Institute calls for justice for prisoners
The Paralegal Advisory Service Institute (Pasi) has asked government through Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to investigate alleged human rights abuse prisoners face before and after trial.
Speaking on Thursday at Ntcheu Prison during International Human Rights Day commemoration, Pasi regional team leader for The Centre, Alfred Munika, said prisoners face a lot of human rights violations requiring serious interventions to address the situation.
Munika said prisoners face abuse by duty-bearers before and after appearing in the court of law, for instance.
“Inmates complained of various kinds of abuse. That is the reason we are asking government to intervene by investigating these cases,” he said.
One of the magistrates at Ntcheu Magistrate’s Court, Meya James Kanyumbu, asked suspects to report any form of human rights violations to authorities for action.
Alternative Justice programme officer for Irish Rule of Law International, Jolene Quinn, said her organisation is committed to working towards restoration of human rights among prisoners.
Ntcheu Prison officer-in-charge Lawrence Kachitsotso hailed Irish Rule of Law International for the initiative.
Pasi in partnership with Irish Rule of Law International are working in criminal justice system in Malawi to promote the rule of law and improve access to justice for all.
