Magistrate raises concern on overcrowding in prison

By HEZRON KISING
A MAGISTRATE is concerned about the overcrowding situation at Buimo prison in Lae, saying it led to the mass breakout last Sunday.
Lae District Court Magistrate Edward Kupo said the facility did not have enough space for those on remand and those already convicted and serving their sentences.
“Also the health conditions in the facility is bad,” he said.
“We have to get this thing (sorted) out.”
Magistrate Kupo said not only the courts but all “responsible government departments and agencies” should address the overcrowding problem and find “space” to accommodate both those on remand and convicted prisoners.
“They are human beings,” he said.
He said those on remand were often deprived of their rights.
“(Because) the facility is overcrowded, the court has no choice but to give bail options to some of the accused (facing) serious offences,” he said.
Magistrate Kupo said bail would be granted under strict conditions to ensure the accused persons appeared for their cases.
“When given bail, we have to monitor them and see if they are trustworthy to appear in court,” he said.
“Section 4 of the Bail Act talks about bail restriction, where bail is not allowed for crimes such as treason, murder, and arm robbery.
“Also for other serious offences such as sexual penetration, harassment or rape of minors cannot be allowed bail by the District Court, if only there were enough correctional facilities to cater for them.”