out by trial courts, highest since 2000

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/in-2022-165-death-penalties-handed-out-by-trial-courts-highest-since-2000/article66449662.ece

Death row inmates' lawyers call for discussion, less secrecy on executions in Japan

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230130/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

Europe

Scottish Prison Service halts movement of all transgender prisoners while rules are reviewed

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/scottish-prison-service-halts-transgender-prisoners-rules-b1056393.html

Oceania

Australia - ‘Complete, unmitigated disaster’: inquest into Veronica Nelson’s death urges overhaul of ‘discriminatory’ Victorian bail laws

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/30/inquest-veronica-nelson-death-urges-overhaul-victoria-bail-laws

 

News 27 January

Africa

Ghana - Prison congestion to reduce with the passage of Sentencing Act — Godfred Dame

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1208384/prison-congestion-to-reduce-with-the-passage-of.html

Americas

Hundreds of children packed in El Salvador's overcrowded prisons -rights group

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/hundreds-children-packed-el-salvadors-overcrowded-prisons-rights-group-2023-01-27/

Guyana - Crime down, but Prison population up -Benn tells Budget debate

https://newssourcegy.com/crime/crime-down-but-prison-population-up-benn-tells-budget-debate/

US - Texas prison hunger strike over solitary confinement enters third week

https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-01-26/texas-prison-hunger-strike-over-solitary-confinement-enters-third-week

US - Texas death row inmates sue state over ‘brutal’ solitary confinement conditions

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/27/texas-death-row-inmates-sue-state-solitary-confinement

US - New York’s Bill to Decriminalize Low-Level Drug Possession

https://filtermag.org/new-york-decriminalize-drugs/

Asia

India - IOC launches programme to train juvenile prison inmates

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/2332554-ioc-launches-programme-to-train-juvenile-prison-inmates

Europe

More than 200 people die in prison custody every year in England, Wales

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/more-than-200-people-die-in-prison-custody-every-year-in-england-wales/2798655

 

News 26 January

Africa

Overcrowdings in Ghanaian Prisons impacting negatively – Prisons

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Overcrowdings-in-Ghanaian-Prisons-impacting-negatively-Prisons-1701980

Americas

US - DOJ says Louisiana prisons hold inmates beyond their release dates

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3831028-doj-says-louisiana-prisons-hold-inmates-beyond-their-release-dates/

US - Ombudsman proposed to ensure independent oversight of Md. Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

https://wtop.com/maryland/2023/01/ombudsman-proposed-to-ensure-independent-oversight-of-md-department-of-public-safety-and-correctional-services/

US - Hawaii legislators want to expand program to keep mentally ill charged with minor crimes out of jail

https://kesq.com/cnn-regional/2023/01/25/hawaii-legislators-want-to-expand-program-to-keep-mentally-ill-charged-with-minor-crimes-out-of-jail/

Asia

Bangladesh - Dhaka calls for creating a victim-friendly criminal justice system

https://www.dhakatribune.com/dhaka/2023/01/26/dhaka-calls-for-creating-a-victim-friendly-criminal-justice-system

Jordan to build new JD 70 million prison in Azraq

https://en.royanews.tv/news/39507/2023-01-26

Malaysia - Help inmates with long jail terms file appeals, judge tells prisons dept

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/01/26/help-inmates-with-long-jail-terms-file-appeals-judge-tells-prisons-dept/

Europe

England and Wales - Update on changes to transgender prisoner policy framework

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-on-changes-to-transgender-prisoner-policy-framework

England and Wales - Crown court judges to address court backlogs through game-changing guidelines

https://www.lawcareers.net/Explore/News/Crown-court-judges-to-address-court-backlogs-through-game-changing-guidelines-2

England and Wales - Campaigners fume as government to decide on Lancashire's new 'super prison' on its own accord

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/campaigners-fume-government-decide-lancashires-26067593

Gangland contracts worth £2.8m put on Scottish prisoners

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-64402666

Oceania

New Zealand - Maximum security prisoners kept in cells for three days, breaching human rights

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/131059334/maximum-security-prisoners-kept-in-cells-for-three-days-breaching-human-rights

 

News 25 January

Africa

Kenya - KNCHR revives calls to abolish death penalty

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-01-24-knchr-revives-calls-to-abolish-death-penalty/

High Number Of Inmates Awaiting Trial Causing Congestion, Prison Breaks In Nigeria

https://www.theheritagetimes.com/special-report-high-number-of-inmates-awaiting-trial-causing-congestion-prison-breaks-in-nigeria/

Americas

Jamaica - Gov't, Opposition agree on longer prison time for murder

https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/govt-opposition-agree-on-longer-prison-time-for-murder/

Asia

Bangladesh - People in prisons have rights to health care: HC observes

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/court/people-prisons-have-rights-health-care-hc-observes-573314

India - Kerala prisoners released for good conduct become productive part of system, shows data

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kerala-prisoners-released-for-good-conduct-become-productive-part-of-system-shows-data-1.8252472

Iran: Sixty Executions in One Month, 14 in 6 Days

https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/iran-protests/iran-sixty-executions-in-one-month-14-in-6-days/

Yemen: End the male guardianship restriction for releasing women from prisons

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/01/yemen-end-the-male-guardianship-restriction-for-releasing-women-from-prisons/

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Potentially risky’ people being released after years on remand, watchdog warns

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/25/potentially-risky-people-being-released-after-years-on-remand-watchdog-warns

England and Wales - Education of Children in Custody Failing to Improve Post Pandemic, Inspectors Find

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/education-of-children-in-custody-failing-to-improve-post-pandemic-inspectors-find

Oceania

Australia - Parklea Prison Officers to Strike Over Safety Concerns

https://www.miragenews.com/parklea-prison-officers-to-strike-over-safety-934897/

Australians urged to ditch ‘tough on crime’ mindset for youth justice as it does not work

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/25/australians-urged-to-ditch-tough-on-mindset-for-youth-justice-as-it-does-not-work

 

News 24 January

Americas

Guantanamo: Covid-19 cases rise to one-third of detainee population, report says

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/guantanamo-covid-19-cases-rise-one-third-detainee-population-report-says

Report: Native Americans Significantly Overrepresented In US Prisons 

https://thecrimereport.org/2023/01/23/report-native-americans-significantly-overrepresented-in-u-s-prisons/

Asia

Rock the jailhouse: Too many Indians are locked up under dozens of obsolete laws. Legal reform must precede prison reform

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/rock-the-jailhouse-too-many-indians-are-locked-up-under-dozens-of-obsolete-laws-legal-reform-must-precede-prison-reform/

Philippines - Jail guards keep part of money sent to inmates, says BuCor chief

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1720183/jail-guards-keep-part-of-money-sent-to-inmates-says-bucor-chief

Thailand - 29 convicts to kick off monitoring initiative

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2489627/29-convicts-to-kick-off-monitoring-initiative?view_comment=1

Europe

England and Wales - Inspection at HMP Maidstone praises new governor but highlights 'barely fit for purpose' cells and lack of translators

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/report-praises-new-prison-governor-but-highlights-lack-of-tr-280968/

Irish child justice system under UN spotlight in Geneva

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/irish-child-justice-system-under-un-spotlight-in-geneva

Scotland - Court backlog reduced by 30% during 2022

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/scs-news/2023/01/24/court-backlog-reduced-by-30-during-2022

Oceania

Australia - ‘Cruel and inhumane’: Coroner’s urgent demand on bail reform

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cruel-and-inhumane-coroner-s-urgent-demand-on-bail-reform-20230123-p5cesq.html

 

News 21 – 23 January

Africa

Kenyan prisoners on death row weren’t deterred by the threat of the death penalty: new research findings

https://theconversation.com/kenyan-prisoners-on-death-row-werent-deterred-by-the-threat-of-the-death-penalty-new-research-findings-197701

Nigeria - Prison Congestion: FG, others urged to activate Non-Custodial Special Fund

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/prison-congestion-fg-others-urged-to-activate-non-custodial-special-fund/

Americas

US - Death penalty paused in Arizona pending review into botched executions

https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/21/death-penalty-paused-in-arizona-pending-review-into-botched-executions-18142455/

US - Tennessee fires officials after damning death penalty report

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64347169

US - Survivors recount rampant abuse at Los Angeles’ juvenile jails: ‘Helpless, hopeless, lost and lonely’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/23/california-los-angeles-juvenile-center-abuse-survivors

Asia

Cambodia - Ministries work towards community service sentences to reduce prison overcrowding

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501223918/ministries-work-towards-community-service-sentences-to-reduce-prison-overcrowding/

India - PM Modi calls for prison reforms and repeal of obsolete laws

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/adopt-emerging-technologies-while-strengthening-traditional-policing-like-foot-patrols-pm-modi-at-dgps-meet/article66421314.ece

India - Tihar jail launches skill training for post-release rehab of inmates

https://theprint.in/india/tihar-jail-launches-skill-training-for-post-release-rehab-of-inmates/1326166/

Europe

Cyprus - Another 11 prison guards prosecuted for criminal offenses

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/news/local/another-11-prison-guards-prosecuted-for-criminal-offenses/

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, December 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-december-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-december-2022

Jersey - ‘Different solution’ needed after child held in prison

https://www.jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2023/01/22/different-solution-needed-after-child-held-in-prison/

Northern Ireland - More than 300 drug finds in north's prisons during lockdown

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/01/23/news/more_than_300_drug_finds_in_north_s_prisons_during_lockdown-3012166/

Project helping Welsh women in prison stay in contact with their children gets funding boost

https://nation.cymru/news/project-helping-welsh-women-in-prison-stay-in-contact-with-their-children-gets-funding-boost/

 

News 20 January

Americas

Canada - Court-ordered community hours go towards healing in Indigenous-led justice efforts in Montreal

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mohawk-cree-teepee-justice-healing-kahnawake-1.6717817

US - What the US’ Mass Incarceration Regime Costs Black Women

https://nonprofitquarterly.org/what-the-us-mass-incarceration-regime-costs-black-women/

Lawsuit Alleges Federal Death-Row Conditions Violate U.S. Constitution and Human Rights Treaties

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/federal-death-row-prisoners-file-a-class-action-lawsuit-challenging-conditions-on-death-row

Europe

England and Wales - Ex-criminals to be given jobs as West Midlands construction giant makes key pledge

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/ex-criminals-given-jobs-west-26009711

Ireland – Prison overcrowding: 50 inmates currently sleeping on the floor

https://www.newstalk.com/news/prison-overcrowding-50-inmates-currently-sleeping-on-the-floor-1426517

Rapists in Spain to wear GPS-enabled tracking bands, victims to be alerted if they are close-by

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/rapists-in-spain-to-wear-gps-enabled-tracking-bands-victims-to-be-alerted-if-they-are-close-by/ar-AA16y5xh

Oceania

Australia risks UN human rights blacklisting as states fail to meet prison obligations

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/19/australia-risks-un-human-rights-blacklisting-as-states-fail-to-meet-prison-obligations

Australia - ‘People before profits’: Victoria to ditch private health providers in women’s prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/20/people-before-profits-victoria-to-ditch-private-health-providers-in-womens-prisons

 

News 19 January

Africa

Ghana - Some youths are in prison because of GHC250 – Prison boss cries, begs for help to decongest

https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/filla/some-youths-are-in-prison-because-of-ghc250-prison-boss-cries-begs-for-help-to/8lsmbf0

Americas

US - Using Zoom To Connect Returning Citizens To Resources And Community

https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/using-zoom-to-connect-returning-citizens-to-resources-and-community

US (Texas) - 'I'm not an animal:' Inmates endure a second week of hunger as they challenge prison living conditions

https://www.tpr.org/criminal-justice/2023-01-18/im-not-an-animal-inmates-endure-a-second-week-of-hunger-as-they-challenge-prison-living-conditions

Europe

England and Wales - Why are our prisons still in lockdown?

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-are-our-prisons-still-in-lockdown/

England and Wales - Record number of neighbourhood criminals tagged to cut crime

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-number-of-neighbourhood-criminals-tagged-to-cut-crime

520 children under the age of 6 in prison with their mothers in Turkey: report

https://stockholmcf.org/520-children-under-the-age-of-6-in-prison-with-their-mothers-in-turkey-report/

Oceania

‘People don’t want to spend money on law breakers’: staff shortages send New Zealand’s prisons to crisis point

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/19/people-dont-want-to-spend-money-on-law-breakers-staff-shortages-send-new-zealands-prisons-to-crisis-point

 

News 18 January

Africa

Uganda - Sh19b needed to decongest prisons

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/sh19b-needed-to-decongest-prisons-151833

Americas

US - Assaults reach record highs in New York prisons

https://romesentinel.com/stories/assaults-reach-record-highs-in-new-york-prisons,159686

US - Prison parole denied for 90% of Alabama inmates, a new low

https://dothaneagle.com/news/state-and-regional/prison-parole-denied-for-90-of-alabama-inmates-a-new-low/article_73273a04-96b5-11ed-9f90-1b4f907b6ada.html

Asia

Bangladesh - DGHS DG summoned for not recruiting prison doctors

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/court/hc-summons-dghs-dg-not-recruiting-prison-doctors-569338

‘Prison after prison’: Debts trap foreigners in Vietnamese jails

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/17/prison-after-prison-debts-leave-foreigners-in-vietnamese-jails

Europe

England and Wales - Werrington youth prison has highest staff sickness rates in England

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/werrington-youth-prison-highest-staff-8035423

Greece - President decries delays in justice system

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1202451/president-decries-delays-in-justice-system/

Oceania

Australia - Link between prison cell size and infectious disease transmission informs law change

https://www.unsw.edu.au/medicine-health/our-schools/population-health/research-impact/our-impact/link-between-prison-cell-size-and-infectious-disease-transmission-informs-law-change

Australia - Victoria misses deadline for UN’s anti-torture protocols as prison pressure mounts

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-misses-deadline-for-un-s-anti-torture-protocols-as-prison-pressure-mounts-20230113-p5ccas.html

 

News 17 January

Africa

Rwanda - RCS Starts Decongestion Of Muhanga Prison

https://www.ktpress.rw/2023/01/rcs-starts-congestion-of-muhanga-prison/

Europe

England and Wales - Prison system failing to support rising numbers of remand prisoners

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/175450/prison-system-failing-to-support-rising-numbers-of-remand-prisoners/

England and Wales - Isle of Wight jail failing to prepare prisoners for release

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/prison-inspectors-find-failure-hmp-isle-wight-prepare-release-high-risk

Netherlands - Ultra-secure prison to get its own courtroom to reduce prison break opportunity

https://nltimes.nl/2023/01/17/ultra-secure-prison-get-its-courtroom-reduce-prison-break-opportunity

Oceania

Australia - Women in prison

https://lsj.com.au/articles/women-in-prison/

 

News 14-16 January

Africa

Nigeria - NCoS to fortify prisons’ security with N500m

https://punchng.com/ncos-to-fortify-prisons-security-with-n500m/

South Africa - Overcrowding in prisons continues to be a problem, says Popcru

https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/overcrowding-in-prisons-continues-to-be-a-problem-says-popcru-6cb4b14d-fdb5-4569-bc40-6108a7eec89e

Americas

Canada - ‘Why was he in a maximum-security prison?’ Advocates want answers on immigration detainee’s death in custody

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/01/15/why-was-he-in-a-maximum-security-prison-advocates-want-answers-on-immigration-detainees-death-in-custody.html

Ecuadorian security forces regain control of El Inca prison after inmate’s death

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/ecuadorian-security-forces-regain-control-of-el-inca-prison-after-inmates-death/ar-AA16lj6I

US - More than 70 Texas prisoners are 3 days into a hunger strike protesting harsh solitary confinement practices

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/13/texas-prison-hunger-strike-solitary/

US - In Nevada Prisons, Use-Of-Force Overhaul Stalls

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nevada/articles/2023-01-13/in-nevada-prisons-use-of-force-overhaul-stalls

US - Incarcerated People in Washington Plead to Limit Use of Solitary Confinement

https://www.chronline.com/stories/incarcerated-people-in-washington-plead-to-limit-use-of-solitary-confinement,307269

Asia

India - Mental health, hygiene facilities: Women's panel's suggestion to jail officials for female inmates

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mental-health-jails-hygiene-facilities-ncw-suggestion-dg-prisons-women-2321304-2023-01-13

Europe

England and Wales - Prison could be expanded to take in more inmates

https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/prison-could-expanded-take-more-8024359

England and Wales - Prisoner dies at HMP Chelmsford as investigation launched

https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/prisoner-dies-hmp-chelmsford-investigation-8033709

Oceania

Australia - Victoria’s prisons a pressure cooker as staff recruitment falls short

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-s-prisons-a-pressure-cooker-as-staff-recruitment-falls-short-20230111-p5cbum.html

Australia - NSW maximum security prisoners recycle 80 tonnes of waste, donate proceeds to charity

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-15/south-coast-prison-recycling-program-gives-back/101856602

 

News 13 January

Americas

Canada - Ottawa laying groundwork for Indigenous justice systems, says Lametti

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/lametti-caron-indigenous-justice-strategy-1.6712300

US - Working Out The Bugs On The Bureau Of Prisons First Step Act Calculator

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2023/01/12/working-out-the-bugs-on-the-bureau-of-prisons-first-step-act-calculator/

US - Federal Cannabis Sentences Drop Substantially Since 2014

https://www.greenmarketreport.com/federal-cannabis-sentences-drop-substantially-since-2014/

Asia

Three Things India Can Do To Reduce Undertrial Prisoner Population

https://thewire.in/rights/india-undertrial-prisoners-solutions

Europe

England and Wales - Murderer sues prison service for nearly £1m in human rights test case claiming his cell is too cold

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/murderer-sues-prison-service-for-nearly-1m-in-human-rights-test-case-claiming-hi/

England and Wales - Road rage thug who beat up lorry driver walks free as judge warns 'prisons are full'

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/labour-slams-prison-cell-cuts-28941486

 

News 12 January

Americas

Sint Maarten - Prison strike: Inmates demand their human rights be respected

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/prison-strike-inmates-demand-their-human-rights-be-respected

US - Garland Takes on Mandatory Minimums

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/garland-takes-mandatory-minimums

‘The nation’s executioners’: US supreme court slams door on death row petitions

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/12/us-supreme-court-death-row-executions

US - Federal Judge Orders Arizona Prison Overhaul Due To Unconstitutional Conditions

https://thecrimereport.org/2023/01/11/federal-judge-orders-arizona-prison-overhaul-due-to-unconstitutional-conditions/

Asia

Thailand - Dredging project to combat future floods manned by prison inmates

https://www.thephuketnews.com/dredging-project-to-combat-future-floods-manned-by-prison-inmates-86847.php

Europe

Prison staff in Belgium go on 24-hour-long strike

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/prison-staff-in-belgium-go-on-24-hour-long-strike/2785026

England and Wales - Ofsted hit out at Peterborough prison after jail reduces range of courses on offer

https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/crime/ofsted-hit-out-at-peterborough-prison-after-jail-reduces-range-of-courses-on-offer-3983138

England and Wales - Staff shortages result in ‘inhumane’ treatment of Dartmoor prisoners

https://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/news/staff-shortages-result-in-inhumane-treatment-of-dartmoor-prisoners-587412

Hungary - Circular Economy Plant Set Up in Szeged Prison

https://hungarytoday.hu/circular-economy-plant-set-up-in-szeged-prison/

Torture, inhuman treatment and conditions in Turkish prisons: 2022 in Review

https://stockholmcf.org/torture-inhuman-treatment-and-conditions-in-turkish-prisons-2022-in-review/

Oceania

Australia - Calls for overhaul as Victoria continues to outsource prison health care to private companies

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-12/victoria-prison-health-contract-changes-geo-group-correct-care/101846078

 

News 11 January

Africa

Rwanda - Gov’t to save Rwf15b annually in prisons decongestion

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/4148/news/rwanda/govt-to-save-rwf15b-annually-in-prisons-decongestion

Americas

Canada - Inmate reportedly died of heart attack after use of pepper spray, spit hood in Montreal jail

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/spring-inmate-documents-1.6708752

US - Native Americans are Incarcerated at the Highest Rate, New Report Reveals

https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/native-americans-are-incarcerated-at-the-highest-rate-new-report-reveals

Asia

India - Mental health of prison inmates to be evaluated

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2023/jan/11/mental-health-of-prison-inmates-to-be-evaluated-2536777.html

Malaysia - Govt reviewing substitute sentences for mandatory death penalty

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/01/11/govt-reviewing-substitute-sentences-for-mandatory-death-penalty

Philippines president orders ‘decongestion’ of prisons

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-president-orders-decongestion-of-prisons/2784157

Europe

England and Wales - New bag scanners at prisons detect heroin in washing-up liquid, cannabis in curry

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prison-security-xray-bag-scanners-security-drugs-contraband-crackdown-b1052033.html

England and Wales - Winchester Prison has 'unacceptable' living conditions says new report

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/23241679.winchester-prison-unacceptable-living-conditions-says-new-report/

England and Wales - Sex offenders at Brixton Prison could be released without adequate efforts to halt offending

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/sex-offenders-brixton-prison-release-reoffending-women-safety-london-b1052009.html

Reform urged for ‘disjointed’ bail and remand system in Northern Ireland

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/reform-urged-for-disjointed-bail-and-remand-system-in-northern-ireland-42277380.html

Oceania

Australia - Victorian prisoners denied parole due to lack of accommodation during housing crisis

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/11/victorian-prisoners-denied-parole-due-to-lack-of-accomodation-during-housing-crisis

Incarceration rate in French Polynesia remains higher than in mainland France

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/481951/incarceration-rate-in-french-polynesia-remains-higher-than-in-mainland-france

 

News 10 January

Americas

US - Federal inmates would pay more to victims under new Justice Dept. rule

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/01/09/prisoner-accounts-new-rules-victims/

US - ‘It’s not just a jail break’: Juvenile prison populations reach all-time lows

https://jjie.org/2023/01/10/its-not-just-a-jail-break-juvenile-prison-populations-reach-all-time-lows/

US - Texas prisoners launching hunger strike to protest state’s harsh solitary confinement practices

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/09/texas-prisons-hunger-strike-solitary/

Asia

Brutal torture of over a dozen prisoners inside Bahrain’s Jau Prison: Report

https://thecradle.co/Article/News/20182

Philippines - Marcos Jr. orders DOJ to continue releasing prisoners qualified for parole

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1714759/marcos-jr-orders-doj-to-continue-releasing-prisoners-qualified-for-parole

Europe

England and Wales - New prison podcast shows what life is really like behind the walls of Woodhill jail in Milton Keynes

https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/crime/new-prison-podcast-shows-what-life-is-really-like-behind-the-walls-of-woodhill-jail-in-milton-keynes-3980966

Ireland - Prisoners take part in Men’s Shed initiative to help prepare for life outside

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/viral-news/2023/01/10/prisoners-take-part-in-mens-shed-initiative-to-help-prepare-for-life-outside/

 

News 7-9 January

Africa

The corruption problem in Mauritian prisons

https://allafrica.com/stories/202301090131.html

Zambia: Abolition of the death penalty ‘a historic milestone’

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/01/1132212

Americas

US - More than 20,000 books banned in Florida prisons

https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/01/09/florida-prisons-book-ban-marshall-project

US - California Voice: Tracking COVID contractions, deaths in state’s jails more difficult than it should be

https://www.marinij.com/2023/01/07/california-voice-tracking-covid-contractions-deaths-in-states-jails-more-difficult-than-it-should-be/

Asia

India - Now, all inmates of Delhi prisons to get hot water, prisoners above 65 to be given mattresses, Delhi LG instructs officials

https://thenewsmill.com/2023/01/now-all-inmates-of-delhi-prisons-to-get-hot-water-prisoners-above-65-to-be-given-mattresses-delhi-lg-instructs-officials/

Iranian judiciary orders investigation into rape in prisons

https://minutemirror.com.pk/iranian-judiciary-orders-investigation-into-rape-in-prisons-84449/

Malaysia - Resolve fate of 1,300 death row prisoners, govt urged

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/01/09/resolve-fate-of-1300-death-row-prisoners-govt-urged/

One prisoner killed, more than 60 wounded in Myanmar prison riot

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/01/07/One-prisoner-killed-more-than-60-wounded-in-Myanmar-prison-riot

Pakistan - 52 prisoners still in jails despite serving out sentences

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2394644/52-prisoners-still-in-jails-despite-serving-out-sentences

Philippines - 4,907 BuCor inmates to participate in voter registration

https://politics.com.ph/2023/01/09/4907-bucor-inmates-to-participate-in-voter-registration/

Europe

England and Wales - Government U-turns after 1,000 cell plan to tackle prison overcrowding was quietly cut in half

https://inews.co.uk/news/government-u-turn-1000-cell-prison-overcrowding-cut-2070328

England and Wales - Dartmoor Prison inmates locked up for 23 hours a day due to staff shortages

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/dartmoor-prison-inmates-locked-up-7998905

England and Wales - Investigation launched after another inmate dies at HMP Forest Bank

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/investigation-launched-after-another-inmate-25913064

Italy - Prisons, one in 3 prisoners have a job (but the figure could double)

https://www.breakinglatest.news/business/prisons-one-in-3-prisoners-have-a-job-but-the-figure-could-double/

Scots prison scandal as more than 40 inmates die in jail over last year

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-prison-scandal-more-40-28901580

 

News 6 January

Africa

Malawi: 7 Inmates Test Positive for Covid-19 At Maula Prison

https://allafrica.com/stories/202301060006.html

Americas

Conditions Improve for Opposition Prisoners in Nicaragua

https://ticotimes.net/2023/01/05/conditions-improve-foropposition-prisoners-in-nicaragua

US - Biden signs bill aiming to ease costs for prison calls

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/biden-signs-bill-aiming-to-ease-costs-for-prison-calls

Asia

Fifteen Iranian Women Launch Hunger Strike In Prison Over Conditions

https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-women-launch-hunger-strike-prison-conditions/32211043.html

Europe

England and Wales - Dominic Raab accused of treating crime victims as ‘afterthought’ as justice system ‘crumbles’

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dominic-raab-victims-commissioner-justice-b2256862.html

Oceania

New Zealand - Jail population grows by 600, Corrections recruitment lags

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/130908059/jail-population-grows-by-600-corrections-recruitment-lags

 

News 5 January

Africa

Kenya - Prisons PS Calls for Release of Minors Held in Custody with Their Mothers

https://www.tuko.co.ke/politics/489290-prisons-ps-calls-for-release-of-minors/

Americas

Canada - Inquiry demanded into Montreal jail death after guards used pepper spray, spit hood

https://globalnews.ca/news/9387735/inquiry-montreal-jail-death/

In troubled Mexico prison, inmates ruled their cell blocks

https://drgnews.com/2023/01/04/in-troubled-mexico-prison-inmates-ruled-their-cell-blocks/

Europe

Northern Ireland - Belfast prisoner wins permission to challenge segregation and monitoring in NI jails

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/belfast-prisoner-wins-permission-to-challenge-segregation-and-monitoring-in-ni-jails-42261975.html

Inmates go on hunger strike to protest rights violations in prison in western Turkey

https://stockholmcf.org/inmates-go-on-hunger-strike-to-protest-rights-violations-in-prison-in-western-turkey/

 

News 4 January 2023

Americas

Mexico prison break: Hunt for escapees turns deadly

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-64147790

Rising prices behind bars hammer imprisoned people in the US

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/3/rising-prices-behind-bars-hammer-incarcerated-people-in-the-us

US - More women are being detained as jail populations near pre-COVID levels

https://19thnews.org/2023/01/jail-population-pandemic-incarceration-rates-women/

US - Low staffing at prisons in Colorado leads to unsustainable working conditions

https://coloradonewsline.com/2023/01/03/low-staffing-at-prisons-in-colorado-leads-to-unsustainable-working-conditions/

Asia

India - Visitors are indispensable for enforcement of fundamental rights of prisoners: Madras High Court issues directions on prison reform

https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/visitors-are-indispensable-for-enforcement-of-fundamental-rights-of-prisoners-madras-high-court-issues-directions-on-prison-reform

Malaysia - Upgrades but no new prisons planned, says home minister Saifuddin

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/01/04/upgrades-but-no-new-prisons-planned-says-home-minister-saifuddin

Myanmar to free 7000 prisoners on foundation day under amnesty

https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/myanmar-independence-military-rule-coup-prisoner-b2255769.html

Europe

Guernsey Prison dealing with Covid outbreak

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx0l7q7995yo

Ireland - New palliative care centre to be built on Midlands Prison campus

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/01/02/new-palliative-care-centre-to-be-built-on-midlands-prison-campus/

Turkey - Justice Ministry issues new procedures to facilitate release of ill prisoners

https://m.bianet.org/english/human-rights/272337-justice-ministry-issues-new-procedures-to-facilitate-release-of-ill-prisoners

 

News 22 December 2022 – 3 January 2023

Africa

Ghana - Pay attention to non-custodial sentencing to reduce overcrowding in prisons — Ambrose Nsarko to government

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1203966/pay-attention-to-non-custodial-sentencing-to-reduc.html

Liberia: Supreme Court Orders Release of Pre-trial Detainees due to Overcrowded Prisons

https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-supreme-court-orders-release-of-pre-trial-detainees-due-to-overcrowded-prisons/

Zambia Becomes 25th Sub-Saharan African Nation to Abolish Death Penalty

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/zambia-becomes-25th-sub-saharan-african-nation-to-abolish-death-penalty

Americas

Canada - Book club helps inmates at this Ontario women's prison connect and communicate

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/book-club-kitchener-grand-valley-womens-prison-1.6696593

Mexico Prison Break Near US Border Leaves 17 Dead, Gang Leader on Run

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-02/mexico-prison-break-leaves-17-dead-and-gang-leader-on-the-run?leadSource=uverify%20wall

US - Bill forcing feds to fix prison cameras is signed into law

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/joe-biden-ap-bill-washington-jon-ossoff-b2252126.html

US - ‘You’re a slave’: Inside Louisiana’s forced prison labor and a failed overhaul attempt

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/01/01/louisiana-prison-labor-ballot-slavery/

Europe

Belgium - 'Catastrophic' living conditions in Saint-Gilles Prison

https://www.brusselstimes.com/344990/catastrophic-living-conditions-in-saint-gilles-prison

England and Wales - ‘Overwhelmed’ justice system failing victims of crime, CPS chief warns

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/criminal-justice-system-delays-overloaded-b2250604.html

Italy prison suicides spike as post-COVID misery lingers

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-prison-suicides-spike-post-covid-misery-lingers-2022-12-30/

Northern Ireland - Community justice scheme hailed as alternative to short prison sentences

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/community-justice-scheme-hailed-as-alternative-to-short-prison-sentences-42257380.html

Scotland - Castle Huntly open prison underused, say inspectors

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-63877242

Inmates in a prison in central Turkey on 78th day of hunger strike: report

https://stockholmcf.org/inmates-in-a-prison-in-central-turkey-on-78th-day-of-hunger-strike-report/

 

News 21 December

Africa

Nigeria - Police, Magistrates begin training on prison decongestion

https://freedomonline.com.ng/police-magistrates-begin-training-on-prison-decongestion/

Americas

Starvation rations: Inmates are dying inside Haiti’s overcrowded prisons from lack of food

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article270206732.html

Paraguay jail break: Inmates escape through tunnel

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-64037003

U.S. Jail Population Increased While Prison Population Decreased in 2021

https://www.ojp.gov/news-release/us-jail-population-increased-while-prison-population-decreased-2021

US leads the world in long prison sentences: Study

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/us-leads-the-world-in-long-prison-sentences

US - Massachusetts agrees to reform prison conditions for mentally ill inmates

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/massachusetts-agrees-reform-prison-conditions-mentally-ill-inmates-2022-12-20/

US - State rolling out digital tablets specifically designed for inmates across Texas prisons

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/prison-tablets-texas-prisons-avenity-securus-17664516.php

US - Death at Mat-Su prison marks Alaska’s 18th person to die in custody this year

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/mat-su/2022/12/20/death-at-mat-su-prison-marks-alaskas-18th-person-to-die-in-custody-this-year/

Asia

Another Prison Break in Lebanon … Over 100 Have Escaped Since August

https://themedialine.org/mideast-daily-news/26-prisoners-escape-lebanese-jail-8-rearrested-2/

547 detainees died in Syrian regime prisons in 2022

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221220-547-detainees-died-in-syrian-regime-prisons-in-2022/

Europe

England and Wales - Legal aid awareness training for prison staff

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/legal-aid-awareness-training-for-prison-staff/5114633.article

Scotland - Job fears as HMP Greenock closure rated 'almost inevitable'

https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/23199299.job-fears-hmp-greenock-closure-rated-almost-inevitable/

 

News 20 December

Africa

Gambia - ‘Human Rights Abuse Prevails In Prison’

https://www.voicegambia.com/2022/12/19/human-rights-abuse-prevails-in-prison/

Ghana - Minority demands upward adjustment of feeding grant for prison inmates

https://www.myjoyonline.com/minority-demands-upward-adjustment-of-feeding-grant-for-prison-inmates/

Americas

Antigua - Prisoners at His Majesty’s Prison riot due to improper treatment and conditions

https://antiguaobserver.com/prisoners-at-his-majestys-prison-riot-due-to-improper-treatment-and-conditions/

US - Over 25,000 People in Prison Await Decisions on Their Clemency Applications

https://truthout.org/articles/over-25000-people-in-prison-await-decisions-on-their-clemency-applications/

US - State auditor: Vermont prison system mishandled incarcerated people’s grievances

https://vtdigger.org/2022/12/19/state-auditor-vermont-prison-system-mishandled-incarcerated-peoples-grievances/

Asia

Kyrgyz Prison Officials Rebuff Calls For Examination Of Hunger-Striking Activists

https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyz-prison-officials-rebuff-calls-hunger-striking-activists/32183375.html

Philippines - DOJ seeks clemency for 2,000 prisoners to ease Bilibid congestion

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1706887/doj-seeks-clemency-for-2000-prisoners-to-ease-bilibid-congestion

Europe

England and Wales - Staffing issues sees HMP Norwich facing 'alarming violence'

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23202137.staffing-issues-sees-hmp-norwich-facing-alarming-violence/

England and Wales - Coroner calls for CPR training at Yorkshire prison after inmate death

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/health/coroner-calls-for-cpr-training-at-yorkshire-prison-after-inmate-death-3960319

Oceania

Australia - NT prison officers feel unsafe, depressed

https://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/8026324/nt-prison-officers-feel-unsafe-depressed/?cs=12

 

News 17 – 19 December

Africa

Zimbabwe - Govt in the dock over mentally ill prisoners; some have served their sentences but remain in jail

https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-in-the-dock-over-mentally-ill-prisoners-some-have-served-their-sentences-but-remain-in-jail/

Americas

Guatemala looks to start building maximum security prison in 2023

https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/guatemala-looks-to-start-building-maximum-security-prison-in-2023

US - Exhaustive 50-State Report Analyzes True Cost of Prison and Jail Phone Calls

https://www.davisvanguard.org/2022/12/exhaustive-50-state-report-analyzes-true-cost-of-prison-and-jail-phone-calls/

US - When a prison is known as the 'rape club,' our justice system has a credibility problem

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/policing/2022/12/17/prison-rape-elimination-act-failing-pass-camera-reform/10842037002/

US (Washington) - Three WA watchdog prison reports remain unreleased to the public

https://crosscut.com/politics/2022/12/three-wa-watchdog-prison-reports-remain-unreleased-public

Asia

Women lack basics in crisis-hit Lebanon's crowded prisons

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221219-women-lack-basics-in-crisis-hit-lebanon-s-crowded-prisons

Europe

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, November 2022