Livin' large in the joint: Prisoners may get TV

Friday, 30 July 2010 16:08

Written by KONDWANI BELL MUNTHALI

1 Comments

LILONGWE—Imagine a law abiding citizen who works hard every day to make ends meet but failing to afford some of the finer things in life, luxuries in other words. Contrast that with a law breaker “living large” in a place where she is supposed to pay back to society for her wrongs.

But that is what may happen in Malawi if the government decides that female inmates at Maula Maximum Prison should be allowed to watch television.

 Here is the thinking behind the request made behalf of the jail birds: watching television should help the prisoners as they get prepped for re-entry into society.

The Centre for Legal Assistants (CELA) made the request to install digital satellite television for the newly constructed cell block for female prisoners which it completed with a K20 million donation from the Norwegian government.

Opening the 100-bed facility, Internal Security and Public Order Minister Aaron Sangala made no promises but told CELA to put their request in writing.

It’s not uncommon around the world to allow prisoners to have things that may be considered luxuries. However, it’s not like the public fully support such initiatives. In a rich country like United States where they may have resources to spare, there are those who argue strongly that money should be better spent giving useful skills to prisoners to help them once they get out jail.

Malawi, which is yet to have strong educational and vocational programs for inmates accross the board, has produced one inmate who went to the university. 

CELA Board Chairperson Desmond Kaunda implored the government to ensure the dignity of prisoners, saying decent accommodation and proper nutrition were important.

 “This facility should not be over crowded just because it has more capacity…Our other request is that we have DSTV sets and we would like to connect them for part of their entertainment and rehabilitation,” he said.

Sangala said the government was working to reduce congestion and has implemented a five year plan to build prisons in all districts.

“Salima and Ntchisi prisons will be completed this…year. The Central Maximum prison in Lilongwe…will start this year,” he said adding that the government was working towards creating a good environment to rehabilitate prisoners.

The minister appealed to donors to emulate CELA’s example to help the government deal with this area. 

The new cells are self-contained allowing inmates to use bathrooms within their confines and instead of sleeping on overcrowded concrete floors, they have beds and mattresses with beddings to boot.--maravipost

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0 # Jerry Malinde 2010-08-01 00:24

There is a reward for breaking laws. You go to prison and live in better conditions than the ones you have at home, that is the message we will be sending to people!

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