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

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 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

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-november-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-november-2022

England and Wales - Winchester prison inmates say they are 'absolutely freezing' in 'horrible conditions' due to ongoing heating issues

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/winchester-prison-inmates-say-they-are-absolutely-freezing-in-horrible-conditions-due-to-ongoing-heating-issues-3956912

England and Wales - London gang members kept in cells for 21 hours a day to stop postcode wars in prison

https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/london-gang-members-kept-cells-25786161

Ninety people detained in the Irish prison system for more than a year without being convicted of any crime

https://www.independent.ie/news/ninety-people-detained-in-the-irish-prison-system-for-more-than-a-year-without-being-convicted-of-any-crime-42226687.html

Luxembourg - Human Rights Commission pleads for humane treatment of young detainees

https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2006517.html

Scotland - Prisoner complaints on the rise at HMP Grampian with issues over property, covid and staff

https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/prisoner-complaints-rise-hmp-grampian-7925942

Oceania

Australia - Yoorrook Justice Commission hears Victorian bail laws are criminalising Aboriginal people, especially women

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-17/yoorrook-justice-commission-victorian-bail-laws-aboriginal/101783590

 

News 16 December

Africa

How we got Uganda to strike out a colonial law criminalising poor people

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/uganda-reverse-colonial-law-criminalising-poor-people/

Americas

US - Nevada considers commuting all death sentences to life in prison

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/nevada-considers-commuting-all-death-sentences-to-life-in-prison-2695096/

US (Wisconsin) - 'Extended supervision' includes rules for inmates to transition into society. Often, the rules just land them back in prison.

https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/12/15/wisconsins-rates-of-black-reincarceration-far-above-national-average/69600768007/

Asia

India - CHRI report reveals ‘woeful infrastructure, lack of toilets’ in Karnataka prisons

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/woeful-infrastructure-lack-of-toilets-karnataka-prisons-report-reveals-101671185802449.html

Prisoners Will Now be Able to Become Doctors in Pakistan

https://propakistani.pk/2022/12/16/prisoners-will-now-be-able-to-become-doctors-in-pakistan/

Europe

England and Wales - Urgent action to overhaul Exeter prison

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/urgent-action-to-overhaul-exeter-prison

England and Wales - HMP Fosse Way: Plans to expand new prison approved

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-63997007

Scotland - Cornton Vale women's prison on final countdown ahead of 2023 closure

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/cornton-vale-womens-prison-final-28742585

Oceania

Australia - Victims and people harmed by crime say restorative justice helped them heal, now there are calls to make it more available

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-16/restorative-justice-victims-perpetrators-crime-healing/101404362

 

News 15 December

Africa

Overcrowded Liberian prison turns away new inmates

https://www.myjoyonline.com/overcrowded-liberian-prison-turns-away-new-inmates/

Americas

Canada - 14 inmates at women's prison in Kitchener test positive for COVID-19

https://kitchener.citynews.ca/local-news/14-inmates-at-womens-prison-in-kitchener-test-positive-for-covid-19-6246937

St Kitts & Nevis - HMP Rehabilitation breaks new ground with successful pilot programme in Welding and Mechanic

https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/120756

US - People Sexually Abused in Prison Can Now Apply for Early Release

https://news.yahoo.com/people-sexually-abused-prison-now-214600578.html

US - Girls Embracing Mothers Releases Report Showcasing Shocking Lack of Data Collected on Children With Incarcerated Parents

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/girls-embracing-mothers-releases-report-140000304.html

US - These inmates have access to better facilities. The price? They’re 3,000 miles from home

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2022/12/15/these-hawaii-prisoners-have-access-better-facilities-price-theyre-3000-miles-home/

Europe

German prisons release more than 1,000 prisoners in Christmas amnesty

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/german-prisons-release-more-than-1000-prisoners-in-christmas-amnesty/ar-AA15iv0d

Scotland looks to end incarceration of under-18s in YOIs

https://www.thenational.scot/news/23192238.scotland-looks-end-incarceration-under-18s-yois/

Oceania

Australia - Prison officers to strike over safety concerns and poor pay

https://www.miragenews.com/prison-officers-to-strike-over-safety-concerns-916456/

New Zealand - Costly cellphone jamming technology ditched in all prisons

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/130732335/costly-cellphone-jamming-technology-ditched-in-all-prisons

 

News 14 December

Africa

Kenya - Hope for inmates as Judiciary kicks off programme to decongest cells

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001463152/hope-for-inmates-as-judiciary-kicks-off-programme-to-decongest-cells

Judicial Strike Paralyzes Courts Operation in Malawi

https://www.voanews.com/a/judicial-strike-paralyzes-courts-operation-in-malawi/6874874.html

Nigeria - Decongestion of Correctional Centres and Dispensation of Justice

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2022/12/decongestion-of-correctional-centres-and-dispensation-of-justice/

Americas

COVID Outbreak at Belize Central Prison

https://www.lovefm.com/covid-outbreak-at-belize-central-prison/

Latin America - Electronic Monitoring: A New Form of Punishment for Many Women 

https://www.wola.org/analysis/electronic-monitoring-punishment-women/

Male prison employees assault women in at least two-thirds of U.S. prisons

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/13/1142594198/male-prison-employees-assault-women-in-at-least-two-thirds-of-u-s-prisons

US - Oregon governor commutes death sentences to life in prison

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/oregon-governor-commutes-death-sentences-to-life-in-prison/

US - Prison overdoses in New York outpace rest of nation

https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/Prison-overdoses-in-New-York-are-twice-as-likely-17651341.php

US - Alabama inmate “literally baked to death” in overheated prison cell, says lawsuit

https://www.al.com/news/2022/12/alabama-inmate-literally-baked-to-death-in-overheated-prison-cell-says-lawsuit.html

Asia

Long forgotten: India’s pretrial and undertrial prisoners 

https://frontline.thehindu.com/society/indian-jails-are-overcrowded-with-pretrial-and-undertrial-prisoners-from-poor-and-marginalised-communities/article66234747.ece

Europe

Cyprus - The route to getting out of prison early

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/12/14/the-route-to-getting-out-of-prison-early/

England and Wales - Work, education and training at HMP Northumberland fails to meet expected standard, reveals inspection report

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/work-education-training-hmp-northumberland-25743095

Scotland - Almost 70 cells at rundown HMP Greenock not being used

https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/23185111.greenock-prison-highest-numbers-unused-prison-cells/

 

News 13 December

Americas

Barbados - Public visit resume at Dodds Prison

https://www.nationnews.com/2022/12/13/public-visit-resume-dodds-prison/

Jamaica - Power play hampering take-up of alternative dispute resolution methods

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20221213/power-play-hampering-take-alternative-dispute-resolution-methods

US - Federal prisons are supposed to provide addiction medication. Prisoners are punished for using it.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/federal-prison-suboxone-addiction-medication-rcna60946

Europe

England and Wales - Black prisoners and white guards ‘should cook together to break down barriers’

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/dec/13/black-prisoners-white-guards-cook-together-break-down-barriers

England and Wales - HMP Wealstun prisoner died after broken gate delayed ambulance

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-63947072

England and Wales - HMP Bristol prisoners left without heating in freezing weather conditions due to 'intermittent heating issues'

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/hmp-bristol-prisoners-left-without-7922337

Scotland - People in prison awaiting trial at 'crisis' point

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63621680

 

News 10 – 12 December

Africa

Tanzania: President Pardons 1,631 Inmates

https://allafrica.com/stories/202212120123.html

Americas

Brazen jailbreak in Mexico highlights criminal immunity

https://english.elpais.com/international/2022-12-11/brazen-jailbreak-in-mexico-highlights-criminal-immunity.html

US - Incarcerated People Forced to do Dangerous Work For “Slave” Wages at Height of Pandemic

https://theintercept.com/2022/12/12/covid-new-york-prison-labor/

US - Some Prisoners Remain Behind Bars in Louisiana Despite Being Deemed Free

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/11/us/politics/louisiana-prison-overdetention.html

US - California jails failed to monitor or report COVID data. Some didn’t even bother

https://eu.desertsun.com/story/opinion/2022/12/12/california-jails-failed-to-monitor-covid-data-some-didnt-even-bother/69716198007/

Asia

Malaysia - Time to review natural life jail term, say lawyers

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/12/12/time-to-review-natural-life-jail-term-say-lawyers/

Philippines - BJMP eases rules for contact visitation in prison facilities

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/12/12/bjmp-eases-rules-for-contact-visitation-in-prison-facilities/

Europe

England and Wales - Prison Reform Trust calls for more support for 17,000 children whose mothers are in prison

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/prison-reform-trust-calls-more-support-17000-children-whose-mothers-are

England and Wales - Black prisoners seven times more likely to be pepper-sprayed

https://insidetime.org/black-prisoners-seven-times-more-likely-to-be-pepper-sprayed/

England and Wales - Concerns raised as HMP Humber staff 'missed opportunities' before prisoner found dead in his cell

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/concerns-raised-hmp-humber-staff-7916620

Ireland - Prison visits return to normal after two years of Covid restrictions

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1212/1341253-prison-visits/

Ireland - Inmates break prison rules on average once every hour 

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41025968.html

 

News 9 December

Americas

Canada - 3 of 4 Saskatchewan correctional centres overcapacity

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/3-of-4-saskatchewan-correctional-centres-overcapacity/ar-AA154qPH

Asia

22 officers at central Japan prison found to have abused inmates

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/81c3a16595a4-22-officers-at-central-japan-prison-found-to-have-abused-inmates.html

Lebanon detainees stuck in limbo as judges' strike drags on

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221208-lebanon-detainees-stuck-in-limbo-as-judges-strike-drags-on

Prisons Management in Pakistan

https://dailytimes.com.pk/1037263/prisons-management-in-pakistan/

Philippines - BuCor, CHR to assign human rights officers in jail facilities

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/853997/bucor-to-assign-human-rights-officers-in-jail-facilities/story/

UN to help enhance skills of inmates in Sri Lanka

https://colombogazette.com/2022/12/09/un-to-help-enhance-skills-of-inmates-in-sri-lanka/

Europe

Scotland - MSPs say more funding must be found for justice sector

https://www.scottishlegal.com/articles/msps-say-more-funding-must-be-found-for-justice-sector

 

News 8 December

Americas

Jamaica - A new prison requires new thinking

https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/a-new-prison-requires-new-thinking/

US - Study finds previously abused inmates more likely to perpetrate violence in prison

https://dailytargum.com/article/2022/12/study-finds-previously-abused-inmates-more-likely-to-perpetrate-violence-in

US - California announces plans to close 2 prisons, deactivate facilities at 6 others

https://www.siliconvalley.com/2022/12/07/state-plans-to-close-riverside-county-prison-and-deactivate-facilities-at-6-others/

US (New Mexico) - Lawmakers to consider more limits on solitary confinement in prisons and jails

https://sourcenm.com/2022/12/08/lawmakers-to-consider-more-limits-on-solitary-confinement-in-prisons-and-jails/

US - Why 14 inmates have died in Atlanta jails this year, four times more than last year

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/fulton-county-atlanta-jails-deaths-b2241091.html

Asia

Singapore - Prison Service trialling automated urine collection and screening system

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/s-pore-prison-service-trialling-automated-urine-collection-and-screening-system

Europe

Danish watchdog to scrutinise conditions for children in women’s prison

https://www.thelocal.dk/20221207/danish-watchdog-to-scrutinise-conditions-for-children-in-womens-prison/

Strip-search is an ongoing practice in Turkish prisons, opposition deputy says

https://stockholmcf.org/strip-search-is-an-ongoing-practice-in-turkish-prisons-opposition-deputy-says/

 

News 7 December

Africa

Malawi - Overcrowding in prisons fueling spread of HIV and TB

https://malawi24.com/2022/12/07/overcrowding-in-prisons-fueling-spread-of-hiv-and-tb/

Americas

‘These are not crimes’: women in Argentina facing jail for obstetric emergencies

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/dec/07/women-argentina-jail-obstetric-emergencies-abortion

US - Black, Hispanic people more often disciplined in NY prisons, Inspector General says

https://eu.lohud.com/story/news/2022/12/07/report-black-hispanic-people-face-more-discipline-in-ny-prisons/69702671007/

Asia

India - Undertrials languishing in prison despite release order; SC wants a better system to keep tab

https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/law/story/undertrials-languishing-prison-despite-release-order-sc-wants-better-system-keep-tab-2306328-2022-12-07

Europe

England and Wales - Lancaster Farms prison told to improve 'purposeful activity'

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23173232.lancaster-farms-prison-told-improve-purposeful-activity/

Rights court upholds Estonia decision to block violent prisoner from voting

https://www.courthousenews.com/rights-court-upholds-estonia-decision-to-block-violent-prisoner-from-voting/

Nearly 2,500 young people encountered the criminal justice system last year in Northern Ireland

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/nearly-2500-young-people-encountered-the-criminal-justice-system-last-year-in-northern-ireland-42201750.html

Huge backlog in offenders doing community payback in Scotland

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63862566

Oceania

Australia - Violence far lower at Macquarie Prison where serious offenders enjoy more freedoms

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-07/macquarie-prison-sees-benefits-of-giving-inmates-more-freedom/101719204

‘Torturous behaviour’: hundreds join class action against Western Australian juvenile justice centre

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/07/torturous-behaviour-hundreds-join-class-action-against-western-australian-juvenile-justice-centre

Australia - ‘A life changing experience’: how adult literacy programs can keep First Nations people out of the criminal justice system

https://theconversation.com/a-life-changing-experience-how-adult-literacy-programs-can-keep-first-nations-people-out-of-the-criminal-justice-system-195715

 

News 6 December

Americas

US - Prison COVID Policies Fell Short. Incarcerated Activists Fight for Their Lives.

https://truthout.org/articles/prison-covid-policies-fell-short-incarcerated-activists-fight-for-their-lives/

US - Inmates at Nevada prison go on hunger strike, alleging poor conditions

https://www.fox5vegas.com/2022/12/06/inmates-nevada-prison-go-hunger-strike-alleging-poor-conditions/

Europe

England and Wales - Children in care 10 times more likely to end up in prison by age 24, figures suggest

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/children-in-care-10-times-more-likely-to-end-up-in-prison-by-age-24-figures-suggest

 

News 3- 5 December

Americas

Canada - People with stimulant use disorder at high risk for overdose after jail: study

https://o.canada.com/news/overdose-risk-increases-after-prison-study

Cuba: New criminal code is a chilling prospect for 2023 and beyond 

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2022/12/cuba-el-nuevo-codigo-penal-presenta-un-panorama-aterrador-para-2023-y-anos-posteriores/

US - I have no problem hiring ex-offenders. But they’re being let down

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/dec/04/small-employer-hire-ex-offender-prison-literacy-programs

US - Pandemic-fueled federal court case backlog less than expected: study

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/pandemic-fueled-federal-court-case-backlog-less-than-expected-study-2022-12-02/

At many U.S. jails, keeping in touch with loved ones is unaffordable

https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2022-12-04/at-many-u-s-jails-keeping-in-touch-with-loved-ones-is-unaffordable

US (New York) - To Implement a New Law, Prisons Likely Broke Another

https://www.nysfocus.com/2022/12/02/new-york-prison-halt-solitary/

US - Why Almost No One’s Being Let Out of Prison in Alabama

https://www.vice.com/en/article/88q7pv/why-alabama-parole-board-denying-incarcerated-people

Asia

India - More Open Jails needed to reform prisons, say experts

https://assamtribune.com/national/more-open-jails-needed-to-reform-prisons-say-experts-1450989

Europe

England and Wales - Inspector warns of reoffending risk as prisoners locked in cells 23 hours a day

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/national/23168721.inspector-warns-reoffending-risk-prisoners-locked-cells-23-hours-day/

England and Wales - Dominic Raab urged to release prisoners jailed under abolished IPP scheme

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/dec/02/dominic-raab-urged-to-release-prisoners-jailed-under-abolished-ipp-scheme

England and Wales - Furness MP presents Bill to change prison release day

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/23166579.furness-mp-presents-bill-change-prison-release-day/

England and Wales - Government steps up plans to improve prisoners’ literacy skills

https://feweek.co.uk/government-steps-up-plans-to-improve-prisoners-literacy-skills/

Isle of Man - Trial for prison inmates who were isolated during lockdown

https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/courts/trial-for-prison-inmates-who-were-isolated-during-lockdown-580760

Northern Ireland - Prisons are failing to protect inmates from self-harm, say campaigners

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/prisons-are-failing-to-protect-inmates-from-self-harm-say-campaigners-42193704.html

Oceania

Australia - Northern Territory prisons facing 'unprecedented pressures' and record inmate numbers

 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-05/northern-territory-prisons-inmates-face-unprecedented-pressures/101728804

New Zealand - Prison violence and the brutal realities we should care more about

https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/130646240/prison-violence-and-the-brutal-realities-we-should-care-more-about

 

News 2 December

Americas

Canada’s prison needle exchange program failing amid poor rollout: advocates

https://globalnews.ca/news/9318312/canada-prison-needle-exchange/

US - Prison Labor Reformers Hang Hopes on State Anti-Slavery Measures

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/prison-labor-reformers-hang-hopes-on-state-anti-slavery-measures

US - BOP finalizes moving inmates from private prisons

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bop-finalizes-moving-inmates-private-prisons/story?id=94281403

Europe

England and Wales - Prisons are an overflowing, squalid, absurd waste of money. So why do the public want more of them?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/02/prisons-money-sentences-public-services

England and Wales - Prisoner release was considered at start of Covid pandemic – Hancock

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2022/12/01/prisoner-release-was-considered-at-start-of-covid-pandemic--hancock/

England and Wales - Ministers warned that Bullingdon prison 'chronically overcrowded'

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23165214.ministers-warned-bullingdon-prison-chronically-overcrowded/

Seventy-three prisoners died in Türkiye's prisons in a year

https://bianet.org/english/human-rights/270872-seventy-three-prisoners-died-in-turkiye-s-prisons-in-a-year

Oceania

Australia - Katherine community asked to back justice reinvestment project to tackle crime

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-02/justice-reinvestment-katherine-crime-meeting/101725398

 

News 1 December 2022

Americas

Canada - Nationwide Rollout of Prison Needle Exchange Program Concerns Union

https://www.theepochtimes.com/nationwide-rollout-of-prison-needle-exchange-program-concerns-union_4893024.html

Canada - Long-awaited reforms to criminal sentencing are also sound public health policy

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/12/01/long-awaited-reforms-to-criminal-sentencing-are-also-sound-public-health-policy.html

US - First Step Act Delays Continue In The Bureau Of Prisons And People Are Locked Up Beyond What The Law States

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/11/30/first-step-act-delays-continue-in-the-bureau-of-prisons-and-people-are-locked-up-beyond-what-the-law-states/?sh=21dd28806b25

Europe

England and Wales - MoJ requests urgent use of 400 police cells for male prisoners

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/30/uk-government-requests-urgent-police-cells-male-prisoners

Why deaths of 123 prisoners in Scottish jails remain unexplained

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23159042.deaths-123-prisoners-scottish-jails-remain-unexplained/

Oceania

Squandered opportunity’: Australian prisoners are being denied education

https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/12/01/amc-prison-denied-education-report/

 

News 30 November

Africa

South Africa’s prisons are a breeding ground for the spread of TB. Our model shows how

https://theconversation.com/south-africas-prisons-are-a-breeding-ground-for-the-spread-of-tb-our-model-shows-how-191915

Americas

The U.S. Prison System Doesn't Value True Justice

https://time.com/6236494/criminal-exoneration-prison-system-feeds-on-innocent/

Asia

Bangladesh - Govt must rid jails of crowding, poor health care

https://www.newagebd.net/article/187804/govt-must-rid-jails-of-crowding-poor-health-care

India - Direct jail authorities to give data on undertrials in prison due to non-fulfilment of bail conditions: Supreme Court to States

https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-orders-all-states-to-direct-jail-authorities-to-provide-data-of-undertrials-in-jail-due-to-non-fulfilment-of-bail-conditions

Saudi Arabia resumes executions of drug offenders after two-year reprieve

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/30/saudi-arabia-executions-human-rights/

Singapore tightens rules on last-minute death penalty appeals

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/30/singapore-tightens-rules-on-death-penalty-appeals

Europe

Iceland - Over 60 Prison Sentences Expired Due to Lack of Cell Space

https://www.icelandreview.com/news/over-60-prison-sentences-expired-due-to-lack-of-cell-space/

Third prison in Luxembourg to be inaugurated this Wednesday

https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1998698.html

Deaths in Scottish prisons at record high

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63780998

Scotland - Prisoners taught how to set up businesses in bid to cut re-conviction rate

https://www.insider.co.uk/news/prisoners-taught-how-set-up-28611265

 

News 29 November

Americas

Canada - How Ontario can save money by investing in legal aid for at-risk people

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/11/28/how-ontario-can-save-money-by-investing-in-legal-aid-for-at-risk-people.html

Ecuador Doubles Prison Guards To Quell Violence

https://www.barrons.com/news/ecuador-doubles-prison-guards-to-quell-violence-01669665608?tesla=y

Asia

Central prison in Afghanistan’s Herat launches capacity building programmes for prisoners

https://theprint.in/world/central-prison-in-afghanistans-herat-launches-capacity-building-programmes-for-prisoners/1240386/

Bangladesh - Inmates live subhuman life in overcrowded jails

https://www.newagebd.net/article/187750/inmates-live-subhuman-life-in-overcrowded-jails

Cambodia - Complaint boxes installed in prisons for inmates

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501192697/complaint-boxes-installed-in-prisons-for-inmates/

Japanese death row inmates sue over 'cruel' hanging

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2022/1129/1338896-japan-execution/

Europe

Anti-torture committee highlights continuing overcrowding and staff shortages in Belgium’s prisons

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/anti-torture-committee-highlights-continuing-overcrowding-and-staff-shortages-in-belgium-s-prisons

 

News 26 – 28 November

Africa

South Africa: Prisons Watchdog Needs Sharper Teeth

https://allafrica.com/stories/202211280224.html

Americas

Argentina's prison system is holding thousands more inmates than it can house

https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-11-26/argentinas-prison-system-is-holding-thousands-more-inmates-than-it-can-house

US - For Minimum Security Federal Prisoners, The Past Two Years Have Been Rocky

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/11/28/for-minimum-security-federal-prisoners-the-past-two-years-have-been-rocky/?sh=5d37020f1866

Asia

India - The President’s caution on overcrowding of prisons is a wake-up call to the executive and judiciary

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/president-murmu-caution-overcrowding-prisons-wake-up-call-executive-judiciary-8293265/

Nepal - Health workers being trained to carry out mental health screening of prisoners

https://kathmandupost.com/health/2022/11/26/health-workers-being-trained-to-carry-out-mental-health-screening-of-prisoners

Philippines - BuCor eyes building national prisons in all 17 PH regions

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1698319/bucor-eyes-building-national-prisons-in-all-17-ph-regions

Europe

Cyprus - Justice minister receives damning prisons report, will ‘act accordingly’

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/11/26/justice-minister-receives-damning-prisons-report-will-act-accordingly/

England and Wales - Inquiry launched into staffing issues in the prison system

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/174666/inquiry-launched-into-staffing-issues-in-the-prison-system/

England and Wales - Reading app to help prison leavers turn new page

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reading-app-to-help-prison-leavers-turn-new-page

French prison population reaches a record 120% capacity 

http://www.euronews.com/2022/11/28/french-prison-population-reaches-a-record-120-capacity

Dance classes give hope to Portuguese prisoners

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221128-dance-classes-give-hope-to-portuguese-prisoners

Welsh council to take control of prison social care responsibilities

https://nation.cymru/news/welsh-council-to-take-control-of-prison-social-care-responsibilities/

Oceania

New Zealand - Highest risk offenders may be missing out on vital rehab because of psychologist shortage at Corrections

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/130566209/highest-risk-offenders-may-be-missing-out-on-vital-rehab-because-of-psychologist-shortage-at-corrections

 

News 25 November

Americas

Canada - Working prisoners are entitled to employment and safety standards just like anybody else

https://theconversation.com/working-prisoners-are-entitled-to-employment-and-safety-standards-just-like-anybody-else-194099

Europe

England and Wales - Life After Prison: Podcast wants to break stigma of leaving jail

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-63701161

England and Wales - Doubts over effectiveness of post-prison services in Wales

https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/80014/doubts-over-effectiveness-of-post-prison-services-in-wales/

Scottish Prison Service spent about £1m on digital contractor fees during the pandemic

https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,scottish-prison-service-spent-about-1m-a-year-on-digital-contractor-fees-during-the-pandemic

Scotland - Sturgeon urged to bin £4.12m phones for prisoner policy

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23147596.sturgeon-urged-bin-4-12m-phones-prisoner-policy/

Oceania

Australia - Changes to the NT's mandatory sentencing laws pass parliament, prisoner numbers reach new record

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-25/nt-mandatory-sentencing-changes-pass-parliament-prisons-capacity/101696414

 

News 24 November

Americas

Human rights organization Curaçao: situation in Block 1 of SDKK prison again dire

https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/local/human-rights-organization-curacao-situation-in-block-1-of-sdkk-prison-again-dire/

US - Overcrowding, Lack of Healthcare Access Help Increase COVID Mortality in Prisons

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/101920

US - Three Georgia jail guards charged over beating caught on video

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/23/georgia-inmate-beating-officers-charged

Asia

Maldives - All calls from prison are now monitored: Prison Commissioner

https://edition.mv/news/26378

Europe

Highest number of people on remand in England and Wales for over 50 years 

https://www.fairtrials.org/articles/news/highest-number-of-people-on-remand-in-england-and-wales-for-over-50-years/

England and Wales - Autism and ADHD: the youth justice system is harming neurodivergent children

https://theconversation.com/autism-and-adhd-the-youth-justice-system-is-harming-neurodivergent-children-188776

England and Wales - London probation services shockingly bad - inspectorate

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-63714964

Northern Ireland - Magilligan prisoners planting trees for the future

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63712971

Oceania

Australia (ACT) - Bored prisoners contribute to prison tension

https://citynews.com.au/2022/bored-prisoners-contribute-to-prison-tension/

 

News 23 November

Africa

Nigerian Prisons record zero COVID-19 case since outbreak —CGP

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/11/nigerian-prisons-record-zero-covid-19-case-since-outbreak-cgp/

Americas

Canada - The criminal justice system is retraumatizing victims of violent crime

https://theconversation.com/the-criminal-justice-system-is-retraumatizing-victims-of-violent-crime-193067

US - The Case For Taxing Prison Labor

https://www.forbes.com/sites/taxnotes/2022/11/22/the-case-for-taxing-prison-labor/

US - Colorado Prisons Hold People In Painful Metal Shackles For Weeks, Report Says

https://theappeal.org/colorado-prisons-metal-shackles/

US (Kansas) - The cost of talking to family from prison strains ties that help inmates thrive after release

https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-11-22/the-cost-of-talking-to-family-from-prison-strains-ties-that-help-inmates-thrive-after-release

Asia

India - Jail despite bail: Lacking money or social connections, hundreds languish behind bars

https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/11/23/jail-despite-bail-lacking-money-or-social-connections-hundreds-languish-behind-bars

The Philippines’ Corruption-Ridden Prison System

https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/philippines-corruption-ridden-prison-system

Saudi execution spree continues as fears rise for Jordanian on death row

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/22/saudi-execution-spree-continues-as-fears-rise-for-jordanian-on-death-row

Europe

French magistrates go on strike over work conditions that encourage 'cheap justice'

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20221122-french-magistrates-go-on-strike-over-work-conditions-that-encourage-cheap-justice

Italy - 45 probed for 'torturing' Ivrea prison inmates

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2022/11/22/45-probed-for-torturing-ivrea-prison-inmates_c16ecba9-1298-491d-95fb-3ae7c0821765.html

 

News 22 November

Africa

Prison guards in Uganda denied phones to avoid distraction during World Cup

https://www.africanews.com/2022/11/21/prison-guards-in-uganda-denied-phones-to-avoid-distraction-during-world-cup/

Americas

‘They Lack Everything’: Crisis in Argentina’s Overcrowded Prisons

https://globalpressjournal.com/americas/argentina/lack-everything-crisis-argentinas-overcrowded-prisons/

Cayman Islands - Poor prison security deprives inmates of rights

https://caymannewsservice.com/2022/11/poor-prison-security-deprives-inmates-of-rights/

US - Health Care During Incarceration: A Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians

https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M22-2370

US - Prison Mail Policy Changes Keep Incarcerated People From Receiving Mail, Packages

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/prison-mail-policy-changes-new-york

US - Alabama Suspends Executions After Lethal Injection Problems

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/21/us/alabama-executions-lethal-injection.html

Europe

Ireland - Lack of disability placement leaves vulnerable woman on remand in prison

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41011589.html

Portugal - Prison guards on strike

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2022-11-21/prison-guards-on-strike/72260

Oceania

Australia - Report praises governance of prison confinement regimes

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/report-praises-governance-of-prison-confinement-regimes

New Zealand - Prison numbers declining - yet violent crime, gang numbers increasing

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition/audio/simon-oconnor-national-corrections-spokesperson-on-prison-numbers-declining-yet-violent-crime-gang-numbers-increasing/

 

News 19-21 November

Africa

Nigeria - Victims of wrongful imprisonment recount harrowing tales, lawyers seek reforms

https://punchng.com/victims-of-wrongful-imprisonment-recount-harrowing-tales-lawyers-seek-reforms/

Zimbabwe - Mnangagwa's govt to build new prisons

https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-225557.html

Americas

Ten killed as gang bosses’ transfer sparks prison riot in Ecuador

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/ten-killed-as-gang-bosses-transfer-spark-prison-riot-in-ecuador

Trinidad & Tobago - Needy prisoners left without soap, sanitary supplies

https://newsday.co.tt/2022/11/20/needy-prisoners-left-without-soap-sanitary-supplies/

US - New Mexico is Paying Millions to Take Control of Private Prisons as Inmate Populations Decline

https://abq.news/2022/11/new-mexico-is-paying-millions-to-take-control-of-private-prisons-as-inmate-populations-decline/

US - More 'freedom libraries' arrive in Louisiana state prisons: 'If we build it, they will come'

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/nonprofit-returns-to-louisiana-to-install-prison-libraries/article_0c21ef3e-652d-11ed-9cb1-3b2f3153e0df.html

US (Tennessee) - Mandatory life in prison declared unconstitutional for juvenile offenders by TN Supreme Court

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/mandatory-life-in-prison-declared-unconstitutional-for-juvenile-offenders-by-tn-supreme-court

Asia

India - ‘Over 13,000 inmates in jail built for 5,200’

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/over-13000-inmates-in-jail-built-for-5200/article66158591.ece

Packed cells, poor facilities, no rights—new book shows huge gaps for women in Indian jails

https://theprint.in/pageturner/book-scene/packed-cells-poor-facilities-no-rights-new-book-shows-huge-gaps-for-women-in-indian-jails/1225078/

Philippines - Even behind bars, prisoners take part in crimes. Here’s why.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/even-behind-bars-prisoners-take-part-crimes/

Europe

Cyprus - Prison guards remanded again over inmate’s murder

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/11/19/prison-guards-remanded-again-over-inmates-murder/

England and Wales - Prison guards 'leaving profession in droves' fuelled by inmate overcrowding

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-11-18/prison-guards-leaving-profession-in-droves-fuelled-by-inmate-overcrowding

England and Wales - Rishi Sunak vows to increase prison capacity in crime crackdown bid

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-11-18/rishi-sunak-vows-to-increase-prison-capacity-in-crime-crackdown-bid

England and Wales - Inspectors demand urgent action on unsafe Exeter Prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-63677703

Greek courts abuse pre-trial detention

https://www.europeandatajournalism.eu/eng/News/Data-news/Greek-courts-abuse-pre-trial-detention

Northern Ireland - 'Putting children aged 10 before the courts is wrong': Calls to raise age of criminal responsibility to 16 in NI

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/putting-children-aged-10-before-the-courts-is-wrong-calls-to-raise-age-of-criminal-responsibility-to-16-in-ni-42158848.html

 

News 18 November

Africa

UN 'Alarmed' Over Detainee Hunger Strike At Libya Jail

https://www.barrons.com/news/un-alarmed-over-detainee-hunger-strike-at-libya-jail-01668688506?tesla=y

Americas

Survey finds Barbadians prefer rehab for criminals over just punishment

https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/11/17/survey-finds-barbadians-prefer-rehab-for-criminals-over-just-punishment/

Canada - Inmate hunger strike highlights problems facing Indigenous people in prison

https://globalnews.ca/news/9287314/inmate-hunger-strike-problems-indigenous-prison/

US - The Hidden Toll Of Working On Prison Executions

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/17/1137380268/the-hidden-toll-of-working-on-prison-executions

US - When a Parent Is Jailed, Children's Health Care Suffers

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-11-17/when-a-parent-is-jailed-childrens-health-care-suffers

US - Hundreds of Women Set to Sue New York Over Allegations of Prison Sex Abuse

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/16/nyregion/new-york-prison-sex-abuse.html

Asia

India - No ‘e-mualqat’ for inmates with families abroad due to security reasons, Tihar jail tells Delhi HC

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/tihar-jail-delhi-hc-no-e-mulaqat-inmates-families-abroad-security-reasons-8275906/

Malaysia - Strategic system changes vital to reduce recidivism, says expert

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/11/851943/strategic-system-changes-vital-reduce-recidivism-says-expert

Red Cross says ready to help decongest Philippine jails

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/18/22/red-cross-says-ready-to-help-decongest-ph-jails

Europe

England and Wales - Entrepreneur prisoners bid to turn back on crime

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/entrepreneur-prisoners-bid-to-turn-back-on-crime

England and Wales - Stocken Prison in Rutland needs more resources to prepare prisoners for release

https://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/prison-lacks-resources-9284355/

Ireland - Inmates at Limerick Women's Prison sleeping on mattresses or floors due to overcrowding

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41008808.html

Sweden - Ikea pushes back against Belarus prison labour allegations

https://www.thelocal.se/20221118/ikea-pushes-back-against-belarus-prison-labour-allegations/

Oceania

Australia - Diverting children away from the criminal justice system gives them a chance to ‘grow out’ of crime

https://theconversation.com/diverting-children-away-from-the-criminal-justice-system-gives-them-a-chance-to-grow-out-of-crime-194645

New Zealand - Prisoners win court action over wages and cost of telephone calls behind bars

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300742463/prisoners-win-court-action-over-wages-and-cost-of-telephone-calls-behind-bars

 

News 17 November

Africa

Use of death penalty declines in Africa

https://www.dw.com/en/use-of-death-penalty-declines-in-africa/a-63777585

Americas

Canada - Judges should be free to impose conditional sentences when reasonable

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2022/11/17/judges-should-be-free-to-impose-conditional-sentences-when-reasonable.html

At least five inmates escape from prison in Guayaquil, Ecuador

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/at-least-five-inmates-escape-from-prison-in-guayaquil-ecuador/ar-AA14cN4C

Peru, Chile Prisons May Struggle to Contain Tren de Aragua

https://insightcrime.org/peru-chile-prisons-may-struggle-to-contain-tren-de-aragua/

Asia

Bangladesh - Govt must ensure prisoner’s right to proper health care

https://www.newagebd.net/article/186603/govt-must-ensure-prisoners-right-to-proper-health-care

Europe

People from England’s most deprived areas ten times more likely to be in prison, analysis finds

https://www.miragenews.com/people-from-englands-most-deprived-areas-ten-897639/

England and Wales - Government spends more than £250k fighting Gartree ‘super prison’ planning refusal

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/government-spends-more-250k-fighting-7827581

England and Wales - Failings identified at HMP Hull after troubled inmate dies in his cell

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/failings-identified-hmp-hull-after-7830235

'Scandal' as Scottish jails quarter-filled with remand prisoners waiting trial or sentencing

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/scandal-scottish-jails-quarter-filled-28507337

Oceania

Australia - Five years since the NT royal commission into youth detention and child protection, there is hope, disappointment and fear

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-17/nt-don-dale-royal-commission-youth-detention-five-years/101655822

 

News 16 November

Africa

Nigeria has too many prison inmates awaiting trial—technology could achieve swifter justice

https://phys.org/news/2022-11-nigeria-prison-inmates-awaiting-trialtechnology.html

Le Sénégal lance le bracelet électronique pour désengorger ses prisons

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20221116-le-s%C3%A9n%C3%A9gal-lance-le-bracelet-%C3%A9lectronique-pour-d%C3%A9sengorger-ses-prisons

Americas

Rare look at women, children at Peru prison

https://eu.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2022/11/15/rare-look-women-children-peru-prison/10704012002/

US - Incarcerated People Need Access to Phone Apps

https://www.vera.org/news/incarcerated-people-need-access-to-phone-apps

US - Polls: Death Penalty Support Remains Near 50-Year Low Despite Record-High Perception that Crime Has Increased

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/polls-death-penalty-support-remains-near-50-year-low-despite-record-high-perception-that-crime-has-increased

Asia

Bangladesh - No doctor in most jails

https://www.newagebd.net/article/186534/no-doctor-in-most-jails

Kuwait executes seven people convicted of murder and other crimes

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/kuwait-executes-seven-people-convicted-of-murder-and-other-crimes/ar-AA14aIRB

Philippines - PCIJ audit finds PH prison system gaps: Congestion, kids in jail

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1693742/pcij-audit-finds-gaps-in-ph-prisons-system-congestion-kids-in-jail

Syrian amnesties freed less than 6% of detainees, report reveals

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/15/syrian-amnesties-freed-fewer-than-6-per-cent-of-detainees-report-reveals

Europe

Cyprus - Prison overcrowding has grown worse in recent years

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/11/15/prison-overcrowding-has-grown-worse-in-recent-years/

England and Wales - HMP Liverpool: Challenging prison 'making positive progress'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-63624834

Oceania

Australia ready for next UN prison inspection

https://www.riverineherald.com.au/national/aust-ready-for-next-un-prison-inspection/

Australia - Queensland's youth justice review reveals children held in watch houses for longer, possibly pleading guilty to crimes they didn't commit

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-16/qld-youth-justice-atkinson-report-bail-gps-monitoring-devices/101650416

 

News 15 November

Africa

Prison conditions in South Africa need an URGENT upgrade

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/end-prison-solitary-confinement-edwin-cameron-tells-parliament-breaking-14-november-2022/

Americas

US (California) - Identifying childhood trauma a key to rehabilitating, reintegrating prison inmates into society

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/childhood-trauma-may-be-key-to-rehabilitating-reintegrating-prison-inmates-into-society/

US (Hawaii) - Prison rape victims seek $7.5M in damages, but state argues it’s not liable

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2022/11/15/prison-rape-victims-seek-75m-damages-state-argues-theyre-not-liable-rogue-guards/

US (Washington) - ‘I don’t have the funds’: a diabetic prisoner pleaded for insulin supplies before his death

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/15/prison-healthcare-washington-diabetes-death-clifford-farrar

US - ‘If I could buy freedom, I would’: LA residents who can’t afford bail sue to change system

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/14/los-angeles-bail-lawsuit-jail-prison-reform

Europe

England and Wales - 'Model prisoner' found dead at Leyland prison after being refused parole

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/model-prisoner-found-dead-leyland-25510089

Oceania

Australia - Queensland has more children in detention than any other state, report says

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/15/queensland-has-more-children-in-detention-than-any-other-state-report-says

New Zealand - All prisons short of Corrections officers as jailhouse population climbs

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300739227/all-prisons-short-of-corrections-officers-as-jailhouse-population-climbs

 

News 12 – 14 November

Africa

Kenya - Organisation opens safehouse for women released from prison

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2022-11-13-organisation-launches-safehouse-for-women-released-from-prison/

Americas

Opinion: It’s time to end forced prison labor everywhere in the United States

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/13/its-time-end-forced-prison-labor-everywhere-united-states/

Asia

India - Prison inmates stage protest over 'poor food quality' in Patna, report sought

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/prison-inmates-stage-protest-over-poor-food-quality-in-patna-report-sought-1162043.html

Philippines - NBP, prison system need serious reforms

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/14/opinion/columns/nbp-prison-system-need-serious-reforms/1866216

Europe

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, October 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-october-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-october-2022

Ireland - Almost two-thirds of women in Mountjoy prison’s Dochas centre on methadone

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/almost-two-thirds-of-women-in-mountjoy-prisons-dochas-centre-on-methadone-42136807.html

Ireland - Vulnerable woman's death in prison must be a catalyst for change, campaigners say

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41004944.html

North Macedonia to pardon violators of pandemic measures

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/north-macedonia-pardon-violators-pandemic-measures-93174271

Scotland - Health bosses could be called in over 'shocking' state of HMP Greenock

https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/23114361.health-bosses-called-shocking-state-hmp-greenock/

Oceania

Australia could free a third of its prisoners with little risk to community, new research finds

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/14/australia-could-free-a-third-of-its-prisoners-with-little-risk-to-community-new-research-finds

Australia - Former inmates struggling to reintegrate into society due to minimal experience with digital technology

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-14/former-prisoner-struggling-with-the-use-of-technology/101641072

Australia - Calls for royal commission into WA youth justice, as judge again condemns Banksia Hill

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-14/royal-commission-calls-wa-banksia-hill-youth-prison/101650190

 

News 11 November

Africa

At least 17 prisoners on the run after Comoros islands prison break

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2022/11/10/At-least-17-prisoners-on-the-run-after-Comoros-islands-prison-break

Americas

US - End of slavery exception in state constitutions could reform prison labor

https://publicintegrity.org/labor/end-of-slavery-exception-in-state-constitutions-could-reform-prison-labor/

Asia

Philippines - P4 billion needed to build ‘supermax’ prison – Remulla

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/11/2222965/p4-billion-needed-build-supermax-prison-remulla

Thailand - Phuket inmates get cooking in ‘street food’ contest

https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-inmates-get-cooking-in-street-food-contest-86189.php

Europe

England and Wales - Durham Prison criticised over vulnerable inmate's hanging death

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-63587888

Scotland - Lengthy Covid isolation for prisoners ‘risked breaching human rights’

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/lengthy-covid-isolation-for-inmates-at-scottish-prisons-risked-breaching-human-rights

Turks risk losing Europe's human rights protections after court spurned

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turks-risk-losing-europes-human-rights-protections-after-court-spurned-2022-11-10/

Oceania

Australia - How a cell-free facility is leading the way for NSW prisons

https://www.2gb.com/ray-hadley-broadcasts-from-innovative-nsw-prison/

Australia - NT juvenile justice system has ‘undoubtedly gone backwards’

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/nt-juvenile-justice-system-has-undoubtedly-gone-backwards/video/a68cfbabbff522a5b92184c3e46735b0

New Zealand - Courts and justice staff across NZ take industrial action over cost of living

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300737131/courts-and-justice-staff-across-nz-take-industrial-action-over-cost-of-living

 

News 10 November

Americas

Latin American Countries Release Thousands of Criminals from Prison

https://www.theepochtimes.com/5-latin-american-countries-release-thousands-of-criminals-from-prison_4852660.html?welcomeuser=1

US - Voters approve limits on forced prison labor in four states

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/nov/9/voters-approve-limits-on-forced-prison-labor-in-fo/

US - ICE Loves to Buy Furniture Made With Prison Labor, Documents Show

https://gizmodo.com/ice-prison-labor-unicor-furniture-admission-kit-hygiene-1849629394

US - Alabama Prison Crisis Continues With 17th Recorded Homicide

https://www.blackstarnews.com/us-politics/justice/alabama-prison-crisis-continues-with-17th-recorded-homicide.html

Asia

Philippines - DOJ to check possible liability of jail officials over unclaimed inmate cadavers

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/11/10/DOJ-unclaimed-cadavers-Bilibid-inmates.html

Europe

Minister: Amnesty will not affect crime situation in Belarus

https://eng.belta.by/society/view/minister-amnesty-will-not-affect-crime-situation-in-belarus-154526-2022/

Scotland - SNP ministers warned budget cuts to prisons will put 'community safety' at risk

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-ministers-warned-budget-cuts-28446629

Oceania

Australia - New philanthropy-backed podcast created by women in prison

https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2022/11/new-philanthropy-backed-podcast-created-by-women-in-prison/

New Zealand - Slow progress for national arts in prisons strategy

https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/130413570/slow-progress-for-national-arts-in-prisons-strategy

 

News 9 November

Africa

Nigeria - Prison Decongestion: Over 12,000 inmates freed within last six years — FG

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/11/prison-decongestion-over-12000-inmates-freed-within-last-six-years-fg/

Americas

Guyana - Counseling replaces custodial sentences for small amounts of marijuana

https://newssourcegy.com/news/counseling-replaces-custodial-sentences-for-small-amounts-of-marijuana/

Jamaica - Five prison inmates infected with tuberculosis

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20221108/five-prison-inmates-infected-tuberculosis

US - Texas’ soaring psychiatric bed waitlist leaves county jails in a bind

https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2022/11/09/texas-soaring-psychiatric-bed-waitlist-leaves-county-jails-in-a-bind/

US - Measure 112 passes, removing slavery language from Oregon Constitution

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/11/08/oregon-election-measure-112-removes-exception-state-constitution-slavery-forced-labor/

Asia

Young protesters undergo military training, patriotic education in Hong Kong prisons

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/protesters-11082022100105.html

India - Awareness class held for women prisoners on rights and duties

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/awareness-class-held-for-women-prisoners-on-rights-and-duties/article66112671.ece

Japan - UN body slams death row conditions, demands progress towards the abolition of capital punishment

https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/japan/paris-tokyo-fidh-and-center-for-prisoners

Europe

England and Wales - Durham Prison death inquest considers if restraint caused death

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-63562152

Italy - Three prison officers arrested for torturing psychiatric inmate

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2022/11/09/three-prison-officers-arrested-for-torturing-psych-inmate_ba085b5c-690c-4737-ae4a-3f8a8f1d75c0.html

Ukraine Considers Alternatives to Jail for Minor Crimes

https://iwpr.net/global-voices/ukraine-considers-alternatives-jail-minor-crimes

 

News 8 November

Africa

Nigeria - Group calls for strict implementation of criminal Justice law

https://guardian.ng/features/law/group-calls-for-strict-implementation-of-criminal-justice-law/

Americas

At least five dead and three wounded in new clashes in an Ecuadorian prison

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/at-least-five-dead-and-three-wounded-in-new-clashes-in-an-ecuadorian-prison/ar-AA13R71A

Transfers of Gang Leaders Focus Points for Ecuador’s Prison Violence

https://insightcrime.org/news/transfers-of-gang-leaders-focus-points-for-ecuadors-prison-violence/

US - Kentucky governor promotes ‘prison-to-work’ program

https://apnews.com/article/prisons-kentucky-government-and-politics-a5166c6c0ed9792847cd7497364d0d9e

Asia

India: Conjugal rights debate puts focus on jail reform

https://www.dw.com/en/india-conjugal-rights-debate-puts-focus-on-jail-reform/a-63671294

Europe

Clearer, kinder and fit for today: Belgium to overhaul Penal Code

https://www.brusselstimes.com/318299/more-humane-clearer-and-modern-belgium-to-overhaul-penal-code

Netherlands - More prison detainees in 2021

https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2022/44/more-prison-detainees-in-2021

Scotland - Bill for new Highland prison rises again to almost £140 million with more delays anticipated

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/bill-for-new-prison-rises-again-to-almost-140-million-292793/

Oceania

Australia - Judge accuses WA government of 'flouting the law' over juveniles detained in adult prison

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-08/judge-accuses-wa-government-of-flouting-law-juveniles-prison/101627652

Australia - New South Wales prisoner assault statistics concern advocates

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-08/nsw-prisoner-assault-statistics-concern-advocates/101624424

 

News 5-7 November

Africa

Kenya - Virtual inmate visitation program unveiled at Nakuru G.K Prisons

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001460031/virtual-inmate-visitation-program-unveiled-at-nakuru-gk-prisons

Americas

Canada - Federal prison service hiring an executive to address soaring rates of Indigenous imprisonment

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-federal-prison-service-hiring-an-executive-to-address-soaring-rates-of/

Canada - More people may join ongoing hunger strike at Sask. women's jail, advocate says

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/hunger-strike-prince-albert-jail-1.6641855

US - Why So Many Jails Are in a ‘State of Complete Meltdown’

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/11/04/why-so-many-jails-are-in-a-state-of-complete-meltdown

Asia

Pakistan - Juvenile Justice Committee set up for first time in Islamabad

https://www.dawn.com/news/1719204/juvenile-justice-committee-set-up-for-first-time-in-islamabad

Philippines - Senate mulls prison system overhaul

https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/07/senate-mulls-prison-system-overhaul/

Philippines - Senate to push for funds to start construction of separate facility for heinous criminals

https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/07/senators-back-proposal-creating-a-super-max-jail-for-high-profile-convicts/

Europe

England and Wales - Iceland hiring ex-prisoners in stores in recruitment drive 'good for society'

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/iceland-hiring-ex-prisoners-stores-28417099

Ireland - Those on probation orders earn 30% less – CSO

https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2022/november/those-on-probation-orders-earn-30-less--cso

Portugal - Prison guards on strike

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2022-11-05/prison-guards-on-strike/71768

Oceania

Australia - NSW reversed decision to allow UN inspection of prisons at last minute, committee told

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/07/nsw-reversed-decision-to-allow-un-inspection-of-prisons-at-last-minute-committee-told

Australia - South-east Qld prison still in lockdown after inmates climb onto roof

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/south-east-qld-prison-in-lockdown-after-inmates-climb-onto-roof-20221106-p5bvzq.html

Australia - Prisoner in intensive care after huge fire, riot tears through Adelaide jail

https://www.9news.com.au/national/prisoner-in-intensive-care-after-jail-riot-and-fire-yesterday/e9084f96-2505-46ea-94c3-8cf26a29b5b8

Australia - Queensland's youth justice system 'in crisis' amid human rights breaches, children's commissioner warns

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-05/qld-commissioner-youth-justice-children-watch-house/101610300

 

News 4 November

More Women Are Being Imprisoned. It’s Not Making the World Safer.

https://www.wola.org/analysis/more-women-imprisoned-not-making-world-safer/

Africa

Ghana - Remove death penalty from Constitution - Lawyer urges

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Remove-death-penalty-from-Constitution-Lawyer-urges-1656416

Effective Mechanisms For Management Of Pre-Trial Detention In Sub-Saharan Africa

https://thenigerialawyer.com/effective-mechanisms-for-management-of-pre-trial-detention-in-sub-saharan-africa/

Americas

Canada - Prison watchdog raises concerns again about conditions at Edmonton Institution

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/police-watchdog-raises-concerns-edmonton-institution-1.6638764

US - Virginia Women’s Prisons Force People to Remove Pads, Tampons During Strip Searches

https://theappeal.org/virginia-prisons-tampons-strip-searches/

Asia

India - NCRB to upgrade prison security

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ncrb-to-upgrade-prison-security/articleshow/95285257.cms

India - Disease burden in jails

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/disease-burden-in-jails-447331

Philippines - BuCor OIC to implement 1-strike policy for jail officials

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/03/22/bucor-oic-to-implement-1-strike-policy-for-jail-officials

Europe

England and Wales - MP calls for change in prison release days to stop gangs picking up ex-inmates

https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/national/23100338.mp-calls-change-prison-release-days-stop-gangs-picking-ex-inmates/

England and Wales - Construction starts on UK’s first all-electric prison

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/construction-starts-on-uk-s-first-all-electric-prison

Oceania

Australia’s prisons to cost $7bn a year by 2030 as number of women incarcerated grows faster than men – study

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/04/australias-prisons-to-cost-7bn-a-year-by-2030-as-number-of-women-incarcerated-grows-faster-than-men-study

Australia (NSW) - Segregations exceeding 24 hours at Juvenile Justice centres on the rise.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-04/juvenile-justice-centre-solitary-confinments-rise-ombudsman/101610380

 

News 3 November

Americas

Canada - Legal group raises concerns about prisoner review system

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-legal-group-raises-concerns-about-prisoner-review-system/

Two dead in gang violence at Ecuador prison after inmate transfers

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/two-dead-gang-violence-ecuador-prison-after-inmate-transfers-2022-11-02/

Promise of voting rights remains distant for those in US jails

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/2/promise-of-voting-rights-remain-distant-for-eligible-us-prisoners

US - Justice Department reports on sexual assaults by federal corrections employees

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/03/1133543089/prison-assault-justice-report

Europe

England and Wales - Model for reintegrating prisoners into the community ‘must be overhauled at the earliest opportunity’

https://www.thejusticegap.com/offender-management-in-custody-model-omic-is-simply-not-working/

England and Wales - 'Worryingly high' levels of violence continue at Werrington youth prison

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/worryingly-high-levels-violence-continue-7776560

Italy - The worst year for prison suicides – Gabriele D’Angelo

https://www.breakinglatest.news/news/the-worst-year-for-prison-suicides-gabriele-dangelo/

Scottish prisons could be plunged into permanent Covid- style lockdowns if they do not get extra funding

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scottish-prisons-could-plunged-permanent-28396374

 

News 2 November

Americas

Antigua - Prison staff called out for failing to support colleagues in protest action

https://antiguaobserver.com/prison-staff-called-out-for-failing-to-support-colleagues-in-protest-action%EF%BF%BC/

Canada’s prison system has changed little for Indigenous Peoples: Report

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/canadas-prison-system-has-changed-little-for-indigenous-peoples-report/

Canada - Courts, government bills are unravelling Harper-era crime laws

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-harper-mandatory-minimum-sentences-criminal-code-1.6637154

Canada - Does N.B. need a new $32-million jail? Province won't release records explaining decision

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fredericton-jail-data-records-1.6636550

US - Sentenced to life for stealing $14: ‘I needed help, but was given jail’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/02/sentenced-to-life-for-stealing-14-i-needed-help-but-was-given-jail

US - Hawaii Corrections By The Numbers: Incarceration Declined In 2020, And So Did Crime Rates

https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/11/hawaii-corrections-by-the-numbers-incarceration-declined-in-2020-and-so-did-crime-rates/

Asia

India - Skill development training to prisoners in AP

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/021122/skill-development-training-to-prisoners-in-ap.html

Voter turnout in Israeli prisons at 80% as polls close

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-721228

Editorial: As Japan changes form of prison sentences, efforts needed to curb recidivism

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221102/p2a/00m/0op/012000c

Philippines - ‘High number of deaths in BuCor’s detention facilities alarming’ – CHR

https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/02/high-number-of-deaths-in-bucorsdetention-facilities-alarming-chr/

Europe

England and Wales - Almost 75,000 defendants awaiting crown court trial, says head of CPS

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/nov/01/almost-75000-crown-court-cases-backlog-cps-max-hill

Scotland - Staff shortages at prison leading to ‘detrimental impact’ on inmates

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/staff-shortages-at-lanarkshire-prison-hmp-shotts-have-detrimental-impact-on-prisoners-report-finds

 

News 1 November

Africa

Kenya - Prisons Urged To Appropriately Rehabilitate Inmates

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2022/10/prisons-urged-to-appropriately-rehabilitate-inmates/

South Africa - Jailing is not always the answer

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/columnists/2022-11-01-sowetan-jailing-is-not-always-the-answer/

Americas

Guyana - Prisoners happy with meals; improved living conditions promised – Prison Service

https://newsroom.gy/2022/10/31/prisoners-happy-with-meals-improved-living-conditions-promised-prison-service/

Inmates Are Pushing Back Against Working In U.S. Prisons

https://www.newsy.com/stories/inmates-are-pushing-back-against-working-in-u-s-prisons/

US - Rikers Island detainee is 18th person to die in NYC’s prison system in 2022

https://nypost.com/2022/10/31/18th-detainee-dies-in-nyc-jail/

Asia

Indonesia - Restorative justice makes criminal law more humane: Deputy Minister

https://en.antaranews.com/news/257909/restorative-justice-makes-criminal-law-more-humane-deputy-minister

Philippines - Gov’t told to stop drug war to help  decongest prisons

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/10/31/484080/govt-told-to-stop-drug-war-to-help-decongest-prisons/

Philippines - CHR: ‘Death penalty inhuman, cruel, degrading, disadvantageous to poor’

https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/01/chr-death-penalty-inhuman-crueldegrading-disadvantageous-to-poor/

Europe

England and Wales - Lancaster Farms prisoners injured in protest over no clean water for nine hours

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23090560.lancaster-farms-prisoners-injured-protest-no-clean-water-nine-hours/

Scotland - Academia, industry and social enterprise join forces to support prison leavers

https://www.strath.ac.uk/whystrathclyde/news/2022/academiaindustryandsocialenterprisejoinforcestosupportprisonleavers/

 

News 29 – 31 October

Africa

Namibia and Botswana agree to exchange prisoners

https://www.namibian.com.na/117377/read/Namibia-and-Botswana-agree-to-exchange-prisoners

Nigeria - Prison decongestion will curb jail breaks – Rights lawyer

https://punchng.com/prison-decongestion-will-curb-jail-breaks-rights-lawyer/

Rwanda - Over 25,000 in jail for drug abuse

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/2183/news/rwanda/over-25000-in-jail-for-drug-abuse

Americas

US - Heavy equipment meets virtual training at Oregon’s only women’s prison

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/10/29/coffee-creek-prison-oregon-job-training-incarcerated-inmates-skills-resources-virtual-reality/

US (Pennsylvania) - Activists Put Solitary Confinement on Ballot, But Local Elections Board Nixed It

https://truthout.org/articles/activists-put-solitary-confinement-on-ballot-but-local-elections-board-nixed-it/

US - Iowa remains the only state without a compassionate release program

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2022-10-31/iowa-remains-the-only-state-without-a-compassionate-release-program

Asia

India - SC decides to examine poll law which deprives under trials, civil prison detainees their right to vote

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-examines-poll-law-which-deprives-under-trials-civil-prison-detainees-their-right-to-vote/article66076670.ece

Pakistan - Around 25 pc prisoners in Lahore, Rawalpindi jails prone to drug addiction: Report

https://theprint.in/world/around-25-pc-prisoners-in-lahore-rawalpindi-jails-prone-to-drug-addiction-report/1188496/

Philippines - BuCor resumes visitation privileges for PDLs in maximum-security jails

https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/30/bucor-resumes-visitation-privilegesfor-pdls-in-maximum-security-jails/

Thailand - New law on chemical castration of sexual offenders gazetted

https://www.nst.com.my/world/region/2022/10/845224/new-law-chemical-castration-sexual-offenders-gazetted

Europe

England and Wales - Remand prisoners ‘missing out on jobs and education’

https://insidetime.org/remand-prisoners-missing-out-on-jobs-and-education/

England and Wales - In Britain, a jail sentence is often a death sentence. What’s going on in our prisons?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/oct/31/britain-jail-sentence-death-sentence-prisons-justice

England and Wales - Inside one of London's oldest prisons that's so overcrowded that inmates share one man cells

https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/inside-one-londons-oldest-prison-25360912

England and Wales - HMP The Verne criticised in Ofsted inspection

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/23085805.hmp-verne-criticised-ofsted-inspection/

Northern Ireland - Prisons in grip of opioid crisis as one in five inmates getting treatment or awaiting help

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/prisons-in-grip-of-opioid-crisis-as-one-in-five-inmates-getting-treatment-or-awaiting-help-42104844.html

Vegan activist takes Switzerland to human rights court over prison diet

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/28/vegan-activist-takes-switzerland-to-human-rights-court-over-prison-diet

Inflation affects Türkiye's unprecedentedly high prison population

https://m.bianet.org/english/human-rights/269188-inflation-affects-turkiye-s-unprecedentedly-high-prison-population

Oceania

Growing prison populations in Australia are costing $4.2bn a year despite falling crime rates, Labor says

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/31/growing-prison-populations-in-australia-are-costing-42bn-a-year-despite-falling-rates-labor-says

New Zealand - Whanganui prison to resume face-to-face visits after none for nine months

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/whanganui-prison-to-resume-face-to-face-visits-after-none-for-nine-months/YZ6UBBZZGECXBDEEIXI7I2IX34/

New Zealand - Corrections losing staff faster than it can hire them

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300726819/corrections-losing-staff-faster-than-it-can-hire-them

 

News 28 October

Americas

US - Why is solitary confinement increasing in federal prisons? New chief wants to know

https://news.yahoo.com/why-solitary-confinement-increasing-u-213232867.html

US - Colorado prisons’ restraint techniques amount to “torture” and need reform, lawmaker says

https://www.denverpost.com/2022/10/27/colorado-prisons-restraint-legislation/

US - Vermont still housing juveniles in adult prisons

https://www.vnews.com/juvenile-detention-in-adult-prisons-in-vermont-48586596

Asia

India - Psychological test of death row convicts is essential, says Supreme Court

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-says-psychological-evaluation-of-death-penalty-convicts-is-essential-before-hearing-their-appeals/article66062046.ece?homepage=true

Europe

England and Wales - Number of prisoners yet to be found guilty of a crime hits 50-year high

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/number-of-prisoners-yet-to-be-found-guilty-of-a-crime-hits-50-year-high-162717908.html

England and Wales - Safety in Custody Statistics, England and Wales: Deaths in Prison Custody to September 2022 Assaults and Self-harm to June 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-june-2022/safety-in-custody-statistics-england-and-wales-deaths-in-prison-custody-to-september-2022-assaults-and-self-harm-to-june-2022

Government seeks urgent contract to keep prisoners in Spain warm and fed this winter

https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/warm-prisons-gas-prices-20221028100807-nt.html

Switzerland - Report takes issue with treatment of long-term incarcerated

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/report-raises-issue-with-treatment-of-long-term-incarcerated/48011398

Oceania

New Zealand - Corrections spend $4m on TV ad amid desperate staffing shortages

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/28/corrections-spend-4m-on-tv-ad-amid-desperate-staffing-shortages/

 

News 27 October

Africa

Experts seek medical intervention for elderly prison inmates in Nigeria

https://guardian.ng/news/experts-seek-medical-intervention-for-elderly-prison-inmates-in-nigeria/

Americas

US - How Mass Incarceration Shapes Our Elections

https://www.vera.org/news/how-mass-incarceration-shapes-our-elections

US - Prison reform is on the midterm ballot

https://news.yahoo.com/prison-reform-midterm-ballot-095809483.html

US - Physical Mail Was My Lifeline to the Outside World — and Now It’s Gone

https://truthout.org/articles/physical-mail-was-my-lifeline-to-the-outside-world-and-now-its-gone/

US (Hawaii) - Judge: Prison Officials Must Release Names Of Inmates Who Die In Custody

https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/10/judge-prison-officials-must-release-names-of-inmates-who-die-in-custody/

Asia

India - When courts enter prisons

https://theleaflet.in/when-courts-enter-prisons/

Thailand - Health checkups for inmates as mobile unit visits Phuket prison

https://www.thephuketnews.com/health-checkups-for-inmates-as-mobile-unit-visits-phuket-prison-86024.php

 

News 26 October

Americas

A made-in-Canada solution to help Indigenous people in prisons

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/podcasts/the-decibel/article-a-made-in-canada-solution-to-help-indigenous-people-in-prisons/

Gang control of Ecuador's prisons leave inmates' families terrified

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/gang-control-ecuadors-prisons-leave-inmates-families-terrified-2022-10-25/

In the U.S., some 4.6 million people are disenfranchised due to a felony conviction

https://www.ktoo.org/2022/10/25/felon-voting-state-laws-disenfranchisement-rates/

US - Missouri Department of Corrections sees 25% increase in prisoner deaths this year

https://www.corrections1.com/in-custody-death/articles/missouri-department-of-corrections-sees-25-increase-in-prisoner-deaths-this-year-MS8ih4iA3wI2TTHS/

Asia

Prisons Dept: Malaysia looking to slash prison occupancy by two-thirds over next eight years

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/10/26/prisons-dept-malaysia-looking-to-slash-prison-occupancy-by-two-thirds-over-next-eight-years/35639

Pakistan: Court orders action against IG Prisons over inhuman treatment of inmates

https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-court-orders-action-against-ig-prisons-over-inhuman-treatment-of-inmates-1.91502482

Europe

Belgium - Ongoing 48-hour strike among staff at Saint-Gilles Prison

https://www.brusselstimes.com/312195/ongoing-48-hour-strike-among-staff-at-saint-gilles-prison

Scotland - Criminal justice groups warn of drastic cuts under spending plans

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63391666

Oceania

Australia - Clarence Correctional Centre prisoners face lockdown as officers strike for second time in four weeks

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-26/clarence-correctional-centre-grafton-nsw-prison-officers-strike/101578324

 

News 25 October

Americas

One inmate dies in yet another prison riot in Ecuador

https://en.mercopress.com/2022/10/25/one-inmate-dies-in-yet-another-prison-riot-in-ecuador

Prison deaths mount in El Salvador's gang crackdown

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/prison-deaths-mount-el-salvadors-gang-crackdown-91998640

New US prisons chief pledges truth, reform for ailing system

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-bureau-of-prisons-justice-department-washington-jeffrey-epstein-b2209708.html

US (New York) - Rikers Island Sees 17th Prisoner Death This Year

https://reason.com/2022/10/24/rikers-island-sees-17th-prisoner-death-this-year/

Asia

Death row prisoners launch legal challenge to Japan’s no-notice executions

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2022-10/death-row-prisoners-launch-legal-challenge-no-notice-executions.html

Malaysia and the Politics Behind the Death Penalty: A Tumultuous Relationship.

https://worldcoalition.org/2022/10/24/malaysia-and-the-politics-behind-the-death-penalty-a-tumultuous-relationship/

Philippines - 3 to 5 inmates die in BuCor prisons each day, says spox

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/24/22/bucor-3-to-5-inmates-die-in-prisons-each-day

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Over-ambitious’ HMPPS electronic tagging plan ‘threw away’ £100m

https://www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/article/high-risk-overambitious-prison-and-probation-service-plan-threw-away-100m

England and Wales - Racism ‘overlooked and ignored’ among UK prison deaths, says new report

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/racism-overlooked-ignored-among-uk-prison-deaths/

England and Wales - HMP The Verne inmates need more purposeful activity, report says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-63378713

Oceania

U.N. torture prevention team suspends visit to Australia over prison dispute

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2022/10/24/un-torture-prevention-team-suspends-visit-australia-prison-dispute/9631666616439/

Australia - WA prisoners in 'inhumane' conditions as mental health hospital Franklin Centre's waitlist grows

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-25/frankland-centre-full-mentally-unwell-prisoners-/101563292

 

News 22 – 24 October

Americas

USAID Launches Programme to Improve Youth Justice Systems in Eastern Caribbean

https://thevoiceslu.com/2022/10/usaid-launches-programme-to-improve-youth-justice-systems-in-eastern-caribbean/

Canada - '20 minutes a day': advocates say B.C. prison COVID-19 lockdown goes too far

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2022/10/22/bc-prison-covid-lockdown/

US - Compassionate Release Program Underused as Prison Populations Age: Study

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/10/21/compassionate-release-program-underused-as-prison-populations-age-study/

Asia

India - 448 Prisoners Released In A Day: How Chhattisgarh Is Decongesting Its Jails

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jail-lok-adalat-448-prisoners-released-in-a-day-how-chhattisgarh-is-decongesting-its-jails-3452558

Myanmar junta bans prison visits after parcel bomb attack

https://www.laprensalatina.com/myanmar-junta-bans-prison-visits-after-parcel-bomb-attack/

Pakistan - Court hearings go virtual on trial basis

https://www.dawn.com/news/1716195

Sri Lanka - New prison rules raise alarms

https://www.newsfirst.lk/2022/10/23/new-prison-rules-raise-alarms/

Europe

England and Wales - Prison’s ‘chronic’ problems are exposed in latest report

https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/prisons-chronic-problems-are-exposed-in-latest-report

Ireland - McEntee confirms that prisoners on release are not being tagged due to cost

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40989929.html

Sweden's new right-leaning government to look at outsourcing prisoners to other countries

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/swedens-leaning-government-look-outsourcing-144516281.html

Turkey - Silivri Prison inmates complain of ill-treatment, poor prison conditions, says parliamentary committee report

https://stockholmcf.org/silivri-prison-inmates-complain-of-ill-treatment-poor-prison-conditions-says-parliamentary-committee-report/

Oceania

Failure to allow full UN prison inspections risks Australia’s international standing, experts say

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/24/failure-to-allow-full-un-prison-inspections-risks-australias-international-standing-experts-say

Australia - Judge issues WA government contempt of court warning over children detained in adult prison

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-21/judge-warns-wa-government-over-housing-children-at-casuarina/101564162

 

News 21 October

Americas

Canada - Mandatory minimum penalties harm the justice system

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-mandatory-minimum-penalties-harm-the-justice-system/

Abortion bans create ‘insurmountable barriers’ for incarcerated women in US

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/21/us-abortion-bans-insurmountable-barriers-incarcerated-women

US - Louisiana begins moving child inmates to notorious Angola prison’s former death row unit

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/louisiana-angola-prison-youth-death-row-b2207251.html

Asia

Punjab: Hundreds enjoy new conjugal visit rooms in India jails

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-63327632

Europe

England and Wales - Government ‘throws away’ £100m in failing tagging scheme

https://www.thejusticegap.com/government-throws-away-100m-in-failing-tagging-scheme/

England and Wales - Devon prison makes 'encouraging progress', say inspectors

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-63341603

Oceania

Australia - Malcolm Turnbull warns NSW and Queensland of ‘company they’re keeping’ by blocking UN prison inspectors

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/21/malcolm-turnbull-warns-nsw-and-queensland-of-company-theyre-keeping-by-blocking-un-prison-inspectors

 

News 20 October

Americas

Canada - Almost 100 inmates in B.C. prison diagnosed with COVID-19

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/almost-100-inmates-in-mission-b-c-prison-diagnosed-with-covid-19-1.6622703

Canada - Inmates on hunger strike at women's jail in Sask. as concerns raised about conditions

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/pine-grove-correctional-concerns-1.6622343

New data tool details thousands of corporations profiting from U.S. prison industry: report

https://english.news.cn/20221020/ac5aa74036ea4fd887e8cc62ca167161/c.html

US - Restoring voting rights to those trapped by the carceral system goes beyond successful legislation

https://prismreports.org/2022/10/19/restoring-voting-rights/

US (Pennsylvania) - Jail officials across Pa. sound alarm as mental health crisis puts people at risk, survey finds

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/10/pennsylvania-county-jail-mental-health-survey/

Asia

Saudi Arabia: Rights group warns kingdom still issuing death sentences for children

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-arabia-minors-death-sentences-rights-group

Europe

England and Wales - Devolution ‘necessary step’ towards better Welsh criminal justice system, academics argue

https://www.miragenews.com/devolution-necessary-step-towards-better-welsh-878058/

Oceania

Australia - NSW using prisoners as political pawns, critics say, after state refuses to let UN inspectors into detention facility

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/20/nsw-turns-visiting-un-inspectors-away-from-queanbeyan-detention-facility

 

News 19 October

Asia

India - Special living quarters for VIP Arthur Road Jail inmates soon

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/special-living-quarters-for-vip-arthur-road-jail-inmates-soon-101666120135279.html

Explosions at Myanmar main prison kill eight -media

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/explosions-myanmar-main-prison-kill-eight-media-2022-10-19/

Europe

Bulgaria: CoE prison report finds violence, health issues and staff shortages

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/bulgaria-coe-prison-report-finds-violence-health-issues-and-staff-shortages

England and Wales - HMP Pentonville living conditions and overcrowding worsen

https://www.thejusticegap.com/hmp-pentonville-living-conditions-and-overcrowding-worsen/

England and Wales - New report uncovers ‘institutional racism’ in the justice system

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/new-report-uncovers-institutional-racism-in-the-justice-system/

Oceania

Australia - NSW denies prison access for UN delegation

https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/7948856/nsw-denies-prison-access-for-un-delegation/

Let the UN’s light of scrutiny shine on Australia’s prisons and detention regimes

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2022/oct/19/let-the-uns-light-of-scrutiny-shine-on-australias-prisons-and-detention-regimes

 

News 18 October

Africa

Liberia: Prison Fellowship Liberia Sponsors 1,500 Children in School

https://allafrica.com/stories/202210170469.html

Americas

Antigua - Prison officers take to the streets to demand better working conditions

https://antiguaobserver.com/prison-officers-take-to-the-streets-to-demand-better-working-conditions/

British Virgin Islands - HM Prison to now get CCTV surveillance

https://bvinews.com/hm-prison-to-now-get-cctv-surveillance/

US - Inmate strike inside Alabama prisons comes to end

https://www.wsfa.com/2022/10/17/inmate-strike-inside-alabama-prisons-comes-end/

Asia

Philippines - DOJ aims to set up regional prison facilities ‘to humanize prison system’

https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/18/doj-aims-to-set-up-regional-prisonfacilities-to-humanize-prison-system/

Europe

England and Wales - Winchester prison faces damning report revealing persistent violence and 'vermin-infested' buildings

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/winchester-prison-faces-damning-report-revealing-persistent-violence-and-vermin-infested-buildings-3883091

En suites, yoga and pastel shades: radical women’s prison to open in Scotland

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/17/en-suites-yoga-and-pastel-shades-radical-womens-prison-to-open-in-scotland

Scotland - Court backlog has reduced by 10000 since the start of the year

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/about-the-scottish-court-service/scs-news/2022/10/18/court-backlog-has-reduced-by-10000-since-the-start-of-the-year

Oceania

Australia - COVID-19 isolation policy sees girls in Alice Springs juvenile detention centre moved into boys' area

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-18/alice-springs-juvenile-girls-moved-in-with-boys-covid/101543316

 

News 12-17 October

Africa

South Africa - Overcrowding and suicides a concern in SA prisons

https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/overcrowding-and-suicides-a-concern-in-sa-prisons-4e9199d6-20eb-415e-b958-ff74d73c1bb6

Americas

Concerns grow as cholera spreads through Haiti's prisons

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/haiti-ap-health-portauprince-puerto-rico-b2200710.html

US - Costs of incarceration rise as inflation squeezes inmates, families

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/10/17/costs-of-incarceration-rise-as-inflation-squeezes-inmates-families/

Asia

Cambodia - Prisoners are being marked for parole

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501169388/prisoners-are-being-marked-for-parole/

Iran prison fire death toll rises to 8 inmates killed

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-prison-fire-death-toll-rises-to-8-inmates-killed-177754

Malaysia - Two-thirds of prisoners to undergo community rehab by 2030

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/10/11/two-thirds-of-prisoners-to-undergo-community-rehab-by-2030/

Pakistan - Inmates in overcrowded jails suffer ‘torture’

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2381682/inmates-in-overcrowded-jails-suffer-torture

Europe

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, September 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-september-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-september-2022

England and Wales - Black deaths in UK prisons are among most violent and neglectful, damning report finds

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/black-prison-deaths-violent-b2201312.html

England and Wales - Foreign detainees being held in jail despite completing their sentences, UK prison watchdog says

https://news.sky.com/story/foreign-detainees-being-held-in-jail-despite-completing-their-sentences-uk-prison-watchdog-says-12719128

England and Wales - Backlog of criminal cases in Crown Courts reaches record high after strike

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/backlog-criminal-court-cases-record-high-barristers-strike-b1032382.html

Ireland - How prisoners help each other with mental health issues

https://www.newstalk.com/news/how-prisoners-help-each-other-with-mental-health-issues-1391940

Italy - Prisoner kills self in Florence, 68th jail suicide this year

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2022/10/14/prisoner-kills-self-in-florence-68th-jail-suicide-this-year_95e9ff2c-ae29-474a-8291-0e77fd93e49f.html

Northern Ireland - Long opens new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison

https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/news/long-opens-new-staff-wellbeing-hub-maghaberry-prison

 

News 11 October

Africa

SPECIAL REPORT: Criminalisation of petty offences in Nigeria violates the poor

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/558840-special-report-criminalisation-of-petty-offences-in-nigeria-violates-the-poor.html

80 Zimbabweans on death row; NGO urges Govt to abolish death penalty

https://www.newzimbabwe.com/80-zimbos-on-death-row-breach-of-life-free-from-torture-and-degrading-treatment-says-ngo/

Americas

US - Prisoners in Alabama keep dying as inmates go on statewide labour strike

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/alabama-prison-strike-death-protest-b2199788.html

US (Colorado) - Inside the nation's first and only statewide prison radio station where inmates use conversation to "become better people"

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inside-wire-prison-radio-station/

Asia

Prison Riot In Northern Iran In Kills Several Inmates

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202210107513

Malaysia - Prisons Dept targets more inmates to undergo community rehab to prevent overcrowding

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/11/prisons-dept-targets-more-inmates-to-undergo-community-rehab-to-prevent-overcrowding

Philippines - Rights group calls for mass pardon for low-level offenders 

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/10/10/479660/rights-group-calls-for-mass-pardon-for-low-level-offenders/

Europe

England and Wales - Backlog of nearly 60,000 court cases won’t be resolved quickly despite end of strike action, barristers warn

https://inews.co.uk/news/backlog-of-nearly-60000-court-cases-wont-be-resolved-quickly-despite-end-of-strike-action-barristers-warn-1903597

Oceania

Australia - ‘Barbaric’ practices still used in Victorian prisons, human rights advocates say

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/11/barbaric-practices-still-an-issue-in-victorian-prisons-human-rights-advocates-say

 

News 8 – 10 October

Africa

Aregbesola wants 30% of Nigeria’s prison inmates released

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/558645-aregbesola-wants-30-of-nigerias-prison-inmates-released.html

Americas

British Virgin Islands - HMP neglected for years! Security very poor, prison review finds

https://bvinews.com/hmp-neglected-for-years-security-very-poor-prison-review-finds/

Cayman Islands - Problems persist for vulnerable prisoners

https://caymannewsservice.com/2022/10/problems-persist-for-vulnerable-prisoners/

US - ‘It just doesn’t let up’: Alabama state prisons rife with violence, inmates say

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/07/alabama-state-prisons-violence-strike-investigation

Asia

Bangladesh - Only four physicians for around 83,000 inmates

https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/2sw4r2cj3f

India - Mumbai: Only one psychiatrist for over 42,000 prisoners in state

https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-only-one-psychiatrist-for-over-42000-prisoners-in-state-23249602

Indonesia mulls introduction of a ‘probationary’ death penalty

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/10/indonesia-considers-plans-for-a-probationary-death-penalty

Pakistan - Early resolution of overcrowding in jails urged

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/998118-early-resolution-of-overcrowding-in-jails-urged

Europe

England and Wales - Criminal barristers vote to end strike over pay

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63198892

England and Wales - RAF prison plans a 'gross misallocation of taxpayers’ money'

https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/23033073.raf-prison-plans-gross-misallocation-taxpayers-money/

England and Wales - Prisoners at HMP Spring Hill near Aylesbury living in 'unfit for purpose' accommodation

https://www.buckinghamshirelive.com/news/buckinghamshire-news/prisoners-hmp-spring-hill-near-7666840

Türkiye plans removing ‘no jail’ rule for offenders

https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkiye-plans-removing-no-jail-rule-for-offenders/news

Oceania

Australia - ‘Dying is normal in this jail’: teenager held in Port Phillip prison for four months

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/09/dying-is-normal-in-this-jail-teenager-held-in-port-phillip-prison-for-four-months

Australia - NSW Serco staff strike at largest prison

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7935349/nsw-serco-staff-strike-at-largest-prison/

New Zealand - Prison visitors ban 'unconscionable' - advocacy group

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476421/prison-visitors-ban-unconscionable-advocacy-group

 

News 7 October

Africa

South Africa - Prison group fights to have cellphones in jails but authorities give reasons why they are considered contraband

https://www.iol.co.za/news/prison-group-fights-to-have-cellphones-in-jails-but-authorities-give-reasons-why-they-are-considered-contraband-8ca151f2-a6af-42d9-8bda-2f8fb131aae0

Americas

Ecuador: UN torture prevention body remains seriously concerned by prison crisis after second visit

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/10/ecuador-un-torture-prevention-body-remains-seriously-concerned-prison-crisis

US - Biden pardons thousands with federal convictions of simple marijuana possession

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/06/biden-marijuana-pardon-possession-decriminalization

US - Survey: Crime Victims Want More Help, Less Punitive Justice 

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/10/06/survey-crime-victims-want-more-help-less-punitive-justice/

US - The Stunning Neglect and Racist Politics Behind Alabama’s Prison Strike

https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-stunning-neglect-and-racist-politics-behind-alabamas-prison-strike

US - Two inmates killed at California state prisons within 24 hours, officials say

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-06/two-inmates-killed-at-california-state-prisons-within-24-hours-officials-say

Asia

Philippines eyes release of 5,000 inmates by 2023

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/10/06/479149/philippines-eyes-release-of-5000-inmates-by-2023/

Singapore hangs 11th prisoner of year: NGO

https://www.laprensalatina.com/singapore-hangs-11th-prisoner-of-year-ngo/

Europe

England and Wales - Plan to further expand new prison under construction

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84gwk9nln3o

England and Wales - Young defendants pressured to plead guilty in 20 minutes

https://www.thejusticegap.com/young-defendants-pressured-to-plead-guilty-in-20-minutes/

Oceania

Australia - ‘It’s getting results’: New rapid-build prison having impact on inmates’ behaviour

https://www.2gb.com/its-getting-results-new-rapid-build-prison-having-impact-on-inmates-behaviour/

New Zealand - Lawyers trying to prepare for trials locked out of Rimutaka prison due to staff shortages 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/130051990/lawyers-trying-to-prepare-for-trials-locked-out-of-rimutaka-prison-due-to-staff-shortages

 

News 6 October

Americas

Latest Ecuador prison riot leaves at least 11 injured

https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/latest-ecuador-prison-riot-leaves-at-least-11-injured-100780526/

Asia

India - Are women prison inmates entitled to special provisions?

https://sabrangindia.in/article/are-women-prison-inmates-entitled-special-provisions

Malaysia - 7 bills tabled for abolition of mandatory death penalty

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2022/10/06/7-bills-tabled-for-abolition-of-mandatory-death-penalty

Europe

CoE Report: Pandemic Worsened Backlog in Balkan Courts

https://balkaninsight.com/2022/10/05/coe-report-pandemic-worsened-backlog-in-balkan-courts/

Cyprus - Prison guards call off strike but reject government offer

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/10/05/prison-guards-call-off-strike-after-deal-reached/

England and Wales - Prison educators vote to strike across England over low pay

https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/12550/Prison-educators-vote-to-strike-across-England-over-low-pay

England and Wales - Record levels of violent and sex crime cases in courts backlog for over a year

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2022/10/05/record-levels-of-violent-and-sex-crime-cases-in-courts-backlog-for-over-a-year/

 

News 5 October

Africa

4 deaths, 30 cases of medical negligence in Egypt prisons, rights group says

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221004-4-deaths-30-cases-of-medical-negligence-in-egypt-prisons-rights-group-says/

Americas

Argentina - Human development workshops in Buenos Aires prisons

https://www.pressenza.com/2022/10/human-development-workshops-in-buenos-aires-prisons/

New clashes break out in Ecuador prison after deadly riot

https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20221005-new-clashes-break-out-in-ecuador-prison-after-deadly-riot

El Salvador: Rising Prison Inmate Numbers Threaten Humanitarian Crisis- NGO

https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/el-salvador-rising-prison-inmate-numbers-threaten-humanitarian-crisis-ngo/

Europe

England and Wales - Swaleside prison in Sheppey 'buckling' from staffing crisis, warn inspectors

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/ministry-of-justice-blasted-for-staffing-crisis-274600/

Oceania

Government pledges full review of Western Australia's struggling juvenile justice system

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-05/wa-government-to-review-juvenile-justice-system/101500118

New Zealand - Staffing Shortages Compromising Prison Safety

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2210/S00023/staffing-shortages-compromising-prison-safety.htm

 

News 4 October

Americas

Canada - B.C. expanding post-prison support services to all 10 correctional facilities

https://www.barrierestarjournal.com/news/b-c-expanding-post-prison-support-services-to-all-10-correctional-facilities/

At least 15 killed in latest Ecuadorean prison violence

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/least-15-killed-latest-ecuadorean-prison-violence-2022-10-04/

US - Why Keeping Kids Out of Jail Makes Us Safer

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/10/03/why-keeping-kids-out-of-jail-makes-us-safer/

US (Tennessee) - Prison reform advocate settles solitary confinement suit

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ap-nashville-corecivic-b2192438.html

US (Iowa) - Panel rejects $1-million payouts to inmates given vaccine overdoses

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-10-03/panel-rejects-1m-payouts-to-inmates-given-vaccine-overdoses

Europe

England and Wales - Campaigners fight plans for £300m HMP Gartree 'super jail' ahead of inquiry

https://www.itv.com/news/central/2022-10-03/campaigners-fight-against-300m-super-jail-plans-ahead-of-inquiry

England and Wales - Prisoners start as apprentices at big name employers

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prisoners-start-as-apprentices-at-big-name-employers

Letters point to an extreme abuse of prisoners rights in Turkish jails

https://medyanews.net/letters-point-to-an-extreme-abuse-of-prisoners-rights-in-turkish-jails/

Oceania

New Zealand - Human Rights Commission blasts Corrections over face-to-face visits

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/04/exclusive-human-rights-commission-blasts-corrections-over-face-to-face-visits/

 

News 1-3 October

Americas

US - What’s Prison For? Concise diagnosis of a huge American problem

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/sep/30/whats-prison-for-review-bill-keller-marshall-project

US - They’re in federal prison, and they’re done staying quiet

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/01/federal-prisoners-speak-out-report/

US - Biden pledged to end solitary confinement. Federal prisons are increasing its use.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/biden-pledged-end-solitary-confinement-federal-prisons-are-increasing-rcna49980

US - What an Alabama Prisoners’ Strike Tells Us About Prison Labor

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/10/01/what-an-alabama-prisoners-strike-tells-us-about-prison-labor

US - How Hawaii brought its population of girls in prison to zero

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/hawaii-brought-population-girls-prison-zero-rcna41532

US - Calls from California prisons will be free under new law signed by Newsom

https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Calls-from-California-prisons-will-be-free-under-17478700.php

US - ‘State of despair.’ Inmate suicides approach historic high in North Carolina prisons.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article266543526.html

Europe

Cyprus - Prison guards continue pay protests for 12th day

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/09/30/prison-guards-continue-pay-protests-for-12th-day/

England and Wales - Prison education: Ministers to tackle ‘disastrously overlooked’ issue of prisoners with SEND

https://feweek.co.uk/prison-education-ministers-to-tackle-disastrously-overlooked-issue-of-prisoners-with-send/

England and Wales - Violence at Peterborough prison down year-on-year but self-harm rising among women, annual report reveals

https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/crime/violence-at-peterborough-prison-down-year-on-year-but-self-harm-rising-among-women-annual-report-reveals-3864118

Ireland - ‘Health-led’ approach for drug-users in prison system

https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2022/september/health-led-approach-for-drug-users-in-prison-system

Northern Ireland - Justice Minister launches consultation on minimum age of criminal responsibility

https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2022-10-03/long-launches-consultation-on-minimum-age-of-criminal-responsibility

Oceania

Australia - The time to end mass imprisonment in Victoria is now

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-time-to-end-mass-imprisonment-in-victoria-is-now-20221002-p5bmiz.html

 

News 30 September

Africa

Gambia: Hon. Ceesay - Gambia´s Prison Cells Do Not Meet Human Rights Standard

https://allafrica.com/stories/202209290441.html

Libya's Mufti denounces dire conditions in prisons across country

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libyas-mufti-denounces-dire-conditions-prisons-across-country

Americas

At least 12 Haiti prisoners dead for lack of food, medicine, official says

https://www.reuters.com/world/least-12-haiti-prisoners-dead-lack-food-medicine-official-says-2022-09-29/

US – Opinion: Thousands were released from prison during covid. The results are shocking.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/29/prison-release-covid-pandemic-incarceration/

Federal prisons ‘riddled with mismanagement’ probed by U.S. Senate panel

https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/09/30/federal-prisons-riddled-with-mismanagement-probed-by-u-s-senate-panel/

US - Alabama prisons reduce meals, nix visits amid inmate strike

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/alabama-ap-montgomery-department-of-justice-kay-ivey-b2179060.html

US - Gov. Newsom vetoes bill to end indefinite solitary confinement in California, citing safety concerns

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-29/gavin-newsom-vetoes-bill-to-limit-indefinite-solitary-confinement-in-california

US - New Images Reveal Shocking Conditions in New York’s Rikers Island Jail

https://www.democracynow.org/2022/9/29/headlines/new_images_reveal_shocking_conditions_in_new_yorks_rikers_island_jail

Europe

England and Wales - Prison inspectors concerned over 'high levels' of self harm in HMP Nottingham

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/prison-inspectors-concerned-over-high-7646075

Netherlands - Cabinet wants to up the use of ankle bracelets and community service

https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2022/09/cabinet-wants-to-up-the-use-of-ankle-bracelets-and-community-service/

Northern Ireland - ‘Let’s keep option of remote courts after pandemic’, say lawyers

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/best-law-firms/lets-keep-option-of-remote-courts-after-pandemic-say-lawyers-42024048.html

Scotland - New Glasgow prison for women with 'no bars or fences' due to open next month

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/new-glasgow-prison-women-no-25140608

Turkey - Inmates in Çorum’s minimum security prison not allowed to take university courses despite regulations

https://stockholmcf.org/inmates-in-corums-minimum-security-prison-not-allowed-to-take-university-courses-despite-regulations/

Oceania

Australia - NSW Serco prison officers walk off the job

https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7924215/nsw-serco-prison-officers-walk-off-the-job/

Australia - Inside a women’s prison: ‘I’ve seen things no human should ever have to see’

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/inside-a-women-s-prison-i-ve-seen-things-no-human-should-ever-have-to-see-20220927-p5blej.html

 

News 29 September

Americas

'I have to keep fighting': Mexicans wait for years behind bars for a trial

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/i-have-keep-fighting-mexicans-wait-years-behind-bars-trial-2022-09-28/

US - Inmate strike spreads to all major Alabama prisons

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/09/29/qsmx-s29.html

Asia

Philippines - BuCor’s 37,000 PDLs get Covid booster shots

https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/29/bucors-37000-pdls-get-covid-booster-shots/

Europe

Leeds prison still has ongoing issues of self-harm and overcrowding despite improvements, inspection finds

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/leeds-prison-still-has-ongoing-issues-of-self-harm-and-overcrowding-despite-improvements-inspection-finds-3860414

Scotland prisons: Statistics reveal suicide death rate

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/22788767.scotland-prisons-statistics-reveal-suicide-death-rate/

Oceania

New Zealand - Prisoner numbers are down: let’s not go back to a ‘lock ’em up’ mindset

https://thespinoff.co.nz/opinion/29-09-2022/prisoner-numbers-are-down-lets-not-go-back-to-a-lock-em-up-mindset

 

News 28 September

Americas

Brazil's prisons generate income, say pastoral workers

https://www.ucanews.com/news/brazils-prisons-generate-income-say-pastoral-workers/98911

Nearly 20 prisoners escape from a prison in southern Peru

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/nearly-20-prisoners-escape-from-a-prison-in-southern-peru/ar-AA12k9fq?ocid=EMMX

US - ‘Slavery by any name is wrong’: the push to end unpaid labor in prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/27/slavery-loophole-unpaid-labor-in-prisons

US - I spent years in solitary confinement. End this horrific mistreatment of people in prison.

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2022/09/27/solitary-confinement-isolating-me-prison-didnt-make-anyone-safer/10101016002/

US - California Private Prison Ban Ruled Unconstitutional in Federal Court

https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/california-private-prison-ban-ruled-unconstitutional-in-federal-court/

US (California) - Prisoners Forced to Work for Showers Are Now Being Punished for Taking Them

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/water-restrictions-drought-california-prisons/

US - Alabama prisoners refusing to work in 2nd day of protest

https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Alabama-prisoners-refusing-to-work-in-2nd-day-of-17471298.php

Asia

Lebanon: Drama therapist helps inmates with mental illnesses while pushing for reform

https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/lebanon-drama-therapist-plight-forgotten-prisoners-mental-illness

UAE: Police launch social club for prison inmates with library, classrooms, computers

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-police-launch-social-club-for-prison-inmates-with-library-classrooms-computers

Europe

England and Wales - Government change legislation to allow prisoners to take up apprenticeships following Committee recommendation

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/203/education-committee/news/173286/government-change-legislation-to-allow-prisoners-to-take-up-apprenticeships-following-committee-recommendation/

England and Wales - Call to re-sentence 3,000 prisoners trapped under indefinite jail terms

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/28/call-to-resentence-3000-prisoners-trapped-under-indefinite-jail-terms

Oceania

Australia - Drug traffickers to face possibility of life in prison after loophole in SA drug laws closed

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-28/drug-traffickers-face-harsher-penalties-under-new-legislation/101482474

 

News 27 September

Americas

More than a hundred inmates escape from a Haitian prison

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/more-than-a-hundred-inmates-escape-from-a-haitian-prison/ar-AA12hA8L

US - Prison Staff Shortages Take Toll on Guards, Incarcerated People

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2022/09/26/prison-staff-shortages-take-toll-on-guards-incarcerated-people

US - Report: Black Americans more likely to be wrongfully convicted

https://www.axios.com/2022/09/27/black-americans-wrongly-convicted-jail-prison

Dementia in Prison Is Turning into an Epidemic: The U.S. Penal System Is Badly Unprepared

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dementia-in-prison-is-turning-into-an-epidemic-the-u-s-penal-system-is-badly-unprepared/

US - Alabama prison system reports work stoppage after group calls for inmate strike

https://www.al.com/news/2022/09/alabama-prison-system-reports-work-stoppage-after-group-calls-for-inmate-strike.html

US - Judge approves ‘untenable’ plan to house child inmates in Louisiana’s notorious Angola prison death row wing

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/angola-prison-child-inmates-judge-louisiana-b2175737.html

US - ‘Mandela’ bill would limit solitary confinement in California prisons and jails

https://www.thereporter.com/2022/09/26/mandela-bill-would-limit-solitary-confinement-in-california-prisons-and-jails/

Asia

India - Meet The Psychiatrist Who Works Inside South Asia’s Largest Prison Complex

https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjkwbx/psychiatrist-mental-health-expert-at-tihar-jail-delhi-india-crime

Europe

England and Wales - Foston Hall: Report finds women's prison most violent in England

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-63038697

Latvia: Project seeks to help imprisoned women lead a better life

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-09/latvia-riga-women-prison-improve-life-bonifatiuswerk.html

Increasing number of inmates filing complaints of right violations in Turkish prisons, says TIHEK report

https://stockholmcf.org/increasing-number-of-inmates-filing-complaints-of-right-violations-in-turkish-prisons-says-tihek-report/

 

News 24 – 26 September

Africa

Nigeria - Prison Congestion: Metuh’s Foundation rallies NASS, NBA, others to stem awaiting trial debacle

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/prison-congestion-metuhs-foundation-rallies-nass-nba-others-to-stem-awaiting-trial-debacle/

Asia

India - E-Mulakat to ease meeting with prisoners

https://punemirror.com/pune/cover-story/E-Mulakat-to-ease-meeting-with-prisoners/cid8604986.htm

India - Justice delayed: Over 1 lakh cases in lower courts more than 30 years old

https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/justice-delayed-cases-lower-courts-more-than-30-years-old-2004422-2022-09-25

Guilty until innocent: It’s time India got bail reforms

https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/guilty-innocent-time-india-got-bail-reforms

Pakistan - Efforts underway to transform prisons into rehabilitation centers

https://pakobserver.net/efforts-underway-to-transform-prisons-into-rehabilitation-centers/

Dozens of Vietnamese lawyers sign petition to abolish prisoners’ foot shackles

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/foot-shackles-09262022011913.html

Europe

Cyprus - Prolonged prison guards strike causing security concerns at central prison

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/news/local/central-prisons-close-to-the-edge-170-prison-guards-on-strike/

England and Wales - Why prisoners are spending more time in their cells

https://www.economist.com/britain/2022/09/22/why-prisoners-are-spending-more-time-in-their-cells

England and Wales - Urgent call for review into sentencing pregnant women due to health risks

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/24/urgent-call-for-review-into-sentencing-pregnant-women-due-to-health-risks

Ireland – Four life sentence prisoners have been in jail for over 40 years

https://www.newstalk.com/news/four-life-sentence-prisoners-have-been-in-jail-for-over-40-years-1386214

Scotland - Trial scheme launched to increase victim confidence in justice system

https://www.thenational.scot/news/22572846.trial-scheme-launched-increase-victim-confidence-justice-system/

Oceania

Australia - ‘Institutionalised’ inmate helped spark Parklea prison riot

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/breaking-news/institutionalised-inmate-helped-spark-prison-riot/news-story/4f283ef5dcf82b043ddbefb59dd97992

 

News 23 September

Americas

Barbados - Prison on mission to boost food security

https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/09/22/prison-on-mission-to-boost-food-security/

UN Torture Prevention Body to visit Ecuador amid prison crisis

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/09/un-torture-prevention-body-visit-ecuador-amid-prison-crisis

US - How Prison Visit Restrictions Force Parents to Make Tough Decisions

https://theappeal.org/how-prison-visit-restrictions-force-parents-to-make-tough-decisions/

Asia

India - Over 600 Vacancies In Delhi Prisons, Delhi High Court Told

https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/delhi-prisons-600-vacancies-high-court-told-210035

Taiwan - Cabinet approves bill to amend minimum security prison rules

https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202209220027

Europe

Italy - 25 guards probed for beating prisoners at Ivrea

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2022/09/22/25-guards-probed-for-beating-prisoners-at-ivrea_88321796-86a9-45ab-968c-0556c909a48f.html

How Norwegian prisons prepare inmates to become better neighbors

https://medium.com/wagovernor/how-norwegian-prisons-prepare-inmates-to-become-better-neighbors-534409a90f33

Scotland's Sheriff Courts: Serious criminal trials backlog until 2026

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/22564572.scotlands-sheriff-courts-serious-criminal-trials-backlog-2026/

 

News 22 September

Africa

South Africa - Popcru wants more invested in police and correctional officers

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/popcru-wants-more-invested-in-police-and-correctional-officers/

Americas

US - Jail and prison will never be places a person with mental illness finds healing

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-21/jail-and-prison-will-never-be-places-a-person-with-mental-illness-finds-healing-how-to-save-a-life

US (Tennessee) Private prison contractor CoreCivic hit with two new lawsuits over inmate deaths

https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/09/21/private-prison-contractor-corecivic-hit-with-two-new-lawsuits-over-inmate-deaths/

US - New York Prisons Are Blatantly Violating State Law Limiting Solitary Confinement

https://truthout.org/articles/new-york-prisons-are-blatantly-violating-state-law-limiting-solitary-confinement/

Asia

India - Over 19% prisoners on interim bail or emergency parole yet to return to Delhi jails: RTI

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/over-19-prisoners-on-interim-bail-or-emergency-parole-yet-to-return-to-delhi-jails-rti/

Malaysia - RM270mil saved through out of prison rehab programmes, says deputy minister

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/22/rm270mil-saved-through-out-of-prison-rehab-programmes-says-deputy-minister

Oceania

Australia - Disability royal commission examines poor treatment and 'disgusting' conditions in criminal justice system

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-22/disability-royal-commission-probes-prison-justice-police-system/101461222

New Zealand - Despite Govt concern, Māori are a growing majority of those sent to prison

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/maori-are-growing-majority-of-those-sent-to-prison

 

News 21 September

Africa

Gambia - Over 200 inmates, prison officers vaccinated against covid-19

https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/over-200-inmates-prison-officers-vaccinated-against-covid-19

Why has Kenya not abolished the death penalty? Habit and inertia

https://theconversation.com/why-has-kenya-not-abolished-the-death-penalty-habit-and-inertia-189955

Americas

US - Hundreds of prison and jail deaths go uncounted by the federal government, report finds

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/hundreds-prison-jail-deaths-go-uncounted-federal-government-report-fin-rcna47954

US - Voters in 5 states to decide in November whether to abolish forced prison labor

https://news.yahoo.com/voters-in-5-states-to-decide-in-november-whether-to-abolish-forced-prison-labor-210310380.html

Asia

Overcrowded Indian jails a blot on society

https://www.thestatesman.com/india/overcrowded-indian-jails-a-blot-on-society-1503113495.html

Europe

Cyprus - Prison guards to continue strike, new protest on Wednesday

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/09/20/prison-guards-to-continue-strike-new-protest-on-wednesday/

England and Wales - Youth custody system ‘dysfunctional’ and failing girls, report finds

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/ofsted-girls-wales-care-quality-commission-england-b1026992.html

Ireland - Why we need proper scrutiny of what happens behind prison walls 

https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40965704.html

Norway - High mortality rates after release from prison

https://partner.sciencenorway.no/addiction-mortality-prisoners/high-mortality-rates-after-release-from-prison/2077977

‘We thieves and killers are now fighting Russia’s war’: how Moscow recruits from its prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/20/russia-recruits-inmates-ukraine-war-wagner-prigozhin

Scotland - Prison population health needs: synthesis report

https://www.gov.scot/publications/understanding-health-needs-scotlands-prison-population-synthesis-report/

Oceania

Australia - What kind of country are we to treat children in prison with such cruelty and brutality?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/21/what-kind-of-country-are-we-to-treat-children-in-prison-with-such-cruelty-and-brutality

New Zealand - Frustration grows as lawyers, whānau denied face-to-face prisoner visits

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/21/frustration-grows-as-lawyers-whanau-denied-face-to-face-prisoner-visits/

 

News 17 – 20 September

Africa

Report: 32 detainees died in Egypt's prisons this year

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220916-report-32-detainees-died-in-egypts-prisons-this-year/

Equatorial Guinea abolishes death penalty, state television reports

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/19/equatorial-guinea-abolishes-death-penalty-state-television-reports

Americas

Haitian Prisoners Face Starvation and Death

https://insightcrime.org/news/haitian-prisoners-face-starvation-death/

US - School of Law members raise concerns as dementia rates in prison climb

https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2022/09/school-of-law-members-raise-concerns-as-dementia-rates-in-prison-climb

US - Massachusetts Scraps Fees for Probation and Parole

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/09/16/massachusetts-scraps-fees-for-probation-and-parole/

Asia

Human right organization warns against ‘inhumane conditions’ facing inmates at Bahrain’s Jau Prison

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/19/689498/Human-right-organization-warns-against-%E2%80%98inhumane-conditions%E2%80%99-facing-inmates-in-Bahrain%E2%80%99s-Jau-Prison

Malaysia - Prison reform needs immediate action

https://aliran.com/civil-society-voices/prison-reform-needs-immediate-action

Europe

Cyprus - Prison guards demonstrate over pay

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/09/19/prison-guards-demonstrate-over-pay/

Oceania

Forum aims to find solutions for challenges facing Pacific prisons

https://www.fijitimes.com/forum-aims-to-find-solutions-for-challenges-facing-pacific-prisons/

Australia - Mother-baby unit at Tasmania's Risdon prison has been underutilised, a report has found

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-19/mother-baby-unit-in-prison-underutilised/101447646

New Zealand - Flagship Corrections strategy dents prison numbers but other changes slow-going

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/129893476/flagship-corrections-strategy-dents-prison-numbers-but-other-changes-slowgoing

 

News 15-16 September

Americas

Mexico has released nearly 2,700 prisoners early as overall jail population grows

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-has-released-nearly-2700-prisoners-early-overall-jail-population-grows-2022-09-15/

US - Prisoner Advocates Turn to the UN to End Extreme Prison Sentences

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/extreme-prison-sentences-united-nations/

Asia

India - Societal Rehabilitation Vital

https://www.thedispatch.in/societal-rehabilitation-vital/

India - Punjab: Inmates with good conduct can now meet family for an hour in jail complex

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/punjab-inmates-good-conduct-family-jail-complex-8154113/

Malaysia - Prison Reform Needs Immediate Attention — KLSCAH

https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2022/09/15/prison-reform-needs-immediate-attention-klscah/

Europe

England and Wales - Delays leave man facing four years in Leicester jail without trial

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/15/delays-leave-man-facing-four-years-in-leicester-jail-without-trial

Ireland - Former inspector of prisons warns complaints system is 'not fit for purpose'

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40962266.html

Oceania

Australia - NT a world leader in prison rates: report

https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/7905528/nt-a-world-leader-in-prison-rates-report/

Australia - Fears for safety of incarcerated children after fire in Perth maximum security prison

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/16/fears-for-safety-of-incarcerated-children-after-fire-in-perth-maximum-security-prison

New Zealand - Legal action filed to stop Corrections moving women from Arohata Prison

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/129912088/legal-action-filed-to-stop-corrections-moving-women-from-arohata-prison

 

News 14 September

Africa

Cabo Verde: Electronic ankle bracelets introduced as alternative to prison

https://www.macaubusiness.com/cabo-verde-electronic-ankle-bracelets-introduced-as-alternative-to-prison/

Egypt: 3 prisoners die over 48 hours in prison

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220914-egypt-3-prisoners-die-over-48-hours-in-prison/

Americas

US - REPORT: Number of Black Americans serving long prison sentences far exceeds other groups

https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2022/09/13/report-number-of-black-americans-serving-long-prison-sentences-far-exceeds-other-groups/

US - Administrative Barriers to Decarceration

https://www.theregreview.org/2022/09/14/rauenzahn-administrative-barriers-to-decarceration/

US - Monkeypox In Prisons: Urgent Action Needed To Avoid A Public Health Crisis

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/monkeypox-prisons-urgent-action-needed-avoid-public-health-crisis

Oceania

New Zealand - Thousands of prisoners denied visits due to Corrections' Covid policy

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/14/thousands-of-prisoners-denied-visits-due-to-corrections-covid-policy/

 

News 13 September

Africa

Nigeria - Prison decongestion: Aregbesola seeks special funding for completion of 9,000 capacity custodial facilities

https://guardian.ng/news/prison-decongestionaregbesola-seeks-special-funding-for-completion-of-9000-capacity-custodial-facilities/

Americas

US - To Reduce Labor Shortages, Chicago Tries to Ease the Path From Prison Into Jobs

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-12/chicago-looks-to-boost-hiring-for-people-released-from-prison

US - In Texas youth prisons, children trapped in their cells use water bottles and lunch trays for toilets

https://www.texastribune.org/2022/09/12/texas-juvenile-prisons-crisis/

Asia

India - SC: Lodging juveniles in adult prisons amounts to deprivation of their personal liberty

https://www.thestatesman.com/india/sc-lodging-juveniles-in-adult-prisons-their-personal-liberty-1503110637.html

Malaysia - Alternative sentences to death penalty finalised, to be presented to Cabinet, says Wan Junaidi

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/13/alternative-sentences-to-death-penalty-finalised-to-be-presented-to-cabinet-says-wan-junaidi

Philippines - Bureau of Corrections frees over 300 prisoners

https://www.rappler.com/nation/bureau-corrections-frees-prisoners-september-13-2022/

Europe

Greece - Young offenders can pick community service over jail time

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1193143/young-offenders-can-pick-community-service-over-jail-time/

Isle of Man - Youth justice system 'disjointed' and not helping reoffending rates

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/youth-justice-system-disjointed-and-not-helping-reoffending-rates/

Turkey - Women prisoners in Diyarbakır Women's Closed jail go on hunger strike against rights violations

https://anfenglish.com/human-rights/women-prisoners-in-diyarbakir-women-s-closed-jail-go-on-hunger-strike-against-rights-violations-62444

Oceania

Australia - Vic prison population more than doubles

https://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/7900072/vic-prison-population-more-than-doubles/

Australia - Aboriginal man dies in custody, the second in Victoria in just over a month

https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/aboriginal-man-dies-in-custody-the-second-in-victoria-in-just-over-a-month-20220913-p5bhrq.html

 

News 10 – 12 September

Americas

Bermuda - Government ignoring prison officers, says OBA

https://www.royalgazette.com/politics/news/article/20220910/government-ignoring-prison-officers-says-oba/

US - Bureau Of Prisons’ Interpretation Of First Step Act Will Leave Thousands Of Inmates Incarcerated

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/09/09/bureau-of-prisons-interpretation-of-first-step-act-will-leave-thousands-of-inmates-incarcerated/?sh=4bde86cf2f94

Asia

India - ‘Judicial reforms needed to decongest prisons’: Activists on latest NCRB data

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/sep/12/judicial-reforms-needed-to-decongest-prisons-activists-on-latest-ncrb-data-2497326.html

Malaysia - How the prison department helps inmates return to the outside world

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2022/09/10/how-the-prison-department-helps-inmates-return-to-the-outside-world

Philippines - Elderly, frail PDLs to be prioritized for clemency grant

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1183462

Europe

England and Wales - The tower is crumbling and is a 'danger to staff' and prisoners say they felt safer during Covid: Inside Strangeways this year

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/tower-crumbling-danger-staff-prisoners-24962545

Council of Europe Anti-Torture Committee holds High Level Talks in Greece on prison reform

https://www.coe.int/en/web/human-rights-rule-of-law/-/council-of-europe-anti-torture-committee-holds-high-level-talks-in-greece-on-prison-reform

Oceania

Australia - Seeking mental health and substance use support isn’t keeping people from going back to jail

https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/australias-mental-health-and-drug-services-arent-helping-ex-prisoners/

 

News 9 September

Americas

US - Lengthy Prison Terms Not ‘Significant Deterrent’ to Crime: Report

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/09/08/lengthy-prison-terms-not-significant-deterrent-to-crime-report/

US (California) - ‘Barbaric’ L.A. County jail conditions alleged as ACLU seeks federal intervention

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-08/barbaric-l-a-county-jail-conditions-alleged-as-aclu-seeks-federal-intervention

US - Data shows New York is violating a new law banning solitary confinement

https://gothamist.com/news/data-shows-new-york-is-violating-a-new-law-banning-solitary-confinement

Europe

England and Wales - Defendants accused of violent crimes released from prison due to barristers’ strike delays

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/barristers-strike-trials-released-jail-b2162565.html

England and Wales - Publication of Government response to Covid-19 and the Criminal Law report and updated response on Legal Aid

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/102/justice-committee/news/172995/publication-of-government-response-to-covid19-and-the-criminal-law-report-and-updated-response-on-legal-aid/

 

News 8 September

Americas

US - Fighting an Unjust System, Bail Project Gets People Out of Jail, Reunites Families

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/fighting-an-unjust-system-bail-project-gets-people-out-of-jail-reunites-families/

US - Families demand a plan to stop COVID spread in prisons

https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2022-09-07/families-demand-a-plan-to-stop-covid-spread-in-prisons

US - Michigan prison set to close amid declining prisoner population; lawmaker objects

https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/09/07/mdoc-michigan-prison-close-amid-declining-prisoner-population/8013619001/

US - Florida's prison inmate population will likely increase, and there's already a staffing shortage

https://www.cltampa.com/news/floridas-prison-inmate-population-will-likely-increase-and-theres-already-a-staffing-shortage-14129041

Asia

Philippines - DoJ told to address jail congestion 

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/09/07/473155/doj-told-to-address-jail-congestion/

Philippines - Almost 95% of BuCor’s PDLs vaccinated

https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/08/almost-95-of-bucors-pdls-vaccinated/

Europe

England and Wales - English prisons face strike ballot in low pay dispute

https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/12497/English-prisons-face-strike-ballot-in-low-pay-dispute

Malta - Treatment of detained people is back under scrutiny

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/treatment-detained-people-back-scrutiny.979391

Oceania

Australia - Inadequate post-release support drives up reincarceration rates: study

https://news.curtin.edu.au/media-releases/inadequate-post-release-support-drives-up-reincarceration-rates-study/

Australia - No education for detainees for more than a year at Canberra's jail

https://the-riotact.com/no-education-for-detainees-for-more-than-a-year-at-canberras-jail/589910

 

News 7 September

Americas

Opinion: Solitary confinement is torture. U.S. prisons should stop using it.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/06/solitary-confinement-torture-prison/

Formerly Incarcerated People and Advocacy Organizations Urge Reform of US Bureau of Prisons

https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/formerly-incarcerated-people-and-advocacy-organizations-urge-reform-of-us-bureau-of-prisons/

US - Colorado prison and jail populations reaching pre-COVID levels or higher

https://coloradonewsline.com/2022/09/06/colorado-prison-and-jail-populations-reaching-pre-covid-levels-or-higher/

Asia

77 percent of India’s prisoners are undertrials: NCRB

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/77-percent-of-indias-prisoners-are-undertrials-ncrb-9142041.html

Human rights groups condemn torture in Lebanese prisons

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/human-rights-groups-condemn-torture-lebanese-prisons-89407803

Malaysia - Design therapeutic prisons to improve wellbeing of staff, inmates

https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2022/09/829100/design-therapeutic-prisons-improve-wellbeing-staff-inmates

Nepal - National Assembly endorses Prison Bill, two other proposals

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/131317/

Europe

England and Wales - Staffing crisis at prison near Rugby is 'one of the worst' ever seen, say inspectors

https://www.rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/staffing-crisis-at-prison-near-rugby-is-one-of-the-worst-ever-seen-say-inspectors/

Oceania

New Zealand - Prison turns life upside down – giving low-risk prisoners longer to prepare for their sentences would benefit everyone

https://theconversation.com/prison-turns-life-upside-down-giving-low-risk-prisoners-longer-to-prepare-for-their-sentences-would-benefit-everyone-189382

 

News 6 September

Americas

Bermuda - Prison officers under pressure, Labour Day attendees told

https://www.royalgazette.com/labour/news/article/20220905/prison-officers-under-pressure-labour-day-attendees-told/

Jamaica - Gov't identifies land to build new, modern prison - Holness

https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/govt-identifies-land-build-new-modern-prison-holness

Asia

India - Supreme Court Issues Notice In Plea Seeking Reforms In Mental Healthcare Facilities In Prisons Across The Country

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-prisons-mental-healthcare-facilities-mental-health-act-208520

Malaysia - Prison, not the end of the line for inmates

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2022/09/06/prison-not-the-end-of-the-line-for-inmates

Europe

England and Wales - Hundreds have spent 15 years in jail under abolished indefinite sentences

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/ipp-prisoners-15-years-jail-indefinite-sentences/

England and Wales - HMP Berwyn competently run but improvement needed and “plagued” by staff shortages inspectors say

https://www.deeside.com/hmp-berwyn-competently-run-but-improvement-needed-and-plagued-by-staff-shortages-inspectors-say/

Quarter of Scots prison population still awaiting trial

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-62799706

Oceania

Australia - NSW deploys facial recognition system into prisons

https://www.innovationaus.com/nsw-deploys-facial-recognition-system-into-prisons/

 

News 3 – 5 September

Americas

Antigua - UWI to offer more scholarships to HMP residents

https://antiguaobserver.com/uwi-to-offer-more-scholarships-to-hmp-residents/

Mexico debates its no-bail policy for nonviolent suspects

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/mexico-ap-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador-supreme-court-mexico-city-b2159667.html

Asia

India - States should modernise jails, prison reforms law coming: Amit Shah

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/states-modernise-jails-prison-reforms-law-coming-amit-shah-8131166/

Israel's AG Pushes to Build Thousands of Prison Cells Despite Top Court, Ministries' Opposition

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-09-04/ty-article/.premium/israels-ag-pushes-to-build-thousands-of-prison-cells-despite-top-courts-opposition/00000183-0867-de92-a7d7-5b7f79940000

Jordan: Rise in juvenile suicide cases necessitates scrutiny of juvenile justice system

https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/5314/Jordan:-Rise-in-juvenile-suicide-cases-necessitates-scrutiny-of-juvenile-justice-system

Kyrgyzstan - Many prisons still have cruel and degrading conditions of detention – NCPT

https://akipress.com/news:677915:Many_prisons_still_have_cruel_and_degrading_conditions_of_detention_-_NCPT/

Europe

England and Wales - Hundreds of people being held on remand for years before standing trial

https://news.sky.com/story/hundreds-of-people-being-held-on-remand-for-years-before-standing-trial-12689857

Estonia - Ministry of Justice plans to merge prison medicine with general healthcare

https://news.err.ee/1608703528/ministry-of-justice-plans-to-merge-prison-medicine-with-general-healthcare

Ireland - Prison officers take over 17,000 sick days in two years due to mental health issues as stress takes toll

https://www.thesun.ie/news/9352500/prison-officers-17000-sick-days-two-years-mental-health/

Italy - New record 59 jail suicides this year

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2022/09/02/new-record-59-jail-suicides-this-year_5998bc09-342e-40bd-a27c-fc40fde5534d.html

Portugal - President approves law on the installation of landline telephones in prison cells

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2022-09-02/president-approves-law-on-the-installation-of-landline-telephones-in-prison-cells/69983

Oceania

Australia - Victorian Liberal MP urges UN to investigate youth justice facilities over ‘serious breaches’ of human rights

 https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/05/victorian-liberal-mp-urges-un-to-investigate-youth-justice-facilities-breaches-human-rights

 

News 2 September

Americas

St Vincent & the Grenadines - Skills for Youth Employment Program has been launched in SVG prisons

https://www.stvincenttimes.com/skills-for-youth-employment-program-has-been-launched-in-svg-prisons/

US - Prison air conditioning is coming too slowly for those who need it most

https://grist.org/equity/prison-air-conditioning-american-rescue-plan/

US - When Release Conditions End in Unjust Confinement

https://www.aclu.org/news/smart-justice/when-release-conditions-end-in-unjust-confinement

Asia

Palestinian prisoners halt mass hunger strike after Israel ‘ends punitive measures’

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestine-israel-detainees-mass-hunger-strike-jails

Europe

Greek prisons overcrowded, undignified: CoE report

https://www.macaubusiness.com/greek-prisons-overcrowded-undignified-coe-report/

Oceania

New Zealand - Mothers and children face separation as Arohata Prison inmates moved out

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129747363/mothers-and-children-face-separation-as-arohata-prison-inmates-moved-out

 

News 1 September

Americas

US - 11,000 Federal Inmates Were Sent Home During the Pandemic. Only 17 Were Arrested for New Crimes.

https://reason.com/2022/08/31/11000-federal-inmates-were-sent-home-during-the-pandemic-only-17-were-arrested-for-new-crimes/

US - Ohio's expedited pardons provide a quicker path to a fresh start

https://www.ideastream.org/news/ohios-expedited-pardons-provide-a-quicker-path-to-a-fresh-start

Asia

Indonesia’s zero tolerance drug laws leave hundreds on death row

https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2022/08/31/indonesias-zero-tolerance-drug-laws-leave-hundreds-on-death-row.html

Palestinian prisoners held by Israel set to go on mass hunger strike

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-62730160

Philippines - About 10,000 PDLs at New Bilibid get booster shots against Covid-19

 https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/01/about-10000-pdls-at-new-bilibidget-booster-shots-against-covid-19/

More than 2,400 people to be pardoned on Vietnam’s National Day

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietnam/more-than-2400-people-to-be-pardoned-09012022012756.html

Europe

Ireland - Justice Minister Helen McEntee wants to see fewer petty criminals sent to jail

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/justice-minister-helen-mcentee-wants-to-see-fewer-petty-criminals-sent-to-jail-41950758.html

Oceania

New Zealand - Gang members increasing number of attacks on prison guards

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/01/gang-members-increasing-number-of-attacks-on-prison-guards/

 

News 31 August

Americas

US - California could soon restrict the use of solitary confinement in prisons and jails

https://lookout.co/santacruz/civic-life/government/story/2022-08-30/california-could-soon-restrict-the-use-of-solitary-confinement-in-prisons-and-jails

Europe

England and Wales - Reducing reoffending ultimate aim of Thames Valley pilot prison scheme

https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2022-08-31/reducing-reoffending-ultimate-aim-of-thames-valley-pilot-prison-scheme

Ireland - Murderers could face a minimum 25 years in prison as judges get new powers under sweeping reforms

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/murderers-could-face-a-minimum-25-years-in-prison-as-judges-get-new-powers-under-sweeping-reforms-41948844.html

 

News 24 – 30 August

Africa

Kenya - Thika inmates trained in making paper products for income

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/star-farmer/2022-08-29-thika-inmates-trained-in-making-paper-products-for-income/

Americas

Canada - Public safety minister adds new rules on prison ‘dry cells’ for suspected contraband

https://www.thestar.com/politics/2022/08/29/public-safety-minister-adds-new-rules-on-prison-dry-cells-for-suspected-contraband.html

US - Impact of COVID-19 on State and Federal Prisons, March 2020–February 2021

https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/impact-covid-19-state-and-federal-prisons-march-2020-february-2021

US - At $249 per day, prison stays leave ex-inmates deep in debt

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-hartford-laws-new-hampshire-illinois-b2154017.html

US - Mental health staffing shortage exacerbates stress among Alabama inmates, experts say

https://eu.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2022/08/25/alabama-prisons-mental-health-care-staffing-shows-some-progress/10356030002/

US - Locking up People with Mental Health Conditions Doesn’t Make Anyone Safer

https://www.vera.org/news/locking-up-people-with-mental-health-conditions-doesnt-make-anyone-safer

The Bosses Who Run Venezuela's Most Lawless Prisons

https://insightcrime.org/news/venezuelas-most-lawless-prisons-prison-gangs/

Asia

Cambodia will study suggestions by UN rights envoy that prisoners be granted more time in the yard and with family

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501140927/cambodia-will-study-suggestions-by-un-rights-envoy-that-prisoners-be-granted-more-time-in-the-yard-and-with-family/

India - Monitoring prisoners difficult due to overcrowding: Tihar Jail officials

https://www.siasat.com/monitoring-prisoners-difficult-due-to-overcrowding-tihar-jail-officials-2399772/

A Separate Bail Law Can Help Decongest India's Jails: Experts

https://www.indiaspend.com/police-judicial-reforms/a-separate-bail-law-can-help-decongest-indias-jails-experts-832178

Pakistan - Islamabad Will Soon Get Its First Modern Prison

https://www.incpak.com/national/islamabad-will-soon-get-its-first-modern-prison/

Philippines inmates protest against prison food and warden by climbing on roof

https://www.impartialreporter.com/news/national/20772950.philippines-inmates-protest-prison-food-warden-climbing-roof/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners at Norfolk jail 'break rules without challenge', report reveals

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/wayland-prison-inspection-warning-staff-shortage-risks-9229258

Go-karting event for prisoners was a mistake, French governor admits

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/go-karting-french-prisoners-fresnes-b2152026.html

Oceania

Australia - Victoria paying more than $1m a day to keep unsentenced prisoners in jail

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/29/victoria-paying-more-than-1m-a-day-to-keep-unsentenced-prisoners-in-jail

 

News 23 August

Africa

Cabo Verde: State wants alternatives to jail to promote prisoner reintegration

https://www.macaubusiness.com/cabo-verde-state-wants-alternatives-to-jail-to-promote-prisoner-reintegration/

Americas

Ecuador taking prisoner census after more than 400 prison murders since 2020

https://www.laprensalatina.com/ecuador-taking-prisoner-census-after-more-than-400-prison-murders-since-2020/

El Salvador’s President Bukele arrests 1 percent of population in four-month “state of exception”

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/08/22/erya-a22.html

US - There Continues to Be Lack of Info About COVID-19 in Jail

https://www.governing.com/now/there-continues-to-be-lack-of-info-about-covid-19-in-jail

US - COVID tests at California prison’s linked to ‘potential breach’ of visitors personal data

https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article264772074.html

Asia

Bangladesh - Inmates at overcrowded Faridpur jail suffer for lack of medical facilities

https://www.dhakatribune.com/nation/2022/08/23/inmates-at-overcrowded-faridpur-jail-suffer-for-lack-of-medical-facilities

At least 35 North Korean prisoners are said to have starved to death in July

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/prison_deaths-08222022184150.html

Europe

England and Wales - HMP Lewes progress 'disappointing', watchdog says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-62643072

England and Wales - Crisis deepens in criminal justice system

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/contact-or-visit-us/press-office/press-releases/crisis-deepens-in-criminal-justice-system

Turkish justice minister promises reforms to improve healthcare in prisons

https://stockholmcf.org/turkish-justice-minister-promises-reforms-to-improve-healthcare-in-prisons/

 

News 20 – 22 August

Africa

How COVID-19 transformed the Kenyan court system

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-kenya-court-system-60-minutes-2022-08-21/

South Africa - Corruption, ineffective rehabilitation in prisons a problem, says expert

https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/corruption-ineffective-rehabilitation-in-prisons-a-problem-says-expert-a4537d79-0f97-461e-9110-002d44e0ef2f

Americas

US - Released during COVID, some people are sent back to prison with little or no warning

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/22/1118132380/released-during-covid-some-people-are-sent-back-to-prison-with-little-or-no-warn

US - New York’s ageing prisoners languish with poor medical care and little hope

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/20/prison-reform-aging-parole-medical-care-valerie-gaiter

Europe

England and Wales - The urgent need for change in prisons after survey finds women face high levels of racism by staff

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-08-19/two-in-five-women-inmates-face-racism-by-prison-staff-survey-shows

Criminal barristers in England and Wales vote to go on indefinite strike

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/aug/22/barristers-england-wales-vote-indefinite-strike

England and Wales - Over 300 years of jail time has been added to criminals' sentences since the start of 2021

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/over-300-years-jail-time-24798236

Ireland - Homeless prisoners: ‘It was better to be in prison than on the streets’

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2022/08/20/homeless-prisoners-it-was-better-to-be-in-prison-than-on-the-streets/

Oceania

New Zealand - Otago prison: 'Unacceptable' CCTV in use in some cells, bathrooms

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/08/22/otago-prison-unacceptable-cctv-in-use-in-some-cells-bathrooms/

 

News 19 August

Americas

Canada - Inmates building community in B.C. prison through totem pole project

https://www.boundarycreektimes.com/trending-now/inmates-building-community-in-b-c-prison-through-totem-pole-project/

US - Conditions in prisons during heat waves pose deadly threats to incarcerated people and prison staff

https://theconversation.com/conditions-in-prisons-during-heat-waves-pose-deadly-threats-to-incarcerated-people-and-prison-staff-188272

Asia

Justice deterred is justice denied for Indonesia’s victims of crime

https://govinsider.asia/intelligence/justice-deterred-is-justice-denied-for-indonesias-victims-of-crime/

With Israeli Prisons Full, Detainees Are Sleeping on Police Station Floors

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-08-19/ty-article/.premium/with-israeli-prisons-full-detainees-are-sleeping-on-police-station-floors/00000182-b27b-d1f9-a59e-f67bcf640000

Europe

England and Wales - HMP Spring Hill inspection highlights ‘awful’ accommodation

https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/20672158.hmp-spring-hill-inspection-highlights-awful-accommodation/

Turkey - Inmate who publicized mistreatment in Silivri Prison is subjected to disciplinary punishment

https://stockholmcf.org/inmate-who-publicized-mistreatment-in-silivri-prison-is-subjected-to-disciplinary-punishment/

 

News 18 August

Americas

El Salvador plans to open 'mega prison' after 50,000 gang members arrested

https://www.unilad.com/news/el-salvador-mega-prison-gangs-crime-arrests-20220817

US - 'We're fighting a beast': Families accuse private prisons of failing to help dying loved ones

https://eu.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2022/08/18/lawsuit-prison-company-corecivic-left-inmates-die-tennessee/10228095002/

Asia

India - New jail manual promises welfare of prisoners in UP

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/new-jail-manual-promises-welfare-of-prisoners-in-up-101660753058914.html

Indonesia - 2,000 Inmates in Jakarta Prisons Receive Independence Remission

https://en.tempo.co/read/1623973/2000-inmates-in-jakarta-prisons-receive-independence-remission

Philippines eyes ‘world-class’ top-security prison

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/08/17/469100/philippines-eyes-world-class-top-security-prison/

Europe

Ireland - More than 100 former inmates registered with emergency homeless services ‘on day of prison release’

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2022/08/18/more-than-100-former-inmates-registered-with-emergency-homeless-services-on-day-of-prison-release/

Oceania

New Zealand - Prisons an 'inhumane environment' doing little to rehabilitate offenders - ex-inmate

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473109/prisons-an-inhumane-environment-doing-little-to-rehabilitate-offenders-ex-inmate

 

News 17 August

Americas

US - DOJ watchdog publishes data dashboard to track COVID-19 vaccinations of prison inmates

https://www.fedscoop.com/doj-watchdog-publishes-data-dashboard-to-track-covid-19-vaccinations-of-prison-inmates/

US - Prisoner’s Death by Suicide Is 12th This Year at New York’s Rikers Island Jail

https://www.democracynow.org/2022/8/16/headlines/prisoners_death_by_suicide_is_12th_this_year_at_new_yorks_rikers_island_jail

US (Virginia) - ACLU challenges amendment blocking inmates' early release

https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/ACLU-challenges-amendment-blocking-inmates-early-17378078.php

Europe

England and Wales - Paraplegic inmate taken to hospital in handcuffs among thousands of prison complaints

https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/17/paraplegic-inmate-handcuffed-on-hospital-trips-among-prison-complaints-17196687/

Italy - 52 prison suicides this year

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2022/08/16/52-prison-suicides-this-year_0b811af5-a517-4bee-a80d-522762f55803.html

Scotland - Courts backlog has shrunk by 7,500 trials since January

https://www.scottishlegal.com/articles/courts-backlog-has-shrunk-by-7500-trials-since-january

Oceania

Australia - Number of women being sentenced to prison in Queensland quadruples in 15 years

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-17/qld-prison-female-incarceration-rate-quadruples-raise-the-age/101336904

Australia - Plans For Indigenous-Led NSW Prison Pilot Criticised By Advocates

https://junkee.com/indigenous-led-prison-nsw/338983

 

News 16 August

Americas

US - Report Details ‘Cruel’ And ‘Unconscionable’ Treatment Of Patients In Illinois Prisons

https://theappeal.org/illinois-prison-healthcare-lawsuit-settlement/

Asia

Pakistan - Prisoners conjugal rights: Govt asked to reopen family quarters in jails

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/982688-prisoners-conjugal-rights-govt-asked-to-reopen-family-quarters-in-jails

Qatar - MoI boosts co-operation with QRCS on in-prison care, rehabilitation

https://www.gulf-times.com/story/722691/MoI-boosts-co-operation-with-QRCS-on-in-prison-care-rehabilitation

Europe

England and Wales - Barristers’ strike disrupts more than 6,000 court hearings in first 19 days as action escalates

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/barristers-strike-disruption-court-backlog-b2145522.html

Oceania

New Zealand - No visits, limited video calls 'taken away any positives' for inmates

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129449967/no-visits-limited-video-calls-taken-away-any-positives-for-inmates

 

News 13 – 15 August

Africa

South Africa - Prisoners due for parole stuck in jail due to system failures

https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2022-08-13-prisoners-due-for-parole-stuck-in-jail-due-to-system-failures/

Americas

Canada - HMP on the verge of total lockdown as prison grapples with lack of guards

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/hmp-looming-lockdown-1.6549752

Mexico prison cartel clash spills on to streets of border city leaving 11 dead

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/12/mexico-prison-cartel-violence-ciudad-juarez

Confronting America’s ‘Cruel and Unusual’ Juvenile Detention Crisis

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/08/13/confronting-america-s-cruel-and-unusual-juvenile-detention-crisis

US - New York restricts families from sending packages to inmates

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-new-york-albany-doritos-andrew-cuomo-b2144839.html

Asia

India - As pandemic fades, Maharashtra’s prisons are once again overcrowded

https://theprint.in/india/as-pandemic-fades-maharashtras-prisons-are-once-again-overcrowded/1081997/

Saudi Arabia - Attorney General launches procedural guide to supervise prisons, detention centers

https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/623909/SAUDI-ARABIA/Attorney-General-launches-procedural-guide-to-supervise-prisons-detention-centers

Thailand - Royal birthdays bring over 100,000 royal prison pardons

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/royal-birthdays-bring-over-100000-royal-prison-pardons

Europe

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, July 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-july-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-july-2022

England and Wales - Rise in self-harm in women’s prisons

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/female-prisoners-more-likely-to-self-harm

Slovenian prisons lack 15% of prison officers

https://english.sta.si/3069141/slovenian-prisons-lack-15-of-prison-officers

 

News 12 August

Americas

2 dead, 4 injured in riot at northern Mexico border prison

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/3-inmates-dead-in-riot-at-northern-mexico-border-prison/2022/08/11/67f96780-19e5-11ed-b998-b2ab68f58468_story.html

US - Repurposing Correctional Facilities to Strengthen Communities

https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/repurposing-correctional-facilities-to-strengthen-communities/

US (Washington) - WA state delays watchdog reports on prisons, concerning advocates

https://crosscut.com/politics/2022/08/wa-state-delays-watchdog-reports-prisons-concerning-advocates

Europe

England and Wales - Prison inspectors find poor living conditions and staffing shortages at HMP Wayland in Norfolk

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/prison-inspectors-find-poor-living-conditions-and-staffing-shortages-hmp

Almost 1.5m England and Wales crime victims opt not to pursue cases

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/aug/12/england-and-wales-crime-victims-not-pursuing-cases-criminal-justice-system-confidence-collapse

England and Wales - Crown court backlog edges up further

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/crown-court-backlog-edges-up-further/5113415.article

Ireland - Prisons used as a ‘dumping ground’ for the mentally ill

https://www.newstalk.com/news/prisons-used-as-a-dumping-ground-for-the-mentally-ill-1371711

Oceania

Australia - ‘Harrowing’ incidents of self-harm revealed among boys held at Perth adult prison

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/12/harrowing-incidents-of-self-harm-revealed-among-boys-held-at-perth-adult-prison

Australia - Power outages at Darwin Correctional Centre spark concerns over access to justice, prisoner welfare

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-12/darwin-prison-power-outages-disrupt-services/101315502

Australia (NSW) - First Nations Prison Rate Climbs, Despite Pandemic Drop in Overall Inmate Numbers

https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/first-nations-prison-rate-climbs-despite-pandemic-drop-in-overall-inmate-numbers/

 

News 11 August

Africa

Hundreds escape DRC prison in deadly jailbreak

https://www.trtworld.com/africa/hundreds-escape-drc-prison-in-deadly-jailbreak-59619

Zimbabwe - 'Virtual courts may infringe rights'

https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-222243.html

Americas

US - Women’s Prisons Are Filled With Domestic Violence Survivors. A New Type of Law Could Help Them Get Out.

https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2022/08/domestic-violence-prison-abuser-oklahoma-new-york-law/

US - Court sides with Oregon governor over early prison releases

https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-oregon-pandemics-crime-aac4dc55930391b6cbdb7f0c2a0e42e0

Asia

Thailand’s inmates fight for glory in prison muay Thai championship

https://www.laprensalatina.com/thailands-inmates-fight-for-glory-in-prison-muay-thai-championship/

Europe

Belgium - Justice Department heads to heavy metal festival to recruit new prison staff

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/270462/justice-department-heads-to-heavy-metal-festival-to-recruit-new-prison-staff

Cyprus - Minister denies prison spying on inmates

https://www.financialmirror.com/2022/08/10/minister-denies-prison-spying-on-inmates/

Oceania

Australia - Murder charge prompts NSW prison strike

https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/7856900/murder-charge-prompts-nsw-prison-strike/?cs=9676

Australia - New smoking ban in WA prisons prompt fears of jail riots

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/crime/new-smoking-ban-in-wa-prisons-prompt-fears-of-jail-riots-c-7841721

 

News 10 August

Africa

South Africa - Prison torture case: Inmates sue justice minister for almost R10 million

https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/update-prison-torture-case-inmates-sue-justice-minister-for-almost-r10-million-20220810

Americas

US - ACLU-MN sues Minnesota DOC for re-imprisoning people on conditional medical release

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/aclu-mn-sues-minnesota-doc-reimprisoning-conditional-medical-release/

Europe

England and Wales - Ex-prisoners to help build new 'mega' prison at Full Sutton near York

https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/20612704.ex-prisoners-help-build-new-mega-prison-full-sutton-near-york/

Oceania

New Zealand Labour repeals three-strikes law its says led to ‘absurd’ sentences

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/10/new-zealand-labour-repeals-three-strikes-law-its-says-led-to-absurd-sentences

New Zealand - Prisoners locked in cells for 22 hours a day amid staff shortages

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/129521591/prisoners-locked-in-cells-for-22-hours-a-day-amid-staff-shortages

 

News 9 August

Americas

US - New York will no longer use 'inmate' for people in prison

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2022/08/08/new-york-will-no-longer-use--inmate--for-people-in-prison

US - Human Rights violations in prisons throughout the South causes disparate and lasting harm in Black Communities

http://www.louisianaweekly.com/human-rights-violations-in-prisons-throughout-the-south-causes-disparate-and-lasting-harm-in-black-communities/

US - California puts some of its most vulnerable prisoners in solitary confinement. A state bill would change that

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/solitary-confinement-california-prisons-17360532.php

Asia

India - Ease of justice wanted for undertrials

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/ease-of-justice-wanted-for-undertrials-420158

Philippines - Bill seeking to establish penal farms across regions filed at the Senate 

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/08/08/466822/bill-seeking-to-establish-penal-farms-across-regions-filed-at-the-senate/

Europe

Cyprus - MEP sounds alarm at EU parliament over prison phone surveillance

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/08/09/mep-sounds-alarm-at-eu-parliament-over-prison-phone-surveillance/

England and Wales - New prison could be extended to house almost 2,000 inmates, Government reveals

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/new-prison-could-extended-house-7436346

Ireland - Prison officers drafted into Mountjoy to deal with 'crisis' amid murder and riot

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/prison-officers-drafted-mountjoy-deal-27688516

Oceania

Australia - ACT Drug and Alcohol Court saves Canberrans millions of dollars by diverting offenders from jail to treatment

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-09/act-drug-alcohol-court-saves-canberrans-millions-in-jail-costs/101312562

 

News 6-8 August

Americas

US - Senate to hold hearing on crisis-plagued federal prisons

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ap-dick-durbin-senate-bureau-of-prisons-washington-b2139365.html

US - 17 States and DC Have Stopped Reporting Active COVID Cases Behind Bars

https://truthout.org/articles/17-states-and-dc-have-stopped-reporting-active-covid-cases-behind-bars/

US - Documentary highlights lack of accessibility for deaf and disabled people in Florida justice system

https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/courts-law/2022-08-07/documentary-highlights-lack-of-accessibility-for-deaf-and-disabled-people-in-florida-justice-system

US (California) - Opinion: With COVID surges, there’s no return to normalcy in jails and prisons

https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/08/06/opinion-with-covid-surges-theres-no-return-to-normalcy-in-jails-and-prisons/

Asia

India - Take action on releasing prisoners in jail for long: SC to Centre, States

https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2022/8/7/Take-action-on-releasing-prisoners-in-jail-for-long-SC-to-Centre-States.html

Iran - Women political prisoners contract Coronavirus in Evin Prison

https://iran-hrm.com/2022/08/07/women-political-prisoners-contract-coronavirus-in-evin-prison/

New hangings take Singapore execution toll to 10 in four months

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2136691/world

Philippines - Congested prisons? Robin’s solution is to ‘regionalize’ them

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/08/congested-prisons-robins-solution-is-to-regionalize-them/

Europe

England and Wales - Thousands of prison staff and inmates attacked in North East prisons

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/20588256.thousands-prison-staff-inmates-attacked-north-east-prisons/

Turkey - Preventing prison visits violates Constitution, top court rules

https://bianet.org/english/law/265570-preventing-prison-visits-violates-constitution-top-court-rules

Oceania

Australia - Yarning circles in NSW prisons aim to reduce Indigenous incarceration rates

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-08/yarning-circles-nsw-prison-indigenous-incarceration-rates/101307076

 

News 5 August

Americas

Cayman Islands - Government moves ahead with new prison plans

https://caymannewsservice.com/2022/08/government-moves-ahead-with-new-prison-plans/

Europe

Irish Prison Service abandoned project to electronically tag prisoners after spending more than €850,000

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-prison-service-abandoned-project-27659163

Ireland - Violent protest by over 40 inmates at Mountjoy as prisoners removed and sent to other jails

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/crime/violent-protest-over-40-inmates-27664325

Italy finalises justice reform to help unlock EU funding

https://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/italy-finalises-justice-reform-to-help-unlock-eu-funding/

Oceania

Australia - ‘We will see a death’: advocates fear for children inside maximum-security Perth prison after boy self-harms

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/04/we-will-see-a-death-advocates-fear-for-children-inside-maximum-security-perth-prison-after-boy-swallows-glass

 

News 4 August

Americas

Canada - COVID-19 outbreak reported at N.B. prison as 17 inmates test positive

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/covid-19-outbreak-reported-at-n-b-prison-as-17-inmates-test-positive-1.6012541

Sentencing Project Report Seeks to ‘Unlock the Vote’ in America’s Jails

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/sentencing-project-report-seeks-to-unlock-the-vote-in-americas-jails/

Asia

India - 42 prisoners test positive for Covid-19 in Haridwar jail

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/42-prisoners-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-haridwar-jail-101659528676629.html

Korea - Jail term for unpaid fines too harsh

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/08/251_333862.html

Philippines - 4,461 BuCor’s prisoners freed as of July 22

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/04/4461-bucors-prisoners-freed-as-of-july-22/

Sri Lanka - COVID-19: Prisons Dept. starts administering fourth dose

https://www.newsfirst.lk/2022/08/04/covid-19-prisons-dept-starts-administering-fourth-dose/

Europe

England and Wales - Plans announced for £400m ‘smart prison’

https://www.publictechnology.net/articles/news/plans-announced-%C2%A3400m-%E2%80%98smart-prison%E2%80%99

Northern Ireland - Naomi Long: Court system could remain backlogged until 2028 without extra investment

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2022/08/04/news/long_court_system_could_remain_backlogged_until_2028_without_extra_investment-2790050/

Oceania

Australia - As Victoria's incarceration rate rises, children of jailed parents are 'invisible victims', report says

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-04/inquiry-into-children-affected-by-parental-incarceration/101300726

New Zealand - Prison wing rendered 'uninhabitable' after 24-hour rooftop standoff

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300654369/prison-wing-rendered-uninhabitable-after-24hour-rooftop-standoff

 

News 3 August

Africa

Zimbabwe - More courts to give increasing population access to justice

https://www.herald.co.zw/more-courts-to-give-increasing-population-access-to-justice/

Americas

Garland swears in new US prisons chief in push for reform

https://www.yournewsnet.com/story/47013180/garland-swears-in-new-us-prisons-chief-in-push-for-reform

US - Planting Gardens Behind Bars

https://www.vera.org/news/planting-gardens-behind-bars

US - Women in Massachusetts Prisons Targets of Sexual, Mental Abuse: Study

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/08/03/women-in-massachusetts-prisons-targets-of-sexual-mental-abuse-study/

Europe

Ireland - Pandemic curtails Irish arrests and jail time abroad

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40931564.html

Ireland - Prisoner dies following assault in Mountjoy jail

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2022/08/03/prisoner-dies-following-assault-in-mountjoy-cell/

Oceania

New Zealand - Fewer inmates, yet prisons spend more on fixing intentional damage

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/129465965/fewer-inmates-yet-prisons-spend-more-on-fixing-intentional-damage

 

News 2 August

Africa

Report reveals impact of Covid-19 lockdown rules on criminal justice systems

https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/report-reveals-impact-of-covid-19-lockdown-rules-on-criminal-justice-systems-5e2d0ef3-daa1-4fa4-b8ae-b6dc5decfa10

Americas

Canada - Expansion of prison needle exchange programs going ahead despite pandemic delays

https://panow.com/2022/08/02/expansion-of-prison-needle-exchange-programs-going-ahead-despite-pandemic-delays/

US - Expert says inadequate staffing is driving deaths in prisons across the Gulf South

https://wbhm.org/2022/expert-says-inadequate-staffing-is-driving-deaths-in-prisons-across-the-gulf-south/

US - The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Health Of Incarcerated Older Adults In California State Prisons

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00132?journalCode=hlthaff

US - Lawsuit Seeks Compensation For Inmates Over Hawaii’s Response to Covid-19

https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/08/lawsuit-seeks-compensation-for-inmates-over-hawaiis-response-to-covid-19/

Asia

23 death row prisoners sue Singapore government for denial of justice

https://www.laprensalatina.com/23-death-row-prisoners-sue-singapore-government-for-denial-of-justice/

Europe

England and Wales - Charities warn against ministers getting powers to stop early release from jail

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/02/charities-warn-against-ministers-getting-power-to-stop-early-release-from-jail

England and Wales - Criminal courts face further disruption as barristers strike for fifth week

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-old-bailey-government-ministry-of-justice-b1015999.html

Oceania

New Zealand - Rooftop prison standoff by teen inmates likely a 'cry for help'

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129456982/rooftop-prison-standoff-by-teen-inmates-likely-a-cry-for-help

 

News 30 July – 1 August 2022

Africa

Moroccan king pardons 1,769 prisoners on occasion of Throne Day

http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2022-07/30/content_78349215.htm

Americas

Guyana - Restorative Justice Bill tabled in National Assembly

https://www.stabroeknews.com/2022/07/30/news/guyana/restorative-justice-bill-tabled-in-national-assembly/

US - Prison Health Expert Warns Monkeypox Could “Dramatically Increase” Behind Bars, Calls for CDC Action

https://www.democracynow.org/2022/7/29/monkeypox_outbreak_dr_homer_venters

Asia

India - ‘Women are doubly marginalised in jails’: Hurdles to gender-sensitive prison reforms

https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/women-are-doubly-marginalised-in-jails-hurdles-to-gender-sensitive-prison-reforms-10986481.html

India - Undertrial prisoners languishing in jails; provide legal aid to speed up their release: PM Narendra Modi

https://www.barandbench.com/news/undertrial-prisoners-languishing-jails-provide-legal-aid-speed-up-their-release-pm-narendra-modi

Europe

England and Wales - Construction starts in Rochester at 'revolutionary' first UK secure school

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/construction-starts-on-uks-first-secure-school-271071/

 

News 29 July

Americas

US (Massachusetts) - Inmates sue prison system over solitary confinement policies

https://www.lowellsun.com/2022/07/28/inmates-sue-prison-system-over-solitary-confinement-policies/

Europe

Belgian prisoners demonstrate against poor conditions, administration responds

https://www.brusselstimes.com/263524/prisoners-demonstrate-against-poor-conditions-administration-responds

England and Wales - Self-harm and suicides on the rise in prisons, Ministry of Justice reveals

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/self-harm-and-suicides-on-the-rise-in-prisons-ministry-of-justice-reveals

England and Wales - Violence has doubled in six months at London’s largest prison

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/violence-doubled-six-months-london-largest-prison-wandsworth-b1015512.html

 

News 28 July

Americas

Haiti - Gunshots, fires and new tensions in Port-au-Prince spark fear of prison break, more trouble

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article263877602.html

US - Hundreds of Thousands of Incarcerated People Are in Danger Amid Scorching Heat

https://truthout.org/articles/hundreds-of-thousands-of-incarcerated-people-are-in-danger-amid-scorching-heat/

Asia

Easy targets: Drug mules fill women’s jails in Hong Kong

https://www.digitaljournal.com/world/easy-targets-drug-mules-fill-womens-jails-in-hong-kong/article

Europe

Estonia - Madise recommends Tallinn Prison improve conditions for female inmates

https://news.err.ee/1608668647/madise-recommends-tallinn-prison-improve-conditions-for-female-inmates

France's rights violations in prisons continue amid a crushing heatwave

https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/france-s-rights-violations-in-prisons-continue-amid-a-crushing-heatwave-59212

Oceania

Australia - Coroner slams lack of 'safe' cells at Perth's Acacia Prison after young Indigenous man's suicide

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-28/coroner-slams-lack-of-safe-cells-at-perth-acacia-prison/101273180

Australia - Transitional housing support for Indigenous men leaving prison aims to reduce recidivism rates

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-28/housing-support-for-indigenous-men-leaving-prison/101272428

New Zealand - Victims at risk as justice stalled due to 'exorbitant' court delays

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129285036/victims-at-risk-as-justice-stalled-due-to-exorbitant-court-delays

New Zealand - Corrections scrutinises failing drug and alcohol programmes

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/28/corrections-scrutinizes-failing-drug-and-alcohol-programmes/

 

News 27 July

Americas

US - Prisons chief deflects blame for failures, angering senators

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-jon-ossoff-atlanta-bureau-of-prisons-ron-johnson-b2131950.html

US - How Electronic Monitoring Incentivizes Prolonged Punishment

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-electronic-monitoring-incentivizes-prolonged-punishment

US (Indiana) - Dozens of Inmates Raped, Assaulted, and Harassed After Jailer Sold Male Prisoner a Key to Women’s Wing, Federal Lawsuit Claims

https://lawandcrime.com/lawsuit/dozens-of-inmates-raped-assaulted-and-harassed-after-jailer-sold-male-prisoner-a-key-to-womens-wing-federal-lawsuit-claims/

Asia

Cambodia - ‘Parole motivating prisoners to behave’

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501120078/parole-motivating-prisoners-to-behave/

Europe

Denmark - Prison staff facing less threats and violence at work

https://cphpost.dk/?p=137177

Northern Ireland - Prison Service Must Be 'Adequately Resourced'

https://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/287745/prison-service-must-be-adequately-resourced

Oceania

Australia (NSW) - Pandemic policing: The impact of COVID-19 fines on the justice system

https://lsj.com.au/articles/pandemic-policing-the-impact-of-covid-19-fines-on-the-justice-system/

Australia (ACT) - Visitors banned as prison battles new covid outbreak

https://citynews.com.au/2022/visitors-banned-as-prison-battles-new-covid-outbreak/

 

News 26 July

Africa

Nigeria’s jailbreaks point to a prison system out of step with reality

https://theconversation.com/nigerias-jailbreaks-point-to-a-prison-system-out-of-step-with-reality-186935

Americas

US - Rates of solitary confinement of incarcerated people with mental illness three times higher than those without mental illness

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/959791

US - Senators demand answers about federal prisons’ scant use of Covid therapeutics

https://www.statnews.com/2022/07/26/senate-letter-covid-therapeutics-prison/

US - Inmates sue over ‘unsafe and unacceptable’ COVID conditions in CT prisons

https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Inmates-sue-over-unsafe-and-unacceptable-17326957.php

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Alarming’ increase in self-harm in women’s prisons as more vulnerable people to be jailed, report says

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/women-prisons-self-harm-suicide-b2130824.html

England and Wales - MPs concerned over how new ‘untested’ Swansea centre for female prisoners ‘will operate in practice’

https://nation.cymru/news/mps-concerned-over-how-new-untested-swansea-centre-for-female-prisoners-will-operate-in-practice/

England and Wales - Praise For 'Impressive' Parc YOI's Covid-19 Response

https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/praise-for-impressive-parc-yoi-s-covid-19-response

Russia - Prison Torture Victim Dies From Pneumonia – Reports

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/07/26/prison-torture-whistleblower-dies-in-prison-a78404

At least 9 advanced cancer patients in Turkish prisons as of July 2022

https://turkeypurge.com/at-least-9-advanced-cancer-patients-in-turkish-prisons-as-of-july-2022

Oceania

New Zealand - Covid-19 outbreak at Invercargill Prison

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129389629/covid19-outbreak-at-invercargill-prison

 

News 23 – 25 July

Africa

Gambia: Housing Facilities At Mile II Prisons Substandard, Unfit for Human Habitation

https://allafrica.com/stories/202207220452.html

Americas

Canada - COVID-19: Thirteen inmates test positive at B.C. medium-security prison

https://globalnews.ca/news/9009794/mission-institution-covid-outbreak/

El Salvador Builds Giant Prison Complex for 40,000 Gang Members

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-22/el-salvador-builds-giant-prison-complex-for-40-000-gang-members#xj4y7vzkg

US - Survey Paints Grim Picture of Life in Incarceration

https://prospect.org/justice/survey-paints-grim-picture-of-life-in-incarceration/

US - Nearly half of Oregon’s inmate population included in first class action suit of its kind

https://www.salemreporter.com/posts/7029/nearly-half-of-oregons-inmate-population-included-in-first-class-action-suit-of-its-kind

US - Temperatures inside Texas prison units regularly reach 110 degrees, new report says

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/23/us/texas-prison-temperatures-report/index.html

US - New York Prisons Cut Crucial Lifeline to Incarcerated Individuals and Families Through Arbitrary Package Policy

https://www.gothamgazette.com/opinion/130-opinion/11479-new-york-prisons-lifeline-incarcerated-packages

Asia

India - Thane prison inmates lack proper sleeping spcae: CMO informs Court

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/thane-prison-inmates-lack-proper-sleeping-spcae-cmo-informs-court-101658603559430.html

India - Yerwada Central Prison holds a three times higher population of prisoners than its official capacity

https://punemirror.com/pune/crime/Yerwada-Central-Prison-holds-a-three-times-higher-populatio/cid8092596.htm

Malaysia - Prisons Dept targets reducing recidivism rate by 10%

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/25/prisons-dept-targets-reducing-recidivism-rate-by-10

Nepal - Prison management bill ensures reproductive right to inmates

https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/prison-management-bill-ensures-reproductive-right-to-inmates

Europe

England and Wales - Two-thirds of remand prisoners who took own lives were on care plans, FoI reveals

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jul/23/two-thirds-of-remand-prisoners-who-took-own-lives-were-on-care-plans-foi-reveals

‘You can’t bring my boy back’: why are so many UK prisoners dying on remand?

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/23/you-cant-bring-my-boy-back-why-are-so-many-uk-prisoners-dying-on-remand

Oceania

Australia - WA premier defends shackling of Indigenous teenagers transferred to adult prison

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/25/wa-premier-defends-shackling-of-indigenous-teenagers-transferred-to-adult-prison

 

News 22 July

Africa

Rwanda Teaching Inmates How To Proudly Return To The Community

https://www.ktpress.rw/2022/07/rwanda-teaching-inmates-how-to-proudly-return-to-the-community/

South Africa - Prisons overflowing by 33% – Justice Minister Ronald Lamola

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/prisons-overflowing-by-33-justice-minister-ronald-lamola-726e7953-3dc8-4564-b5a9-e4e9091f9bd5

Americas

US - Inmates at two CoreCivic private prisons in Arizona protest inhumane living conditions following power outage

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/07/21/arcw-j21.html

Asia

India - More than 40 million cases pending in lower courts: Govt tells Parliament

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/more-than-40-million-cases-pending-in-lower-courts-govt-tells-parliament-122072200139_1.html

Govt aims to end overcrowding in Philippine prisons

https://www.ucanews.com/news/govt-aims-to-end-overcrowding-in-philippine-prisons/98117

 

News 14 – 21 July

Africa

Egypt’s Revolving Jailhouse Door: One Pretrial Detention After Another

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/07/16/world/middleeast/egypt-prisoners.html

Scores of inmates in Zimbabwe want justice served

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/scores-of-inmates-in-zimbabwe-want-justice-served/2638328

Americas

Antigua - ‘It’s criminal’- Prison boss condemns practice of housing mentally ill inmates at HMP

https://antiguaobserver.com/its-criminal-prison-boss-condemns-practice-of-housing-mentally-ill-inmates-at-hmp/

Canada - COVID-19 outbreak at Dorchester Penitentiary spreads

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/dorchester-penitentiary-covid-19-outbreak-inmates-employees-correctional-service-1.6522664

13 killed in Ecuador prison riot – prisons agency

https://www.rappler.com/world/latin-america/ecuador-prison-riot-july-2022/

US - They were released from prison because of COVID. Their freedom didn't last long.

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/07/20/prison-home-confinement-covid-incarceration/7536257001/

US - We Didn't Release Enough People from Jails and Prisons During the Pandemic

https://www.vera.org/news/we-didnt-release-enough-people-from-jails-and-prisons-during-the-pandemic

US - Racial inequality over long US prison sentences growing, report finds

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/21/prisons-us-racial-equality-black-white-americans

US - Kansas corrections system grapples with 22.6% vacancy rate among uniformed prison staff

https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/20/kansas-corrections-system-grapples-with-22-6-vacancy-rate-among-uniformed-prison-staff/

US - Judge rules against Wisconsin prisons over visitation policy

https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-wisconsin-prisons-lawsuits-2ebb18960f38c2fd28e3102a990c6735

Asia

Cambodia - NGO launching prisoner education programmes

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ngo-launching-prisoner-education-programmes

India's huge backlog of court cases delays justice: Experts

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indias-huge-backlog-of-court-cases-delays-justice-experts/2638784 

Nepal - Inmates deprived of basic facilities in overcrowded Morang Prison

https://kathmandupost.com/province-no-1/2022/07/18/inmates-deprived-of-basic-facilities-in-overcrowded-morang-prison

Philippines - Digitization of records among measures to decongest crowded jails

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/21/2196993/digitization-records-among-measures-decongest-crowded-jails

Sri Lanka - Incarcerations on the rise – Prisons Dept.

https://www.newsfirst.lk/2022/07/21/incarcerations-on-the-rise-prisons-dept/

Europe

England and Wales - UK prisoners ‘traumatised’ by Covid solitary confinement, study says

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/20/covid-solitary-confinement-inflamed-uk-prisons-mental-health-crisis-study

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, June 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-june-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-june-2022

England and Wales - Warnings over 'inconsistent' monitoring of criminals after release from prison

https://news.sky.com/story/warnings-over-inconsistent-monitoring-of-criminals-after-release-from-prison-12651652

England and Wales - Treatment of UK prisoners during Covid meets UN definition of torture

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/20/treatment-of-uk-prisoners-during-covid-meets-un-definition-of-torture

Dozens commit suicide in Turkish prisons, watchdog says situation reaching ‘crisis levels’

https://medyanews.net/dozens-commit-suicide-in-turkish-prisons-watchdog-says-situation-reaching-crisis-levels/

 

News 13 July

Africa

Mozambique: Deaths of Prisoners Blamed On Security Lapses

https://allafrica.com/stories/202207120622.html

Americas

Jail riot in Dominican Republic leaves one prisoner dead, six injured after inmates protesting inhumane treatment kidnap a guard and set fires to mattresses

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11006679/Dominican-Republic-jail-riot-leaves-one-prisoner-dead-six-injured.html

‘It’s inhumane’: how US prison work breaks bodies and minds for pennies

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/13/us-prison-work-breaks-bodies-minds-for-pennies

US - Covid-19 Strikes Wyoming’s Most Populous Prison as US Cases Rise

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-12/covid-19-strikes-wyoming-s-most-populous-prison-as-us-cases-rise

Asia

Bangladesh - Virtual courts and the future of justice

https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/news/virtual-courts-and-the-future-justice-1904500

India - Bail, Not Jail: Why Supreme Courts Has Urged Govt To Frame New Bail Act

https://www.outlookindia.com/national/bail-not-jail-why-supreme-courts-has-urged-govt-to-frame-new-bail-act-news-208916

Europe

England and Wales - Inspectors highlight failings at Nottinghamshire prison

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/inspectors-highlight-failings-nottinghamshire-prison-7320126

Italy - Inmate COVID infections quadruple in seven days

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2022/07/12/inmate-covid-infections-quadruple-in-seven-days_6e5c734e-6ec8-404a-beef-17d57bdf061f.html

Scotland - Number of young people inside Polmont prison drops to record low

https://news.stv.tv/east-central/number-of-young-people-inside-polmont-prison-drops-to-record-low

 

News 12 July

Americas

US - Women In Prison Are Struggling To Access Mental Health And Social Support When They Need It Most

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a39866413/women-in-prison-mental-health-care-social-support-programs-community-based-organizations/

US - The Federal Prisons Agency is Reviewing its Reproductive Care Options for Inmates

https://www.govexec.com/management/2022/07/federal-prisons-agency-reviewing-its-reproductive-care-options-inmates-abortion/374074/

Europe

Belgium - Emergency measures to accelerate prison staff hiring

https://www.brusselstimes.com/253278/belgian-government-accelerates-prison-staff-hiring

Public Discussion on Georgia’s Penitentiary System Held

https://civil.ge/archives/500149

Scotland - Prison inspection flags overcrowding issues at HMP Low Moss

https://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/20271841.prison-inspection-flags-overcrowding-issues-hmp-low-moss/

 

News 9 – 11 July

Africa

Eid Al Adha: Morocco’s King pardons nearly 1000 Inmates

https://northafricapost.com/58894-eid-al-adha-moroccos-king-pardons-nearly-1000-inmates.html

Americas

Jamaica - Alarm sounded over collection of prisoners’ DNA

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20220710/alarm-sounded-over-collection-prisoners-dna

US - ‘They might have to give birth in chains’: Abortion access behind bars after the end of Roe v Wade

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/roe-v-wade-abortions-prison-b2118355.html

Dire US labor shortage provides opportunity for ex-prisoners

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-employment-jackson-covid-waffle-house-b2119833.html

US - South Dakota Prison Officers and inmates say broken promises lead to frustration, safety concerns

https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2022/07/08/south-dakota-prison-officers-inmates-say-broken-promises-lead-frustration-safety-concerns/

US - Florida Prisons Propose Cutting Family Visitations, Drawing Sharp Objections

https://flaglerlive.com/178436/florida-prisons-propose-cutting-family-visitations-drawing-sharp-objections/

US - Nebraska's Prison Overcrowding Emergency Now in Third Year

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2022-07-11/criminal-justice/nebraskas-prison-overcrowding-emergency-now-in-third-year/a79831-1

Europe

How does overcrowding in Belgian prisons damage rehabilitation?

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/251043/prisons-in-brussels-remain-chronically-overcrowded-what-can-actually-be-done

England and Wales - If we’re going to reform prisons, we should start with the prisoners

https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/if-were-going-to-reform-prisons-we-should-start-with-the-prisoners/

England and Wales - Criminal courts face further disruption as barristers strike for third week

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/cba-government-supreme-court-preston-birmingham-b2120276.html

Mobile phone and drug seizures in Irish prisons increased by 19% in 2021

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/mobile-phone-drug-seizures-irish-27445490

Oceania

Australia - Prisoner advocates say a lack of programs at Darwin Correctional Centre is contributing to the NT's high reoffending rates

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-11/nt-darwin-prison-programs-reoffending-rates/101205788

 

News 8 July

Americas

Canada - COVID-19 outbreak declared at New Brunswick's Dorchester prison

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/covid-19-outbreak-in-n-b-prison-1.5978458

Asia

India - 60-year age bar for life convicts removed; move aimed at decongesting U.P. jails

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/60year-age-bar-for-life-convicts-removed-move-aimed-at-decongesting-u-p-jails-101657220359348.html

Europe

England and Wales - 'Human books' go into prison to be 'read' by inmates in a bid to open up frank conversations

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/human-books-go-prison-read-24423010

England and Wales - HMP Manchester inmate lay dying with Covid as prison staff refused to tell mum about his condition

https://www.manchesterworld.uk/news/hmp-manchester-inmate-lay-dying-with-covid-as-prison-staff-refused-to-tell-mum-about-his-condition-3759846

Biometrics Commissioner Looks at Facial Recognition in Scottish Prisons

https://findbiometrics.com/biometrics-commissioner-looks-facial-recognition-scottish-prisons-070701/

Oceania

Australia - SA government 'investigating' whether to raise minimum age of criminal responsibility

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-08/sa-push-to-raise-age-of-criminality/101221906

 

News 7 July

Americas

Barbados - Fewer people in Dodds Prison

https://www.nationnews.com/2022/07/07/fewer-people-dodds-prison/

US - Bureau Of Prisons Holding Inmates For Longer Than Law Allows

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/07/06/bureau-of-prisons-holding-inmates-for-longer-than-law-allows/?sh=58c1ff736e62

Europe

England and Wales - Lewes prisoners locked up for up to 23 hours a day to prevent spread of Covid

https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/lewes-prisoners-locked-up-for-up-to-23-hours-a-day-to-prevent-spread-of-covid-3759423

Scotland - HMP Glasgow will not solve overpopulation woes, prison chief warns

https://www.scottishlegal.com/articles/hmp-glasgow-will-not-solve-overpopulation-woes-prison-chief-warns

CPT report on UK: persistent overcrowding and violence in prisons and insufficient legal safeguards for psychiatric patients

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/cpt-report-on-uk-persistent-overcrowding-and-violence-in-prisons-and-insufficient-legal-safeguards-for-psychiatric-patients

Oceania

Australia - Advocates slam 'disgraceful' decision to move youths to adult jail

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2022/07/06/advocates-slam-disgraceful-decision-move-youths-adult-jail

 

News 6 July

Americas

OHCHR Asks Honduras To Investigate Prison Gang Massacre

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/OHCHR-Asks-Honduras-To-Investigate-Prison-Gang-Massacre-20220705-0023.html

US - Overcrowding, Old Buildings Fueled COVID Surge in California Prisons

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/07/423231/overcrowding-old-buildings-fueled-covid-surge-california-prisons

US (Oregon) - Incarcerated people at Sheridan prison were denied showers during hunger strike, lawyer says

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/07/05/sheridan-oregon-prison-prisoners-hunger-strike-federal-corrections-prison-conditions/

US - Longstanding hurdles keep attorneys from easily phoning clients in North Dakota prisons

https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/longstanding-hurdles-keep-attorneys-from-easily-phoning-clients-in-north-dakota-prisons

Asia

India - Lack of facilities turns visit to Tiruchy Central Prison a harrowing experience for kin of inmates

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2022/jul/06/lack-of-facilities-turns-visit-to-tiruchy-central-prison-a-harrowing-experience-for-kin-of-inmates-2473323.html

Japan - COVID cluster leaves 43 inmates, workers at Osaka Prison infected

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220706/p2a/00m/0sc/004000c

Europe

England and Wales - Barrister strikes are symptom of Britain’s crumbling criminal justice system

https://www.ft.com/content/55317bbb-706f-40b5-8125-3ee2f023816f

Ireland - Covid-19 has brought a halt to a number of serious criminal cases due in court this week

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/covid-19-brought-halt-number-27406039

Scotland - Stop jailing so many criminals to ease overcrowding, inspector says

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/stop-jailing-so-many-criminals-to-ease-overcrowding-inspector-says-g82cfjjgt

Oceania

Australia - ‘Traumatised’ Children Are Being Sent to a Maximum-Security Adult’s Prison in WA

https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7geqx/traumatised-children-are-being-sent-to-a-maximum-security-adults-prison-in-wa

Australia - NT prison officers to strike over pay

https://www.theflindersnews.com.au/story/7809327/nt-prison-officers-to-strike-over-pay/?cs=12

 

News 5 July

Americas

6 gang members killed in Honduras prison

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/gang-members-killed-honduras-prison-86199308

US - Virginia law stops early inmate releases, angering families

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-virginia-richmond-ford-republican-b2115298.html

US - New York Prisons Ban Care Packages Containing Food

https://therealnews.com/new-york-prisons-ban-care-packages-containing-food

US - DOCCS drops mask mandate in New York prisons

https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2022/07/05/doccs-drops-mask-mandate-in-new-york-prisons/

Asia

As Malaysia Softens Death Penalty Stance, Singapore Sentences More to Be Hanged

https://www.vice.com/en/article/epzd34/malaysia-singapore-death-penalty-abolition

Europe

England and Wales - HMP Brixton: ‘a prison in trouble’

https://www.thejusticegap.com/hmp-brixton-a-prison-in-trouble/

England and Wales - HMP Erlestoke: Report finds 'insufficient progress' with drugs

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-62037202

Scotland - HMP Low Moss: Inmates sharing single cells at overcrowded jail

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-62043866

 

News 2-4 July

Africa

South Africa - Experts concerned about sudden spike in inmate numbers

https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/experts-concerned-about-sudden-spike-in-inmate-numbers-e8909bee-9bee-4af6-963d-231d4dd0e8ab

Americas

Death toll rises to 53 in Colombian prison fire

https://theprint.in/world/death-toll-rises-to-53-in-colombian-prison-fire/1021253/

US - Prison reform advocates say the Roe ruling will make it easier to deny care to incarcerated pregnant people: 'It just shows the amount of contempt that these systems have for women'

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/prison-reform-advocates-roe-ruling-133200895.html

US - Thousands of federal inmates still await early release under Trump-era First Step Act

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/thousands-federal-inmates-still-await-early-release-trump-era-first-st-rcna35162

US - California Lawmakers Reject Ballot Proposal That Aimed To End Forced Prison Labor

https://laist.com/news/criminal-justice/california-lawmakers-reject-ballot-proposal-that-aimed-to-end-forced-prison-labor

US - Federal Judge Rules Gruesome Medical Neglect in Arizona Prisons Violates Eighth Amendment

https://reason.com/2022/07/01/federal-judge-rules-gruesome-medical-neglect-in-arizona-prisons-violates-eighth-amendment/

US - ‘For Cruelty’s Sake’: State of Alabama diverts $400 million in COVID funds to build prisons, leaving many in dire straits

https://www.splcenter.org/news/2022/07/01/alabama-diverts-400-million-covid-funds-to-prisons

US (Hawaii) - Civil Beat Law Center Goes To Court To Make Prison Covid-19 Reports Public

https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/07/civil-beat-law-center-goes-to-court-to-make-prison-covid-19-reports-public/

Asia

Nepal - Prisoners take turn to sleep in crammed jail

https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/prisoners-take-turn-to-sleep-in-crammed-jail/

Prison conditions in Singapore 'acceptable'; no fans, mattresses in cells for security: Shanmugam

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/prison-conditions-singapore-jail-cells-fan-mattress-shanmugam-2788236

Singapore - Mental health support given for prison inmates with mild and severe conditions

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/mental-health-support-given-for-inmates-with-mild-and-severe-conditions

Europe

England and Wales - Prison 'congratulated' as report reveals 8 convicts and 57 staff caught covid during pandemic

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/prison-congratulated-report-reveals-8-24384651

England and Wales - Investigation launched after death of prisoner at HMP Styal

https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/investigation-launched-after-death-prisoner-24389995

Irish Prison Service to be placed on statutory basis

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/irish-prison-service-to-be-placed-on-statutory-basis

Ireland - High number of prisoners with mental health issues raised as State faces exam over human rights record

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2022/07/03/high-number-of-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues-raised-as-state-faces-exam-over-human-rights-record/

Oceania

Australia - Overcrowding creates 'unacceptable' prison conditions at Darwin Correctional Centre, lawyers claim

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-04/nt-prison-overcrowding/101196858

New Zealand - Prison labour used in new Waikeria Prison build in wake of riot

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129163175/prison-labour-used-in-new-waikeria-prison-build-in-wake-of-riot

 

News 1 July

Africa

Ghana - Prison reform advocates reiterate calls for non-custodial sentencing

https://www.myjoyonline.com/prison-reform-advocates-reiterate-calls-for-non-custodial-sentencing/

Americas

US - Are Virtual Court Proceedings Here To Stay? All Signs Point To Yes.

https://abovethelaw.com/2022/06/are-virtual-court-proceedings-here-to-stay-all-signs-point-to-yes/

US - Rising COVID cases are forcing Kansas to move inmates between prisons

https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-06-30/rising-covid-cases-are-forcing-kansas-to-move-inmates-between-prisons

US - 80 people in Oregon’s federal prison go on hunger strike

http://ktvz.com/news/2022/06/30/80-people-in-oregons-federal-prison-go-on-hunger-strike/

Asia

India - 12 prisoners, 7 officers hurt during clashes at Delhi’s Tihar jail

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/12-prisoners-7-officers-hurt-during-clashes-at-delhi-s-tihar-jail-101656612507859.html

Europe

Belgium - ‘Let us in!’: Saint-Gilles prison outreach staff protest entry restrictions

https://www.brusselstimes.com/247663/let-us-in-saint-gilles-prison-outreach-staff-protest-entry-limitations

Luxembourg - Six Schrassig prison officers targeted in brutal attack

https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1935280.html

 

News 30 June

Americas

Bermuda - New officers being trained, but prisons are still short of staff

https://www.royalgazette.com/crime/news/article/20220629/new-officers-being-trained-but-prisons-are-still-short-of-staff/

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners locked up with too little to do, inspectors say

https://www.tivysideadvertiser.co.uk/news/20245146.prisoners-locked-little-inspectors-say/

England and Wales - Women in Prison: Remand in Custody

https://www.thejusticegap.com/women-in-prison-remand-in-custody/

The overcrowded Welsh prison failing to look after the healthcare needs of inmates

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/overcrowded-welsh-prison-failing-look-24356162

 

News 29 June

Americas

Canada - ‘Crisis’ in federal correctional institutions due to parole programing backlog, lawyer says

https://www.thelawyersdaily.ca/articles/37589

Canada - How Ontario's new Justice Centres are rethinking criminal justice

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/how-ontario-s-new-justice-centres-are-rethinking-criminal-justice-1.6503979

COVID-19 mortality rates by race and ethnicity in U.S. state prisons

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220628/COVID-19-mortality-rates-by-race-and-ethnicity-in-US-state-prisons.aspx

US (Oregon) - Inmates at federal prison complex in Sheridan went on hunger strike in protest of extensive lockdowns, poor conditions

https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2022/06/inmates-at-federal-prison-complex-in-sheridan-went-on-hunger-strike-in-protest-of-extensive-lockdowns-poor-conditions.html

Asia

Hong Kong - Justice has to remain fair and open in push for remote hearings

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3183385/justice-has-remain-fair-and-open-push-remote-hearings

India - Corona outbreak in Bihar jails as 80 inmates found positive, 37 from Beur Central Jail

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bihar-37-inmates-of-beur-central-prison-test-positive-for-covid-19

Thailand bars prisons from using inmates to make fishing nets

https://news.trust.org/item/20220628130031-asg2c/

Europe

How has COVID-19 affected the mental health of prison staff in England?

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220629/How-has-COVID-19-affected-the-mental-health-of-prison-staff-in-England.aspx

England and Wales - HMP Winchester Governor promises improvements after critical prison inspection report

https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2022-06-28/hmp-winchester-governor-promises-improvements-after-critical-inspection-report

 

News 28 June

Africa

Ghana - Sunyani Central Prisons to create separate cell blocks for inmates with minor offences

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Sunyani-Central-Prisons-to-create-separate-cell-blocks-for-inmates-with-minor-offences-1570220

Americas

Colombian jail riot leaves 49 inmates dead

https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/law-and-order/colombian-jail-riot-leaves-49-inmates-dead-c-7331559

US - Supreme Court rules for inmates seeking reduced prison terms

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-washington-supreme-court-district-court-sonia-sotomayor-b2110335.html

US - Health care in jails and prisons is terrible. The pandemic made it even worse.

https://www.vox.com/23175978/health-care-prison-jail-covid-pandemic

Asia

Iran - Four Inmates Sick with Tuberculosis at Qarchak Prison

https://iranwire.com/en/prisoners/105226-four-inmates-sick-with-tuberculosis-at-qarchak-prison

Europe

England and Wales - Raft of major justice reforms come into force

https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/national/20239426.raft-major-justice-reforms-come-force/

Oceania

New Zealand - Corrections drops vaccine requirements for prison visitors and staff

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/leigh-marsh-corrections-deputy-national-commissioner-on-dropping-vaccine-requirements-for-visitors-and-staff/

 

News 25-27 June

Africa

Ghana - We have a proposal to establish community service structure for convicts – Deputy Attorney-General

https://www.myjoyonline.com/we-have-a-proposal-to-establish-community-service-structure-for-convicts-deputy-attorney-general/

Americas

US - Department Of Justice Proposes Final Rule To End CARES Act For Home Confinement For Federal Prisoners

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/06/25/department-of-justice-proposes-final-rule-to-end-cares-act-for-home-confinement-for-federal-prisoners/?sh=751723a654ec

US - Many people recently released from prison find themselves left behind by technology. A new program gets them up to speed.

https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/06/27/tech-program-helps-people-released-prison-learn-computer-internet-smartphone-skills/7490164001/

US - Formerly Incarcerated Women in Tennessee Win Reforms Ending Shackled Births

https://truthout.org/articles/formerly-incarcerated-women-in-tennessee-win-reforms-ending-shackled-births/

Asia

India - Nine inmates test positive as Covid-19 cluster found in Nagpur jail

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nine-inmates-test-positive-as-covid-19-cluster-found-in-nagpur-jail-101656167853906-amp.html

India - State prisons have 166% more inmates than capacity

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/state-prisons-have-166-more-inmates-than-capacity-101656271357288.html

Europe

England and Wales - Dental care at Teesside prison slammed as 'unacceptable' in annual report

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/dental-care-teesside-prison-slammed-24279867

England and Wales - New treatment launched to prevent suicides in four men's prisons in the north

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2022-06-27/new-treatment-launched-to-prevent-prisoner-suicide

England and Wales - Prisoners kept in beyond sentences

https://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/events/173203/prisoners-kept-in-beyond-sentences.html

Ireland - Prison inspector to cover all detention centres under draft laws

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40903196.html

Scotland - Substance use experts tackle health inequalities among people released from prison

https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2022/june-2022-news/substance-use-experts-tackle-health-inequalities-among-people-released-from-prison/

 

News 24 June

Americas

Canada - Proposed class-action lawsuit targets Ottawa over prison practice set to become illegal

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/charter-rights-dry-cell-lawsuit-1.6487153

Haiti: dozens of inmates starve to death as malnutrition crisis engulfs prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/23/haiti-prisons-starvation-un-deaths-crisis

US - The Graying of America’s Prison Population

https://thecrimereport.org/2022/06/23/the-graying-of-americas-prison-population/

US - As Governments Push Us “Back to Normal,” Don’t Forget About Prison Conditions

https://truthout.org/articles/as-governments-push-us-back-to-normal-dont-forget-about-prison-conditions/

Europe

Prisoners on remand soared to highest level during pandemic as Scotland's prison population fell

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20230498.prisoners-remand-soared-highest-level-pandemic-scotlands-prison-population-fell/

One in ten Swiss offenders held in non-prison facilities

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/one-in-ten-swiss-offenders-held-in-non-prison-facilities/47699774

 

News 23 June

Africa

Caged and Neglected, the Plight of the Ghanaian Prisoner

https://allafrica.com/stories/202206220303.html

Americas

Canada - Addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system in Québec

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/addressing-the-overrepresentation-of-indigenous-people-in-the-criminal-justice-system-in-quebec-879634026.html

US - Chronic Punishment: The unmet health needs of people in state prisons

https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/chronicpunishment.html

US - Philadelphia’s troubled jails would get independent oversight in proposed ballot measure

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-prison-oversight-board-jail-violence-20220623.html

US - 3 N.Y.C. Detainees Die in Less Than a Week, Bringing Year’s Total to 9

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/22/nyregion/rikers-inmate-deaths.html

Asia

Cambodia - Prisoners receiving fifth Covid-19 vaccinations

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/prisoners-receiving-fifth-covid-19-vaccinations

Malaysia - Prisons driving inmates mad, says NGO

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/06/23/prisons-driving-inmates-mad-says-ngo/

Myanmar - Junta refuses ICRC request to visit prisoners and allow prison visitors

https://www.mizzima.com/article/junta-refuses-icrc-request-visit-prisoners-and-allow-prison-visitors

Europe

England and Wales - Prison to get new workshop to help inmates find jobs on release

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/wayland-prison-to-get-new-workshop-9089516

Inmates in Turkish prisons continue hunger strike despite deteriorating health

https://stockholmcf.org/inmates-in-turkish-prisons-continue-hunger-strike-despite-deteriorating-health/

 

News 21 June

Americas

Canada - Ottawa woman, group allege Ontario law on jail strip searches unconstitutional

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-woman-group-allege-ontario-law-on-jail-strip-searches-unconstitutional

US - “Mental Health Units” in Prison Are Solitary Confinement by Another Name, Activists Say

https://truthout.org/articles/mental-health-units-in-prison-are-solitary-by-another-name-activists-say/

Asia

Building of Malaysia’s ‘largest’ prison not helpful in addressing overcrowding or root issues of crime, say experts and NGO

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/06/21/building-of-malaysias-largest-prison-not-helpful-in-addressing-overcrowding-or-root-issues-of-crime-say-experts-and-ngo/13325

Europe

Sanctions and measures without deprivation of liberty in Europe: annual statistics for 2021

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/home/-/asset_publisher/ke6Wfgn94238/content/sanctions-and-measures-without-deprivation-of-liberty-in-europe-annual-statistics-for-2021?inheritRedirect=false&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coe.int%2Fen%2Fweb%2Fportal%2Fhome%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_ke6Wfgn94238%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-1%26p_p_col_count%3D3

England and Wales - If you decide to cut staff, people die’: how Nottingham prison descended into chaos

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/21/how-nottingham-prison-descended-into-chaos-staff-cuts-austerity-violence

England and Wales - HMP Lowdham Grange: Concern over rise in prison assaults

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-61849242

Scottish lawyers express dissatisfaction with virtual court system - new survey

https://www.scotsman.com/business/scottish-lawyers-express-dissatisfaction-with-virtual-court-system-new-survey-3737936

 

News 18-20 June

Asia

India - Need to hire 400 more staff members to give phone, video call access to jail inmates: Maha govt tells HC

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2079495-need-to-hire-400-more-staff-members-to-give-phone-video-call-access-to-jail-inmates-maha-govt-tells-hc

Malaysia’s largest prison, which could house 3,000, to be built in Kelantan, says Home Ministry

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/06/19/malaysias-largest-prison-which-could-house-3000-to-be-built-in-kelantan-says-home-ministry/13126

Malaysian prison invites big companies to join inmate rehabilitation programmes

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/malaysian-prison-invites-big-companies-to-join-inmate-rehabilitation-programmes-BB9344751

Europe

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, May 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-may-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-may-2022

England and Wales - £500 million boost to create thousands of new prison places

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/500-million-boost-to-create-thousands-of-new-prison-places

New data reveals the decline in access to justice in England and Wales

https://www.politicshome.com/members/article/new-data-reveals-the-decline-in-access-to-justice-in-england-and-wales

Thousands of victims of violent and sexual crime stuck in England and Wales court backlog

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/jun/18/thousands-victims-violent-sexual-crime-stuck-england-wales-courts-backlog

Landline phones being installed in every prison cell in Ireland

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40899083.html

One in four UK prisoners has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, says report

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/18/uk-prisoners-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-prison

Oceania

Australia - More unrest at troubled WA juvenile prison

https://7news.com.au/politics/more-unrest-at-troubled-wa-juvenile-prison-c-7230717

New Zealand - Nearly 800 frontline prison jobs unstaffed as guards quit 'in droves'

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128981532/nearly-800-frontline-prison-jobs-unstaffed-as-guards-quit-in-droves

 

News 17 June

Americas

Canada - Backlogged justice system can’t return to pre-pandemic ways, chief justice warns

https://www.saanichnews.com/news/backlogged-justice-system-cant-return-to-pre-pandemic-ways-chief-justice-warns/

US - Report: Oklahoma Prisons Plagued With Staffing Shortages, Operational Inefficiencies

https://oklahomawatch.org/2022/06/16/report-oklahoma-prisons-plagued-with-staffing-shortages-operational-inefficiencies/

US (New York) - Proposed legislation would ban most solitary confinement at Rikers

https://gothamist.com/news/proposed-legislation-would-ban-most-solitary-confinement-at-rikers

Asia

India prison report: More than 75% of those in jail are not convicts but undertrials

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/in-depth/india-prison-report-more-than-75-of-those-in-jail-are-not-convicts-but-undertrials/videoshow/92257750.cms

India - 1,440 convicts, out on Covid parole, yet to return to jails

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/1440-convicts-out-on-covid-parole-yet-to-return-to-jails/articleshow/92269778.cms

Europe

England and Wales - Covid saw HMP Bure prisoners locked in cells for 23 hours a day

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/hmp-bure-norfolk-prisoners-locked-in-cells-covid-9041730

France urged to drastically improve situation in overcrowded jails

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20220617-france-urged-to-drastically-improve-situation-in-overcrowded-jails-prison-oip-amnesty-international

Oceania

Australia (NSW) - Law Society briefs AG on benefits of retaining COVID court measures for fairer access to justice

https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/law-society-briefs-ag-on-benefits-of-retaining-covid-court-measures-for-fairer-access-to-justice/

 

News 16 June

Africa

Nigeria - Senate seeks trial of prison officials over illegal remand of children

https://thenationonlineng.net/senate-seeks-trial-of-prison-officials-over-illegal-remand-of-children/

Americas

Canada - Prisons are failing to comply with solitary confinement reforms: senators

https://www.castanet.net/news/Canada/372028/Prisons-are-failing-to-comply-with-solitary-confinement-reforms-senators

El Salvador's Security Crackdown May Feed Gang Recruitment

https://insightcrime.org/news/el-salvador-security-crackdown-gang-recruitment-drive/

US prison workers produce $11bn worth of goods and services a year for pittance

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/15/us-prison-workers-low-wages-exploited

US (Ohio) - Women more likely in prison due to drugs than men, study finds

https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2022/06/15/women-more-likely-in-prison-due-to-drugs-than-men-study-finds/stories/20220615110

Asia

New UAE law to help convicts find job after serving prison term

https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2022/06/15/new-uae-law-will-help-convicts-find-job-after-jail-term-and-lead-normal-life

Europe

England and Wales - Sentencing for serious offences has ‘lost its way’, says report

https://www.thejusticegap.com/sentencing-for-serious-offences-has-lost-its-way-says-report/

Oceania

Australia - WA prisons introducing full-body X-ray scanners to detect hidden contraband

https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-prisons-introducing-full-body-x-ray-scanners-to-detect-hidden-contraband-20220614-p5atmx.html

 

News 15 June

Americas

US - The land of the free leads the world in incarceration. Why?

https://www.vox.com/features/23150068/us-prisons-crime-juneteenth-freedom-2022

US - 1st federal prison to experience COVID-19 outbreak now short-staffed: Officials

https://abcnews.go.com/US/1st-federal-prison-experience-covid-19-outbreak-now/story?id=85388967

Asia

India - Jail inmates-run fuel station to operate 24x7 in Kurukshetra

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/jail-inmates-run-fuel-station-to-operate-24x7-in-kurukshetra-403928

Pakistan - ‘Blood Screening Mandatory For Jail Inmates’

https://nation.com.pk/2022/06/15/blood-screening-mandatory-for-jail-inmates/

Europe

Belgium - Release prisoners six months early to tackle overcrowding, says Justice Minister

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/238881/release-prisoners-six-months-early-to-tackle-overcrowding-says-justice-minister

England and Wales - Prison leavers tagged to cut alcohol-fuelled crime

https://www.rugbyobserver.co.uk/lifestyle/prison-leavers-tagged-to-cut-alcohol-fuelled-crime-39170/

 

News 14 June

Asia

India’s prisons need administrative reforms

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/in-perspective/india-s-prisons-need-administrative-reforms-1117899.html

Japan - EDITORIAL: Revised penal code should help in rehabilitation of prison inmates

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14644268

Pakistan - Jail officers ordered to enforce prisons reforms

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/966001-jail-officers-ordered-to-enforce-prisons-reforms

Europe

Belgium ordered to tackle worsening situation in prisons

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/237756/belgium-ordered-to-tackle-worsening-situation-in-prisons

England and Wales - End to Friday prison releases to cut crime

https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/end-to-friday-prison-releases-to-cut-crime/

England and Wales - No showers, 23 and a half hour lock-ups and bad food, says prisoner at Doncaster jail

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/no-showers-23-and-a-half-hour-lock-ups-and-bad-food-says-prisoner-at-doncaster-jail-3730801

Ireland - Prison pilot project strengthens family ties

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0613/1304667-prison-pilot-project-strengthens-family-ties/

 

News 11-13 June

Africa

Zimbabwe - Inmates narrate Remand Prison horror, trash new virtual courts system

https://www.newzimbabwe.com/inmates-narrate-remand-prison-horror-trash-new-virtual-courts-system/

Americas

Canada Moves to Decriminalize Possession of ‘Hard’ Drugs

https://www.wired.com/story/canada-moves-to-decriminalize-possession-of-hard-drugs/

Asia

India - In new policy, UP removes 60-year age bar for release of life-term prisoners

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/in-new-policy-up-removes-60-year-age-bar-for-release-of-life-term-prisoners-7963635/

India - Starting afresh: how women at Tihar jail are upskilling, breaking stereotypes

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/starting-afresh-how-women-at-tihar-jail-are-upskilling-breaking-stereotypes/article65521055.ece

Japan passes bill to make online insults punishable with prison time

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/06/13/national/crime-legal/cyberbullying-bill/

Guards deny female inmates drinking water after protest in Myanmar’s Insein Prison

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/insein-06102022190825.html

Pakistan - As judicial lock-up runs out of space, police opt for e-hearing

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2361310/as-judicial-lock-up-runs-out-of-space-police-opt-for-e-hearing

Europe

‘Digital reintegration’: Video visits remain popular in Belgian prisons

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/237689/digital-reintegration-video-visits-remain-popular-in-belgian-prisons

 

News 10 June

Asia

Thailand decriminalizes cannabis, becomes first Asian country to remove ban

https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/thailand-decriminalizes-cannabis-becomes-first-asian-country-to-remove-ban-122061000239_1.html

Europe

Danish government fails to fund Kosovo prison over EU law row

https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/danish-government-fails-to-fund-kosovo-prison-over-eu-law-row/

England and Wales - Crown Court backlog increases

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/contact-or-visit-us/press-office/press-releases/crown-court-backlog-increases

England and Wales - Prison on lockdown with families unable to visit and inmates 'unable to shower'

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/prison-lockdown-families-unable-visit-24184810

Scotland - Concern expressed over courts system backlog

https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/crime/concern-expressed-over-courts-system-backlog-3726933

 

News 9 June

Africa

Kenya - Radical inmates and congestion pose challenge for prisons, says Matiang'i

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-06-08-radical-inmates-and-congestion-pose-challenge-for-prisons-says-matiangi/

Video Showing How Prisoners In Zimbabwe Sleep Divides Opinion

https://iharare.com/video-showing-how-prisoners-in-zimbabwe-sleep-divides-opinion/

Americas

US - Biden's sentencing panel noms vow to implement criminal justice reform law

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/bidens-sentencing-panel-noms-vow-implement-criminal-justice-reform-law-2022-06-08/

Asia

Thailand - Thousands of cannabis offenders being released, but not all

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2323118/thousands-of-cannabis-offenders-being-released-but-not-all

Europe

Scotland - SNP plans to cut prisoner numbers branded 'complete madness'

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20197955.snp-plans-cut-prisoner-numbers-branded-complete-madness/

 

News 8 June

Africa

Kenya - Gov’t commits to developing infrastructure in prisons

https://www.kbc.co.ke/govt-commits-to-developing-infrastructure-in-prisons/

South Africa: The Justice System Is Showing Signs of Rot

https://allafrica.com/stories/202206070736.html

Americas

Canada - In-person visits suspended at B.C. prison after COVID-19 outbreak

https://globalnews.ca/news/8903181/covid-matsqui-institution-in-person-visits-suspended/

US (Missouri) - Nonprofit trains prison inmates to help fill technology worker shortage

https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/nonprofit-trains-prison-inmates-to-help-fill-technology-worker-shortage

Asia

Fears of tuberculosis outbreak at Bahraini prison

https://www.middleeasteye.net/video/fears-tuberculosis-outbreak-bahraini-prison

Europe

England and Wales - Prison and Probation Service’s tagging ambition ‘outstripped its ability to deliver’

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252521117/Prison-and-Probation-Service-tagging-ambition-outstripped-its-ability-to-deliver

Presumed innocent but detained for months pretrial in Germany and EU

https://www.dw.com/en/presumed-innocent-but-detained-for-months-pretrial-in-germany-and-eu/a-61983097

Russian MPs vote to quit European Court of Human Rights

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/7/russia-exits-european-court-of-human-rights-jurisdiction

Prison overcrowding remains a problem in prisons in French-speaking Switzerland: Anti-torture committee report

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/prison-overcrowding-remains-a-problem-in-prisons-in-french-speaking-switzerland-anti-torture-committee-report

Oceania

Australia - Advocates concerned over use of isolation in Victoria’s youth justice system, despite drop in numbers

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/08/advocates-concerned-over-use-of-isolation-in-victorias-youth-justice-system-despite-drop-in-numbers

 

News 2- 7 June

Africa

Reforms in Ghana’s Prisons: The Quest to improve lives of inmates

https://newsghana.com.gh/reforms-in-ghanas-prisons-the-quest-to-improve-lives-of-inmates/

South Africa - Over-populated prisons a concern as crime rises in KwaZulu-Natal

https://www.news24.com/witness/news/kzn/over-populated-prisons-a-concern-as-crime-rises-in-kwazulu-natal-20220604

Zimbabwe - Chikurubi prison falling apart

https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/06/chikurubi-prison-falling-apart/

Americas

Barbados - Dodds’ COVID cases ‘manageable’

https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/06/02/dodds-covid-cases-manageable/

El Salvador accused of ‘massive’ human rights violations with 2% of adults in prison

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/02/el-salvador-human-rights-violations-bukele-amnesty

US - ‘Too little too late’: Unpacking Biden’s moves to improve federal prisons’ response to Covid-19

https://www.statnews.com/2022/06/03/biden-moves-improve-prison-response-covid/

In historic shift, far fewer teens face adult US courts

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-connecticut-philadelphia-data-washington-b2094833.html

US - Michigan prisons ban Spanish and Swahili dictionaries to prevent inmate disruptions

https://www.npr.org/2022/06/02/1102164439/michigan-prisons-ban-spanish-and-swahili-dictionaries-to-prevent-inmate-disrupti

US (North Carolina) - Prisons were some of the hardest hit places during the pandemic. What are the next steps forward?

https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2022/06/07/prisons-were-some-of-the-hardest-hit-places-during-the-pandemic-what-are-the-next-steps-forward/

US - New York’s Prison Package Ban Places New Burdens On The Incarcerated

https://theappeal.org/new-york-prison-package-ban/

US - Inmate Shuffle: How California Bounces Around Its Mentally Ill Prisoners

https://laist.com/news/criminal-justice/inmate-shuffle-how-california-bounces-around-its-mentally-ill-prisoners

Asia

Pakistan - Revisions In Jail Manual Proposed To Improve Educational Capacity Of Prisoners

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/revisions-in-jail-manual-proposed-to-improve-1520428.html

Singapore - 87% of probation orders that ended last year successfully completed, highest in a decade: MSF

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/msf-probation-orders-community-rehabilitation-2722486

Sri Lanka - Prison labour to be used to cultivate short-term crops

http://www.dailynews.lk/2022/06/07/local/280346/prison-labour-be-used-cultivate-short-term-crops

Thailand - Prison labour hired to clean Bangkok's drains

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2322150/prison-labour-hired-to-clean-bangkoks-drains

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Price to pay’ for boring prison lockdowns, says chief inspector

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jun/06/price-to-pay-for-boring-prison-lockdowns-says-chief-inspector

England and Wales - The impact and recovery from COVID-19 for children in custodial settings

https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/the-impact-and-recovery-from-covid-19-for-children-in-custodial-settings/137130/

England and Wales - Criminals must pass three new tests before transfer to open prison

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/06/05/criminals-must-pass-three-new-tests-transfer-open-prison/

Oceania

Australia - Inhumane conditions in Tas prison: judge

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7766528/inhumane-conditions-in-tas-prison-judge/

New Zealand - Mt Eden prison staff crisis: 102 vacancies, double-bunking to increase nationally

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mt-eden-prison-staff-crisis-102-vacancies-double-bunking-to-increase-nationally/RQZRSDVCOOXGYFTVMV4N3EVGOU/

 

News 1 June

Americas

Canada - Prison service must do more to remove barriers for Indigenous, Black offenders: AG

https://www.therecord.com/ts/politics/2022/05/31/prison-service-must-do-more-to-remove-barriers-for-indigenous-black-offenders-ag.html

US - How the newest federal prison became one of the deadliest

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/31/1100954134/federal-prison-deaths-usp-thomson-illinois-prison

US - Enrollment in Prisons Continued to Climb, Despite the Pandemic

https://www.diverseeducation.com/students/article/15292591/enrollment-in-prisons-continued-to-climb-despite-the-pandemic

Europe

Malta - Slashing court delays ‘a priority’ – Justice Minister

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/slashing-court-delays-a-priority-justice-minister.958777

Oceania

Australia - Submissions to Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce reveal systemic and community failure

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-01/sexual-assault-womens-safety-justice-taskforce-mcmurdo/101115900

 

News 31 May

Americas

Canada - Overrepresentation of Indigenous Women in Jails Hits Record Levels in BC

https://thetyee.ca/News/2022/05/31/Overrepresentation-Indigenous-Women-In-Jail/

Traumatised families demand reforms after Ecuador prison riots

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/30/traumatised-families-demand-reforms-after-ecuador-prison-riots

The El Salvador diaries: The psychology of mass incarceration

https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/5/30/the-el-salvador-diaries-the-psychology-of-mass-incarceration

US - First Step Act Inaction Keeps Federal Inmates In Prison

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/05/30/first-step-act-inaction-keeps-federal-inmates-in-prison/?sh=11bf24557618

Asia

India - Govt relaxes rules for early release of convicts from jail

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/govt-relaxes-rules-for-early-release-ofconvicts-from-jail/articleshow/91904676.cms

Nepal - Custodial deaths continue with little being done towards investigation

https://kathmandupost.com/national/2022/05/31/custodial-deaths-continue-with-little-being-done-towards-investigation

S. Korean rights watchdog urges resolution of prison overcrowding

https://www.punjabnewsexpress.com/news/news/skorean-rights-watchdog-urges-resolution-of-prison-overcrowding-167524

Europe

England and Wales - New jails may not open due to lack of staff, prisons chief admits

https://insidetime.org/new-jails-may-not-open-due-to-lack-of-staff-prisons-chief-admits/

England and Wales - Forest Bank Prison is damned by inspectors despite beefing up security and major refurbishment

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/forest-bank-prison-damned-inspectors-24101017

England and Wales - Frustration as prisoners’ time out of cell at HMP Belmarsh cut due to staff shortages

https://www.thejusticegap.com/frustration-as-prisoners-time-out-of-cell-at-hmp-belmarsh-cut-due-to-staff-shortages/

Oceania

New Zealand - Prison riots: Corrections to centrally record squad deployments after Newstalk ZB investigation

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/prison-riots-corrections-to-centrally-record-squad-deployments-after-newstalk-zb-investigation/DPODWPUAQHIWGLPHLITWST4UFY/

 

News 28 – 30 May

Africa

People for Peace: Breaking prison barriers in Central African Republic

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/621110/World/Africa/People-for-Peace-Breaking-prison-barriers-in-Central-African-Republic?ref=rss&format=simple&link=link

Americas

Canada supreme court rules life without chance of parole is ‘cruel’ and illegal

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/27/canada-supreme-court-life-without-parole-cruel-unconstitutional

Canada - Fed up with lockdowns, some Springhill prison inmates actively trying to get COVID-19

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/springhill-institution-inmates-restrictions-covid-19-policies-1.6466686

US - Aging in Prison: How Older Generations Fight for Dignity and Release

https://rafu.com/2022/05/aging-in-prison-how-older-generations-fight-for-dignity-and-release/

US - Crime is low, but Connecticut’s prison population is on the rise again. Here’s why.

https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Crime-is-low-but-Connecticut-s-prison-17204080.php

Europe

England and Wales - Number of violent attacks at Gartree Prison fell dramatically during the Covid lockdowns

https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/defence/number-of-violent-attacks-at-gartree-prison-fell-dramatically-during-the-covid-lockdowns-3711777

Scotland - 'Ground-breaking' American trauma project being delivered at Barlinnie

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/20172067.ground-breaking-american-trauma-project-delivered-barlinnie/

Oceania

Australia - Prison healthcare contractor denies cover-up after Indigenous woman’s death

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/prison-healthcare-contractor-denies-cover-up-after-indigenous-woman-s-death-20220527-p5ap32.html

 

News 27 May

Africa

Non-custodial sentencing key to reducing congestion in Ghana’s prisons – Prison Service

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Non-custodial-sentencing-key-to-reducing-congestion-in-Ghana-s-prisons-Prison-Service-1546643

Americas

US - The 1990s Law That Keeps People in Prison on Technicalities

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/05/26/the-1990s-law-that-keeps-people-in-prison-on-technicalities

US - Biden Moves to Improve Public Health Conditions in Federal Prisons and Jails

https://www.govexec.com/management/2022/05/biden-moves-improve-public-health-conditions-federal-prisons-and-jails/367452/

US - Court denies Oregon’s request to scrap lawsuit over prison COVID cases

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/05/26/court-denies-oregon-request-to-scrap-lawsuit-over-prison-covid-cases/

US (Delaware) - State prison system limits vistitors after Covid cases increase in region

https://delawarebusinessnow.com/2022/05/state-prison-system-limits-vistitors-after-covid-cases-increase-in-region/

Asia

Cambodia - Lawyer-inmate rooms at prisons in heavy use

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/lawyer-inmate-rooms-prisons-heavy-use

India - State prisons: ‘Mulaqats’ resumed, but poor infra keeps families of prisoners away

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/state-prisons-mulaqats-resumed-but-poor-infra-keeps-families-of-prisoners-away-jail-7938528/

Myanmar - Family members of inmates call for allowing prison visits

https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/family-members-inmates-call-allowing-prison-visits

Europe

Malta - Inmates will meet their children outside prison in new Marsa family room

https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116987/inmates_will_meet_their_children_outside_prison_in_new_marsa_family_room

 

News 26 May

Americas

Canada - Addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system in British Columbia

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/addressing-the-overrepresentation-of-indigenous-peoples-in-the-criminal-justice-system-in-british-columbia-851476240.html

US - Three years after ICIJ’s ‘Solitary Voices,’ isolation still commonplace in US prisons and detention centers

https://www.icij.org/investigations/solitary-voices/three-years-after-icijs-solitary-voices-isolation-still-commonplace-in-us-prisons-and-detention-centers/

US - Cost of Calls Weighs on Prisoners’ Families as CFPB Cracks Down

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/banking-law/cost-of-calls-weighs-on-prisoners-families-as-cfpb-cracks-down

US - ‘Always a possibility of change’: incarcerated teens seek justice as adults

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/26/since-i-been-down-documentary-prison-justice-redemption

Asia

Rights Of Indian Prisoners To Equitable Wages And Application Of Labor Laws In Prisons

https://www.livelaw.in/columns/prison-security-act-constitution-prisoners-minimum-wages-act-model-prison-manual-200129

Europe

England and Wales - Justice minister denies ‘legal aid advice deserts’ in face of evidence of widespread failures

https://www.thejusticegap.com/justice-minister-denies-legal-aid-advice-deserts-in-face-of-evidence-of-widespread-failures/

Oceania

New Zealand - Deputy director among nine Rimutaka Prison staff suspended amid corruption probe

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/128763975/deputy-director-among-nine-rimutaka-prison-staff-suspended-amid-corruption-probe

 

News 25 May 

Africa

Egypt issued highest number of death sentences worldwide in 2021

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-highest-number-death-sentences-world-2021

Ghana Prisons Service calls for more vocational establishments in prisons

https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-prisons-service-calls-for-more-vocational-establishments-in-prisons/

South Africa: Why Independent Healthcare Inside Prisons Is Vital

https://allafrica.com/stories/202205250168.html

Americas

‘Like living in a concentration camp’: Haitian prisons run out of food and water

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article261758132.html

Asia

Malaysia - Set up independent panel to monitor prison conditions, govt told

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/05/25/set-up-independent-panel-to-monitor-prison-conditions-govt-told/

Malaysia - Prison reform: Suaram identifies issues, solutions in latest report

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/622407

Europe

England and Wales - Winchester prison is 'one of the most violent prisons in the country'

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/20163716.winchester-continued-one-violent-prisons-country---report/

 

News 24 May

Americas

US - Supreme Court makes it tougher for inmates to win release from prison due to bad lawyering claims

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/23/supreme-court-decision-makes-it-tougher-for-inmates-to-win-release-from-prison.html

US - Compassionate release for aging prisoners isn't enough

https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2022/05/24/compassionate-release-armand-coleman-sarah-laughlin

US - Mass. has lowest incarceration rate in 35 years; experts say there is room to improve

https://www.gazettenet.com/Mass-prison-population-46486834

Asia

India - Mental health report required before sentencing anyone to death, says Supreme Court

https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/mental-health-report-required-before-sentencing-anyone-to-death-says-supreme-court-article-91758468

S. Korea installs sensors to prevent suicides in new military prison

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220524000243

Thailand - 2% of inmates are mentally ill

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2314606/2-of-inmates-are-mentally-ill

Europe

England and Wales - Prisoners screened for Hepatitis C in Lewes Prison as part of efforts to eliminate virus

https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2022-05-24/prisoners-screened-for-hepatitis-c-as-part-of-efforts-to-eliminate-virus-by-2025

Turkey extends COVID-19 leaves for convicts till July 2023

https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-extends-covid-19-leaves-for-convicts-till-july-2023/news

 

News 20 – 23 May

Americas

US - Bill pushes feds to notify families of sick, dying inmates

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bureau-of-prisons-ap-jon-ossoff-senate-bill-b2083583.html

US - Two Years of COVID-19 Have Fueled a Crisis of Isolation in Prisons

https://www.vera.org/news/two-years-of-covid-19-have-fueled-a-crisis-of-isolation-in-prisons

Asia

Thailand - New Phuket prison already 85% full

https://www.thephuketnews.com/new-phuket-prison-already-85-full-84300.php

Europe

England and Wales - Children carrying weapons at most violent prison in England, inspectors warn

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/children-england-wales-staffordshire-stokeontrent-b1001241.html

England and Wales - New centre to be piloted as alternative to prison for women convicted of low-level crimes

https://nation.cymru/news/new-centre-to-be-piloted-as-alternative-to-prison-for-women-convicted-of-low-level-crimes/

England and Wales - Open up regimes more quickly, urges HMIP

https://insidetime.org/open-up-regimes-more-quickly-urges-hmip/

Human rights organizations demand to know if Turkish authorities have taken precautions against COVID-19 as prisons are set to return to full capacity

https://stockholmcf.org/human-rights-organizations-demand-to-know-if-turkish-authorities-have-taken-precautions-against-covid-19-as-prisons-are-set-to-return-to-full-capacity/

Oceania

Australia - WA prison staffing systems 'shambolic' and 'chaotic', auditor-general report says

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-21/wa-state-prisons-staffing-and-rostering-not-managed-says-review-/101085578

 

News 19 May

Africa

Gambia: TRRC Recommends State Develop Alternative Systems of Imprisonment

https://allafrica.com/stories/202205180568.html

Americas

US - COVID-19 Restrictions May Be Easing, but in Prison We’re Still Here Alone

https://www.vera.org/news/covid-19-restrictions-may-be-easing-but-in-prison-were-still-here-alone

US - Counties Pledge to Break the Cycle Between Jail and Homelessness

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-18/the-costs-of-criminalizing-homelessness

US - Vaccine mandate struck down in court as cases climb in California prisons

https://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/california/article261544837.html

Asia

Severe Overcrowding as Israel's Prison Population Hits 15,000

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-severe-overcrowding-as-israel-s-prison-population-hits-15-000-1.10808767

Europe

England and Wales - HMP Humber prison to step up procedures after inmate dies following fall in protest over missing medication

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/hmp-humber-prison-to-step-up-procedures-after-inmate-dies-following-fall-in-protest-over-missing-medication-3699633

England and Wales - Defendants incorrectly remanded in custody as a result of a widespread misuse of Bail Act

https://www.thejusticegap.com/defendants-incorrectly-remanded-in-custody-as-a-result-of-a-widespread-misuse-of-bail-act/

England and Wales - Crown courts ‘struggling’ to find enough judges and lawyers to deal with backlog

https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/national/20147949.crown-courts-struggling-find-enough-judges-lawyers-deal-backlog/

Assaults on staff by inmates in Irish prisons rose by 30% in 2021

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/assaults-staff-inmates-irish-prisons-26999715

 

News 18 May

Africa

Gambia - TRRC hints need for prison facilities with democratic standards

https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/trrc-hints-need-for-prison-facilities-with-democratic-standards

Liberia: LNBA Wants Gov’t Construct More Prison Facilities

https://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-lnba-wants-govt-construct-more-prison-facilities

Americas

Mexico - Chief justice’s visit with inmates highlights the vices of preventative prison

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/chief-justices-visit-with-inmates-highlights-the-vices-of-preventative-prison/

US (Pennsylvania) - Despite high vaccination rates among Pa. prisoners, some COVID restrictions remain in place

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/05/pa-covid-prison-mitigation-update/

Europe

The impact of COVID-19 vaccination in prisons in England and Wales: a metapopulation model

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-13219-4

England and Wales - 'Chaotic' adult prison education system crying out for overhaul

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/203/education-committee/news/170850/chaotic-adult-prison-education-system-crying-out-for-overhaul/

Ireland - Pop-up prison restaurant aiming to train inmates as chefs and waitstaff in bid to solve hospitality staff crisis

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crime/pop-up-prison-restaurant-aiming-to-train-inmates-as-chefs-and-waitstaff-in-bid-to-solve-hospitality-staff-crisis-41659583.html

Phone seizures in Irish prisons double in five years

https://www.newstalk.com/news/phone-seizures-in-irish-prisons-double-in-five-years-1343468

 

News 17 May

Africa

Kenya: Utilize New Dispute Resolution Methods to Decongest Courts, Expedite Justice - Koome

https://allafrica.com/stories/202205170326.html

Americas

Canada - Documents show a pattern of human rights abuses against gender diverse prisoners

https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/documents-show-a-pattern-of-human-rights-abuses-against-gender-diverse-prisoners-1.5905364

Cuba's new penal code keeps death penalty as an option

https://en.mercopress.com/2022/05/17/cuba-s-new-penal-code-keeps-death-penalty-as-an-option

Will Soaring Arrests in El Salvador Overwhelm its Prisons?

https://insightcrime.org/news/elsalvador-arrests-overwhelm-prisons/

US - How the pandemic affected incarcerated people and their loved ones

https://prismreports.org/2022/05/16/pandemic-incarcerated-people-families/

Asia

850 foreigners doing time in Nepali prisons

https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/850-foreigners-doing-time-in-nepali-prisons

Europe

England and Wales - Women are more likely to become homeless after being released from prison than men, analysis shows

https://inews.co.uk/news/women-more-likely-become-homeless-after-prison-release-men-1630738

England and Wales - UK criminal justice creaking under ‘unacceptable’ levels of delay

https://www.ft.com/content/5147c8a4-972a-4b45-8f81-3409425f0d16

Ireland - Judge criticises prison service over hearing delays

https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/naas/812989/judge-criticises-prison-service-over-hearing-delays.html

 

News 14 – 16 May

Africa

Ghana - Criminalization of drumming, begging not justified – Head of GIMPA Law Department

https://www.myjoyonline.com/criminalization-of-drumming-begging-not-justified-head-of-gimpa-law-department/

Americas

Trinidad & Tobago - Prisons boss weighs conjugal visits for ‘good’ inmates

https://guardian.co.tt/news/prisons-boss-weighs-conjugal-visits-for-good-inmates-6.2.1493277.690a21264b

Some U.S. inmates released under COVID protocols challenge orders to return to prison

https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/some-u-s-inmates-released-under-covid-protocols-challenge-orders-to-return-to-prison

Asia

Philippines - 1 dead, 9 injured in QC jail riot

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/5/13/Quezon-City-jail-riot-May-13.html

Thailand - Prisons must not force released inmates to quarantine: minister

https://www.nationmultimedia.com/in-focus/40015562

Thailand’s Corrections Dept. to resume relatives visit next week

https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailands-corrections-dept-to-resume-relatives-visit-next-week-398501

Europe

Cyprus - Delays to implementing juvenile justice system reform

https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/05/16/delays-to-implementing-juvenile-justice-system-reform/

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, April 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-april-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-april-2022

Oceania

Australia - NSW government refuses to close legal loophole allowing prison staff to strip-search children

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/may/16/nsw-government-refuses-to-close-legal-loophole-allowing-prison-staff-to-strip-search-children

 

News 13 May

Africa

Ghana - Kumasi Central Prison: 63 per cent of inmates are petty offenders

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Kumasi-Central-Prison-63-per-cent-of-inmates-are-petty-offenders-1536968

South Africa - Wellness drive focuses on improving working conditions of prison staff

https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2022-05-12-wellness-drive-focuses-on-improving-working-conditions-of-prison-staff/

Tanzania plans to introduce mobile courts to decongest cases awaiting trial

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2022/05/13/tanzania-plans-to-introduce-mobile-courts-to-decongest-cases-awaiting-trial

Americas

First Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts launched in Guyana

https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/caribbean-news/first-juvenile-drug-treatment-courts-launched-in-guyana/

Jamaica - Prisons to ditch ‘archaic’ paper-based system

https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/prisons-to-ditch-archaic-paper-based-system/

US - Female incarceration rates decrease with gender equality in education

https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/female-incarceration-rates-decrease-with-gender-equality-in-education/135529/

Asia

Saudi's General Directorate of Prisons launches a remote visit service for first-degree relatives

https://www.zawya.com/en/legal/policy/saudis-general-directorate-of-prisons-launches-a-remote-visit-service-for-first-degree-relatives-ufvj3mcv

Oceania

New Zealand - Corrections staff exodus blamed on wages, conditions, return to pre-pandemic careers

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300587696/corrections-staff-exodus-blamed-on-wages-conditions-return-to-prepandemic-careers

 

News 12 May

Africa

Ghana - ‘You need to perform magic for inmates to eat’ – Chief Superintendent of Prisons

https://www.myjoyonline.com/you-need-to-perform-magic-for-the-inmates-to-eat-chief-superintendent-of-prisons/

Liberia: PFI Renovates Prison Facilities, Appeals for More Help

https://allafrica.com/stories/202205110682.html

Americas

Barbados - COVID-19 cases at Dodds are up

https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/05/11/covid-19-cases-at-dodds-are-up/

Ecuador: New Disorders in Prison Where 44 Prisoners Were Killed

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Ecuador-New-Disorders-in-Prison-Where-44-Prisoners-Were-Killed-20220511-0010.html

Sint Maarten - Prison director provides IPKO with prison updates

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/prison-director-provides-ipko-with-prison-updates

U.S. inmates condemned to die are spending more time on death row

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/12/1097184110/death-row-inmates-execution-time?t=1652350493938

Europe

England and Wales - Rape victims give up fight for justice as court delays worsen

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/rape-convictions-court-delays-prosecution-victims-commissioner-dame-vera-baird-b999584.html

 

News 11 May

More than 400,000 new jail places created last year as global prison population hits all time high

https://www.thejusticegap.com/more-than-400000-new-jail-places-created-last-year-as-global-prison-population-hits-all-time-high/

Americas

Canadian prison system failing Indigenous peoples

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/editorials/2022/05/10/canadian-prison-system-failing-indigenous-peoples.html

Ecuador: In light of new prison massacre, authorities must address structural causes

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/05/ecuador-prison-massacre-authorities-must-address-structural-causes/

US - Overnight Child Visitation Program returns to Tennessee women's prisons after COVID suspension

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/overnight-child-visitation-program-returns-to-tennessee-womens-prisons-after-covid-suspension

Asia

Israel - Prison health system severely understaffed, lacking in multiple areas - comptroller report

https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-706297

Europe

England and Wales - Most women freed from Bronzefield Prison lack safe accommodation – report

https://www.irvinetimes.com/news/20129282.women-freed-bronzefield-prison-lack-safe-accommodation---report/

England and Wales - Black women facing more racism in prison, says report

https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news/2022/05/11/black-women-facing-more-racism-in-prison-says-report/

England and Wales - Devolve justice to cut prison population says Welsh Counsel General

https://nation.cymru/news/devolve-justice-to-cut-prison-population-says-welsh-counsel-general/https://nation.cymru/news/devolve-justice-to-cut-prison-population-says-welsh-counsel-general/

Oceania

Australia - New computer links to keep prisoners in isolation connected and COVID-safe

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/new-computer-links-keep-prisoners-isolation-connected-and-covid-safe

 

News 10 May

Governments are routinely ‘over-policing, over-prosecuting and over-punishing’, says justice watchdog

https://www.thejusticegap.com/governments-are-routinely-over-policing-over-prosecuting-and-over-punishing-says-justice-watchdog/

Covid-19: Urgent call to lift restrictions banning visitors in places of detention

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/covid-19-urgent-call-lift-restrictions-banning-visitors-places-detention

Africa

ULS partners with UN to decongest Uganda prisons

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uls-partners-with-un-to-decongest-uganda-prisons-3810046

Americas

Ecuador prison riot leaves 43 dead in latest bloody episode

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/09/ecuador-prison-riot-leaves-scores-dead

The clothing brand offering Peru’s prisoners an escape

https://www.laprensalatina.com/the-clothing-brand-offering-perus-prisoners-an-escape/

US (Kentucky) - Ky. jails and prisons are over capacity. New analysis suggests it’s going to get worse.

https://wfpl.org/ky-jails-and-prisons-are-over-capacity-new-analysis-suggests-its-going-to-get-worse/

Asia

Malaysia - Provide updates on inquests into custodial deaths, coroners urged

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/05/10/provide-updates-on-inquests-into-custodial-deaths-coroners-urged/

Thailand - Prison visits to resume from May 16

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2307714/prison-visits-to-resume-from-may-16

Europe

WHO report highlights a new approach to reducing NCD risks in prisons

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Health-systems/pages/news/news/2022/5/who-report-highlights-a-new-approach-to-reducing-ncd-risks-in-prisons

England and Wales - Hundreds of mentally ill prisoners denied urgent treatment in England

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/10/hundreds-mentally-ill-prisoners-denied-urgent-treatment-england

England and Wales - ‘My world fell apart’: life in prison with serious mental illness

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/10/my-world-fell-apart-life-in-prison-with-serious-mental-illness

Netherlands - Courts should take charge in commuting life sentences, not Cabinet ministers: Council

https://nltimes.nl/2022/05/09/courts-take-charge-commuting-life-sentences-cabinet-ministers-council

Oceania

Australia - Prison Pandemic Preparations Praised

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/prison-pandemic-preparations-praised

 

News 7 – 9 May

Americas

America’s dirty secret is thousands going to jail every day without talking to a lawyer, attorney says

https://thegrio.com/2022/05/08/americas-dirty-secret-is-thousands-going-to-jail-every-day-without-talking-to-a-lawyer-attorney-says/

US - Fourth inmate dies at Rikers Island as deadline to fix crisis-plagued NYC prison looms

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/rikers-island-death-inmate-crisis-b2074382.html

US - In Texas prisons, men have access to significantly more higher education programs than women

https://19thnews.org/2022/05/texas-prison-higher-education-system-inequity/

Asia

India - Ensure jails have proper medical facilities: HC tells DG Prisons

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/may/07/ensure-jails-have-proper-medical-facilities-hc-tells-dg-prisons-2450819.html

India - Prisoners can no longer seek emergency Covid-19 parole: Bombay HC

https://www.freepressjournal.in/legal/prisoners-can-no-longer-seek-emergency-covid-19-parole-bombay-hc

Thousands face jail as Jordan heads to lift moratorium on debt imprisonment

https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/thousands-jordanians-could-face-jail-debt-next-month

Pakistan - Punjab’s soaring prison population a nightmare

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2355462/punjabs-soaring-prison-population-a-nightmare

Europe

England and Wales - Prison firm made £11m in year Ofsted raised alarm about safety at youth jail

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/06/prison-firm-made-pounds-11m-year-ofsted-raised-alarm-about-safety-youth-jail-rainsbrook

England and Wales - Three-quarters of children on remand last year did not go on to receive a custodial sentence

https://www.thejusticegap.com/three-quarters-of-children-on-remand-last-year-did-not-go-on-to-receive-a-custodial-sentence/

Oceania

Australia - Victoria’s prison healthcare system should match community healthcare

https://theconversation.com/victorias-prison-healthcare-system-should-match-community-healthcare-180558

Australia - Covid runs amok at AMC

https://citynews.com.au/2022/covid-runs-amok-at-amc/

New Zealand - One in five prisoners not vaccinated against Covid-19

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466709/one-in-five-prisoners-not-vaccinated-against-covid-19

 

News 6 May

Americas

Canada - How prisons are using COVID-19 containment measures as a guise for torture

https://theconversation.com/how-prisons-are-using-covid-19-containment-measures-as-a-guise-for-torture-181295

Canada - Ottawa criticized for ‘rehashed responses’ on overrepresentation of Indigenous women in federal prisons

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawa-criticized-for-rehashed-responses-on-overrepresentation-of/

US - Focused on Rehabilitation: Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Unveils ‘Little Scandinavia’ at SCI Chester

https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/05/06/focused-on-rehabilitation-pennsylvania-department-of-corrections-unveils-little-scandinavia-at-sci-chester/

Asia

India - Maharashtra: Over 4,000 prisoners released due to pandemic ordered to return

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-over-400-prisoners-released-due-to-pandemic-ordered-to-return-7903925/

Europe

England and Wales - ‘Horrendous, inhumane and degrading treatment’ – inquest hears about prisoner death

https://www.channel4.com/news/horrendous-inhumane-and-degrading-treatment-inquest-hears-about-prisoner-death

Ireland - Covid measures to be eased in prisons

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/covid-measures-to-be-eased-in-prisons

Turkey - 80K inmates who benefited from temporary release due to pandemic to return to prison

https://stockholmcf.org/80k-inmates-who-benefited-from-temporary-release-due-to-pandemic-to-return-to-prison/

 

News 5 May

Asia

Covid-19: Hong Kong eases curbs on prison visits as infections fall

https://hongkongfp.com/2022/05/05/covid-19-hong-kong-eases-curbs-on-prison-visits-as-infections-fall/

Philippines - Visitors of PDLs now accepted in BuCor’s 7 prison facilities

https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/05/visitors-of-pdls-now-accepted-in-bucors-7-prison-facilities/

Thailand - Dept to ensure better prison food after complaints

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2304766/dept-to-ensure-better-prison-food-after-complaints

Europe

England and Wales - 'Last of its kind' Colchester prison raises concerns as criminals including sex offenders freed without supervision

https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/last-kind-colchester-prison-raises-7038936

HMP Barlinnie gets first prison body scanner in Scotland in efforts to curb smuggling

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/barlinnie-prison-body-scanner-drugs-b2072098.html

Oceania

Australia - Alice Springs prison officers strike, claim facility chronically understaffed

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-05/alice-springs-prison-officers-strike/101040672

 

News 4 May

Africa

Libya - 170 prisoners escape from Mellitah prison west of Tripoli

https://libyaupdate.com/170-prisoners-escape-from-mellitah-prison-west-of-tripoli/

Asia

India - HC seeks Maha govt's reply on withdrawal of voice, video call facilities for inmates in prisons

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2024787-hc-seeks-maha-govts-reply-on-withdrawal-of-voice-video-call-facilities-for-inmates-in-prisons

Europe

England and Wales - Month on month increase in violence at HMP Exeter despite ‘urgent notification’ issued four years ago

https://www.thejusticegap.com/month-on-month-increase-in-violence-at-hmp-exeter-despite-urgent-notification-issued-four-years-ago/

Malta - Court finds prison authorities guilty of degrading and inhuman treatment

https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116600/couple_win_compensation_after_court_finds_prison_authorities_guilty_of_degrading_and_inhuman_treatment

Oceania

New Zealand - Prison staff warned to hide their uniforms outside work due to safety concerns

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128535206/prison-staff-warned-to-hide-their-uniforms-outside-work-due-to-safety-concerns

 

News 30 April – 3 May

Americas

Pages for pardons? In Bolivia, inmates can cut jail time by reading

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/pages-for-pardons--in-bolivia--inmates-can-cut-jail-time-by-reading/47563526

Canada - Inmate's COVID-19 experience in Her Majesty's Penitentiary doesn't warrant a lighter sentence, Newfoundland judge finds

https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/inmates-covid-19-experience-in-her-majestys-penitentiary-doesnt-warrant-a-lighter-sentence-newfoundland-judge-finds-100724076/

Asia

India has court backlog of 40 million cases, chief justice says

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-has-court-backlog-40-million-cases-chief-justice-says-2022-04-30/

India - SC directs prisoners released on parole in Kerala due to Covid-19 to surrender within 2 weeks

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2022/apr/29/sc-directs-prisoners-released-on-parole-in-kerala-due-to-covid-19-to-surrender-within-2-weeks-2447884.html

Pakistan - Sindh govt grants six-month remission to prisoners on Eid

https://www.dawn.com/news/1687601/sindh-govt-grants-six-month-remission-to-prisoners-on-eid

Europe

Prison overcrowding in Belgium delays application of ‘shorter sentences’

https://www.brusselstimes.com/221503/prison-overcrowding-in-belgium-delays-application-of-shorter-sentences

England and Wales - Prisoner assaults soared after Covid restrictions eased at Full Sutton

https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/20110248.prisoner-assaults-soared-covid-restrictions-eased-full-sutton/

England and Wales - Magistrates can now jail people for up to a year

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/magistrates-jail-people-year-england-wales-6h80jkr5b

Ireland - Overcrowding in prisons putting inmates and staff at risk, says Dublin TD

https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/overcrowding-prisons-putting-inmates-staff-23845942

Oceania

Australia - Darwin prison officers allege 'under-staffing and overcrowding' during wage freeze protest on May Day

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-02/nt-may-day-darwin-prison-overcrowding-wage-freeze-protest/101029746

New Zealand - Māori even more overrepresented in prisons, despite $98m strategy 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128306867/mori-even-more-overrepresented-in-prisons-despite-98m-strategy

 

News 29 April

Africa

Kenya: 5,000 Petty Offenders to Be Freed From Prison in Decongestion Program

https://allafrica.com/stories/202204280517.html

Americas

Canada - Intelligence agency needs to keep a closer watch on extremism in prisons, report says

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/csis-rcmp-prisons-extremism-1.6431967

Canada - COVID-19 outbreak declared at Kitchener women's prison, 3 cases detected

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/covid-19-outbreak-declared-at-kitchener-women-s-prison-3-cases-detected-1.5880150

US -Connecticut Senate passes bill meant to improve health care for prison inmates

https://news.yahoo.com/connecticut-senate-passes-bill-meant-003800081.html

Asia

Indonesia - Government to expedite COVID-19 vaccination at South Sumatra's prisons

https://en.antaranews.com/news/227465/government-to-expedite-covid-19-vaccination-at-south-sumatras-prisons

Jordan to criminalise begging with up to one year in jail

https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/jordan-criminalise-begging-one-year-jail

Europe

England and Wales - City firms pledge to employ ex-offenders as prisons minister calls on bosses to ‘break offending cycle’

https://www.cityam.com/city-firms-pledge-to-employ-ex-offenders-as-prisons-minister-calls-on-bosses-to-break-offending-cycle/

Isle of Man Prison policies changed after inmate death, inquest hears

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-61264399

Oceania

Australia (NT) - Prison officers to take strike action across the Territory

https://ntindependent.com.au/news-brief-prison-officers-to-take-strike-action-across-the-territory/

 

News 28 April

Africa

Kenya - 1000 probation officers to be hired in prison decongestion plan

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-04-28-1000-probation-officers-to-be-hired-in-prison-decongestion-plan/

Americas

US - With COVID-19 Cases On Rise, Bureau Of Prisons Slowly Still Transferring Inmates Under CARES Act

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/04/27/with-covid-19-cases-on-rise-bureau-of-prisons-slowly-still-transferring-inmates-under-cares-act/?sh=7618100c4034

US - South Dakota prison staffing shortages leave inmates with no showers

https://www.foxnews.com/us/south-dakota-prison-staffing-shortages-leave-inmates-no-showers

Asia

UAE - Dubai Police prepare inmates for life after prison with university courses

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/04/28/dubai-police-prepare-inmates-for-life-after-prison-with-university-courses/

Europe

Prison reform: Belgium increases psychiatric support for inmates

https://www.brusselstimes.com/220053/prison-reform-belgium-increases-psychiatric-support-for-inmates

Denmark agrees €15 million deal to send 300 foreign prisoners to Kosovo 

https://www.euronews.com/2022/04/27/denmark-agrees-15-million-deal-to-send-300-foreign-prisoners-to-kosovo

Number of children in custody in England and Wales set to double by 2024

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/number-children-custody-set-double-23807107

England and Wales - PAC: ‘Spend to save’ on women in the criminal justice system

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/127/public-accounts-committee/news/166088/pac-spend-to-save-on-women-in-the-criminal-justice-system/

England and Wales - Kirkham Prison management slammed for failing to crack down on drugs

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/crime/kirkham-prison-management-slammed-for-failing-to-crack-down-on-drugs-3671849

Germany: Top court hears case on prisoners' wages

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-top-court-hears-case-on-prisoners-wages/a-61614253

Ireland - Prison chief says gangs not in control of life in jails

 https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0428/1294783-prisons/

Ireland - Jail ‘rarely’ cost-effective for short-sentence prisoners

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/jail-rarely-cost-effective-for-short-sentence-prisoners-1.4863593

Ireland - Prison officers launch stinging attack over treatment of staff during Covid-19 pandemic

https://www.thejournal.ie/prison-officers-association-conference-complaints-and-covid-19-5749195-Apr2022/

Report demands urgent action on mental health support in Scottish prisons

https://www.scotsman.com/health/report-demands-urgent-action-on-mental-health-support-in-scottish-prisons-3670749

 

News 27 April

Africa

Ghana's 'life-threatening' prisons 'overflow' with faeces as 100 share one toilet – US Report

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-s-life-threatening-prisons-overflow-with-faeces-as-100-share-one-toilet-US-Report-1524728

Tanzania - Union Day: Samia frees 3,826 inmates

https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/union-day-samia-frees-3826-inmates

Americas

US - How I Helped Fight Vaccine Misinformation While In Prison

https://theappeal.org/fighting-covid-19-misiniforation-sing-sing-prison/

Asia

Jordan - Lawmakers pass amendments to Penal Code bill

https://en.ammonnews.net/article/57934

Singapore - First batch of prison inmates graduates with precision engineering skills to boost job prospects

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/first-batch-of-prison-inmates-graduates-with-precision-engineering-skills-to-boost-job-prospects

Europe

England and Wales - Prison service failing to tackle radicalisation in jails, report warns

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-service-radicalisation-terrorist-islamist-jails-b2066338.html

England and Wales - Mentally unwell women are being sent to prison instead of hospital due to lack of NHS beds, MPs warn

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/prison-women-mental-health-mp-b2065054.html

England and Wales - 'No light at end of tunnel': Hundreds stuck behind bars under law abolished in 2012

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-04-26/no-light-at-end-of-tunnel-thousands-stuck-in-prison-under-abolished-law

England and Wales - Inmates at Hull prison still being locked up for up to 23 hours a day

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/inmates-hull-prison-still-being-6999958

England and Wales - ‘Crumbling’ criminal justice system hampered by £1bn repair bill and lack of judges - MPs

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/criminal-justice-system-courts-mps-repair-bill-judges-b996376.html

Ireland - Prison Officers warn overcrowding, violence becoming major problem

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/0427/1294516-prison-officers-conference/

Ireland - Foreign nationals get one-third higher prison terms on average than Irish-born criminals

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40859495.html

Italy - 107 indictments asked for prison violence

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2022/04/26/107-indictments-asked-for-prison-violence_b5c27fb2-8ad3-4bcc-a227-4bcba82456c4.html

Oceania

Australia - Sinks, metal sheeting pulled from prison walls during violent riot over forced lockdown

https://thewest.com.au/news/sinks-metal-sheeting-pulled-from-prison-walls-during-violent-riot-over-forced-lockdown-c-6592230

 

News 26 April

Africa

Eid Al-Fitr 2022: Prison Inmates in Morocco Allowed To Receive Food Baskets

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/04/348566/eid-al-fitr-2022-prison-inmates-to-receive-food-baskets

Namibia: UN to Help Prisons Grow Food

https://allafrica.com/stories/202204260433.html

Americas

US - California does not have to require prison workers to get COVID vaccines, court rules

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/California-does-not-have-to-require-prison-17126330.php

US - 'Our families count too': Months after suspension, visitation to resume at Kentucky prisons

https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/northern-ky/news/2022/04/25/months-after-suspension--visitation-to-resume-at-kentucky-prisons

Europe

England and Wales - Rate of self-harm amongst women prisoners eight times that of men

https://www.thejusticegap.com/rate-of-self-harm-amongst-women-prisoners-eight-times-that-of-men/

England and Wales - Jail praised for unlocking prisoners for seven hours a day

https://insidetime.org/jail-praised-for-unlocking-prisoners-for-seven-hours-a-day/

Scots victims of crime facing 'wait for justice'

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20092064.scots-victims-crime-facing-wait-justice/

Oceania

Australia - Inquest into Aboriginal woman’s death in custody to examine healthcare in Victoria’s prisons

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/apr/26/inquest-into-aboriginal-womans-death-in-custody-to-examine-healthcare-in-victorias-prisons

 

News 23-25 April

Americas

St Lucia - Bordelais Correctional Facility Recommences In-Person Visits

https://thevoiceslu.com/2022/04/bordelais-correctional-facility-recommences-in-person-visits/

US - How a Race-Based Medical Formula Is Keeping Some Black Men in Prison

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/22/nyregion/prison-kidney-federal-courts-race.html

US (Pennsylvania) - 29 people died in Philly jails in the pandemic. City officials say they did a ‘good job’

https://denvergazette.com/ap/health/29-people-died-in-philly-jails-in-the-pandemic-city-officials-say-they-did-a/article_feb74cc5-065f-5c44-9fd9-405531a0b12a.html

US - Life after life in California's prisons

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-04-24/facing-life-sentences-release-california-prisons

Asia

Indonesia - Inmates' transfer temporarily solves prison overcrowding issue

https://en.antaranews.com/news/226721/inmates-transfer-temporarily-solves-prison-overcrowding-issue

Pakistan - Committee to formulate strategy for betterment of prison system

https://pakobserver.net/committee-to-formulate-strategy-for-betterment-of-prison-system/

Europe

Netherlands - Parliament divided over maximum 25 years prison sentence for manslaughter

https://nltimes.nl/2022/04/24/parliament-divided-maximum-25-years-prison-sentence-manslaughter

 

News 22 April

UN: Make Reporting on Covid-19 in Prisons Mandatory

https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/22/un-make-reporting-covid-19-prisons-mandatory

Africa

Morocco Prisons To Prioritize Humane Detention, Social Reintegration

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/04/348505/morocco-prisons-to-prioritize-humane-detention-social-reintegration

Coverup in Nigerian Prison As TB Hits, Kills Several Inmates

https://allafrica.com/stories/202204220025.html

Americas

El Salvador to Speed Up Construction of Prisons

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/El-Salvador-to-Speed-Up-Construction-of-Prisons-20220421-0011.html

Asia

Cambodia - Prison population drops, overcrowding eases

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501061731/prison-population-drops-overcrowding-eases/

Oceania

New Zealand - Remand unit closed after prison inspection

https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/remand-unit-closed-after-prison-inspection

 

News 21 April

Africa

South Africa - DCS To Tighten Up Processes To Prevent Corruption After Two Prison Escapes

https://ewn.co.za/2022/04/21/dcs-to-tighten-up-processes-to-prevent-corruption-after-two-prison-escapes

Togo resumes prison visits after a two-year ban

https://www.africanews.com/2022/04/20/togo-resumes-prison-visits-after-a-two-year-ban/

Americas

Canada - A B.C. prison that made it 2 years without a COVID-19 outbreak now has 59 cases

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/a-b-c-prison-that-made-it-2-years-without-a-covid-19-outbreak-now-has-59-cases-1.5869388

Europe

Prison overcrowding: Anti-torture committee calls for limits on prison inmate numbers and promoting non-custodial measures

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/prison-overcrowding-anti-torture-committee-calls-for-limits-on-prison-inmate-numbers-and-promoting-non-custodial-measures

England and Wales - Number of prisoners stuck in solitary confinement a real worry, prisons watchdog warns

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/prison-solitary-confinement-education-b2057841.html

Ireland - 30% Increase In Assaults On Prison Officers In 2021

https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/30-increase-in-assaults-on-prison-officers-in-2021/

 

News 14 – 20 April

Africa

Covid-19 Togo: les visites aux détenus désormais autorisées

https://www.ivoiresoir.net/covid-19-togo-les-visites-aux-detenus-desormais-autorisees/

A legal-realist assessment of the Zimbabwean correctional system response to COVID-19 during state disaster measures

https://www.docwirenews.com/abstracts/a-legal-realist-assessment-of-the-zimbabwean-correctional-system-response-to-covid-19-during-state-disaster-measures/

Americas

US - Why Prison Reintegration Programs Are Needed and Who’s Doing It Right

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/prison-reintegration-programs-are-needed-and-whos-doing-it-right-1333807/

US - Federal Bureau Of Prisons’ Medical Care Falls Short Of Its Own Policy

https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterpavlo/2022/04/19/federal-bureau-of-prisons-medical-care-falls-short-of-its-own-policy/?sh=2ae94f8d5eab

US - ‘It’s An Emergency’: Tens Of Thousands Of Incarcerated People Are Sexually Assaulted Each Year

https://theappeal.org/cynthia-alvarado-sexual-assault-in-prisons/

US (Nevada) - Low-level parole violations clog prisons, derail parolee progress. Can reforms help?

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/low-level-parole-violations-clog-prisons-derail-parolee-progress-can-reforms-help

US - Vermont's Prisons Open to Visitors Again, Ending a Two-Year Restriction 

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/vermonts-prisons-open-to-visitors-again-dropping-a-two-year-restriction/Content?oid=35346549

Asia

India - Consider conditional release of single woman prisoners, Orissa HC

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/consider-conditional-release-of-single-woman-prisoners-orissa-hc/article65320721.ece

Rights groups pull no punches over Indonesian prisons

https://www.ucanews.com/news/rights-groups-pull-no-punches-over-indonesian-prisons/96970

Myanmar junta frees 1,600 from jail but not political prisoners

https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220417-myanmar-junta-frees-1-600-from-jail-but-not-political-prisoners

Taiwan - Lawmakers pass amendment reducing jail time for growing pot for self-use

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2022/04/20/2003776918

Thailand - New rule on royal pardon put in place

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2294646/new-rule-on-royal-pardon-put-in-place

Europe

Hundred new prison welfare projects launched in Belgium will ‘cost society nothing’

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/217329/hundred-new-prison-welfare-projects-launched-in-belgium-will-cost-society-nothing

England and Wales - HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 Statistics, March 2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpps-covid-19-statistics-march-2022/hm-prison-and-probation-service-covid-19-statistics-march-2022--2

England and Wales - HMP Bullingdon: Concern over drugs in jail after prisoner's death

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-61105053

Around 5% of all Irish prison staff to get randomly drug tested under new scheme

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/around-5-irish-prison-staff-26743718

Romanian prisons continue to face extensive challenges

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/romanian-prisons-continue-to-face-extensive-challenges

Scotland - SNP accused of ‘hopelessly mismanaging’ prisons as over 1,500 cons doubling up in cells

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/8721024/snp-mismanaging-prisons-cons-doubling-cells/

Oceania

Australia - WA prison staff shortage will lead to disaster, Prison Officers' Union warns

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-20/wa-prison-staff-shortage-will-lead-to-disaster-union-warns/101000584

Australia - WA prison inspector uncovers cruel conditions inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-19/cruel-treatment-of-inmates-at-wa-banksia-hill-detention-centre/100998896

Australia (Tasmania) - COVID prisons outbreak puts staff and inmates at risk

https://taslabor.com/covid-prisons-outbreak-puts-staff-and-inmates-at-risk/

 

News 13 April

Africa

Ghana - Hold national dialogue on prison reform - CCF to Government

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Hold-national-dialogue-on-prison-reform-CCF-to-Government-1513892

Americas

US - There are thousands fewer people in Wisconsin’s prisons than before the pandemic. What happened?

https://eu.postcrescent.com/story/news/crime/2022/04/12/wisconsin-prison-population-fell-during-covid-19-pandemic-heres-why/9468274002/

Asia

Iran: seriously ill prisoners denied medical care and left to die - new report

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/iran-seriously-ill-prisoners-denied-medical-care-and-left-die-new-report

Europe

Authorities launch AI project to modernise Finnish prison labour

https://yle.fi/news/3-12402053

Oceania

New Zealand - Mental health focus for prison reform

https://waateanews.com/2022/04/13/mental-health-focus-for-prison-reform/

 

News 12 April

Africa

Nigeria - Riot in Rivers prison leaves one dead, many others with bullet wounds

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/riot-in-rivers-prison-leaves-one-dead-many-others-with-bullet-wounds/

Zimbabwe - ZPCS brings back family week

https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zpcs-brings-back-family-week/

Americas

Trinidad & Tobago - Prison Service resumes in-person visits

https://tt.loopnews.com/content/prison-service-resumes-person-visits

Europe

England and Wales - Inspectorate of Prisons criticises progress at YOI Deerbolt

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/20060617.inspectorate-prisons-criticises-progress-yoi-deerbolt/

England and Wales - Isle of Wight prison failings revealed after murderer's suicide

https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/20060654.isle-wight-prison-failings-revealed-murderers-suicide/

England and Wales - HMP Ford near Arundel criticised for living conditions

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/20060108.hmp-ford-near-arundel-criticised-living-conditions/

Serious incidents of self-harm more than double at Jersey's La Moye Prison

https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2022-04-11/serious-incidents-of-self-harm-more-than-double-at-jerseys-la-moye-prison

Oceania

Australia - Risdon Prison minimum-security facility locked down after surge in COVID-19 cases

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-12/risdon-prison-lockdown-to-deal-with-covid-19-outbreak/100985460

Australia - Call to rehabilitate SA prison system

https://indaily.com.au/news/2022/04/12/call-to-rehabilitate-sa-prison-system/

 

News 9 – 11 April

Africa

HRW raises alarm after outbreak of cholera in Cameroon prison

https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20220409-hrw-raises-alarm-after-outbreak-of-cholera-in-cameroon-prison

Egypt: Prisons employ 'systemic sexual violence' against detainees

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-sexual-violence-detainees-human-rights-report

South Africa - Prison visits allowed again after long lockdown ban

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/prison-visits-allowed-again-after-long-lockdown-ban-49c49f16-6f2f-4013-b46a-092044cfc2b0

Americas

US - Report finds systemic issues increase COVID-19 cases in incarcerated communities

https://dailybruin.com/2022/04/10/report-finds-systemic-issues-increase-covid-19-cases-in-incarcerated-communities

Asia

India - Maharashtra among six states where women in jails exceed capacity

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maha-among-six-states-where-women-in-jails-exceed-capacity/articleshow/90767523.cms

Jordan plans electronic tags for detainees to avoid prison overcrowding

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2059921/middle-east

Malaysia - Prisons chief: Only 14.97% of ex-convicts reoffend

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/04/11/prisons-chief-only-1497-of-ex-convicts-reoffend

Philippines - BuCor: 88% of 48,991 inmates fully vaccinated; 19% with booster jabs

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/04/11/2173853/bucor-88-48991-inmates-fully-vaccinated-19-booster-jabs

Thailand - 120,000 busted for drugs in past 6 months

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2292758/120-000-busted-for-drugs-in-past-6-months

Thailand - Jail-term reduction rules set

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2292498/jail-term-reduction-rules-set

Europe

England and Wales - Governor says more time in cell has made prison safer

https://insidetime.org/governor-says-more-time-in-cell-has-made-prison-safer/

Ireland - Long-awaited reports into Dóchas women's prison kept under wraps by Department

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40848545.html

Jersey - Prison governor: Staff shortages ‘not as dire as being made out’

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2022/04/11/prison-governor-staff-shortages-not-as-dire-as-being-made-out/

Jail attacks on Northern Ireland prison officers double in year

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/jail-attacks-on-northern-ireland-prison-officers-double-in-year-41537662.html

High levels of jail time in Portugal

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2022-04-08/high-levels-of-jail-time-in-portugal/66300

Shock as 25 inmates at Scots prisons die by suicide as victim's family lawyer demands bosses face criminal sanctions

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/shock-25-inmates-scots-prisons-26677343

Prisons population at highest in Turkey’s history

https://ahvalnews.com/turkey-prisons/prisons-population-highest-turkeys-history

Oceania

HCV reinfection common in Australian prisons, study finds

https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20220408/hcv-reinfection-common-in-australian-prisons-study-finds

 

News 8 April

Americas

US (Vermont) - In-person visits at all Vt. prisons expected to resume soon

https://www.wcax.com/2022/04/07/in-person-visits-all-vt-prisons-expected-resume-soon/

Europe

England and Wales - Female black and Asian prisoners detail racism endured in landmark report

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/black-asian-women-prison-racism-b2053323.html

Turkey Builds More Prisons to Hold Exploding Jail Population

https://balkaninsight.com/2022/04/08/turkey-builds-more-prisons-to-hold-exploding-jail-population/

Implementation of novel and conventional outbreak control measures in managing COVID-19 outbreaks in a large UK prison

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-12991-7

Oceania

New Zealand - Inspectorate launches review into prisoner suicides, serious self-harm incidents after 'sharp increase'

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/128222928/inspectorate-launches-review-into-prisoner-suicides-serious-selfharm-incidents-after-sharp-increase

 

News 7 April

Africa

South Africa - Prison visits reinstated as National State of Disaster ends

https://www.groundup.org.za/article/prison-visits-reinstated-following-termination-national-state-disaster/

Zimbabwe - Prison officers get training on human rights

https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/prison-officers-get-training-on-human-rights/

Americas

Canadian inmates still face isolation amounting to torture, experts say

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/federal-inmates-solitary-confinement-enquete-1.6410882

Ecuador's deadly prison riots show no signs of slowing

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220407-ecuador-s-deadly-prison-riots-show-no-signs-of-slowing

Europe

Ireland - Covid outbreak in two prisons sees visits suspended and rollout of mass testing

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40846061.html

Turkey’s Justice Ministry to ask prison administrations about widespread torture claims

https://www.turkishminute.com/2022/04/06/turkeys-justice-ministry-to-ask-prison-administrations-about-widespread-torture-claims/

 

News 6 April

Americas

Ecuador prison death toll r