BRIEFS
PATRICK KAWONGA
Contributor
Irish Rule of Law International (Irli) and the Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (Pasi) say prisons are failing to protect inmates’ rights due underfunding because many inmates face long detentions, court delays and poor living conditions.
The organisations made the remarks on Tuesday during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day at Kasungu Prison [ahead of today’s commemoration] held under the theme ‘Human rights—our everyday essentials’.
The event brought together prisoners, court officials, prison officers and civil society groups to openly discuss challenges in the justice system from Kasungu District.
In her presentation, Irli country programme manager for Susie Kiely said Malawi has systems to protect inmates, but without sufficient funding, these systems are failing.
“We are happy with some progress, but more resources are needed. Prisoners are still human beings and their rights must be respected,” she said.
On his part, Pasi regional team leader Alfred Munika said many inmates feel justice is unfair.
“We have heard that poor prisoners are refused bail while those with money are released easily,” he said.
Kasungu second grade magistrate Samuel Chakudza acknowledged that some rights are being violated because suspects spend too long on remand.
“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. We are working to reduce delays in prosecuting cases,” he said.
Kasungu Prison station officer James Msimuko welcomed the event, saying it allowed inmates to understand their rights and speak freely.
“We need to use community service and fines for minor offences instead of keeping people in overcrowded cells,” he said.
The event highlighted serious problems in Malawi’s justice system, including slow court processes and prison overcrowding.
Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance executive director Victor Mhango told The Nation earlier that some inmates were staying in prison illeghally.
