A Windhoek High Court judge has banned Namibian police and prison officials from transporting prisoners with hands cuffed behind their backs inside unsafe vehicles. Acting judge Collins Parker made the ruling after hearing a lawsuit from two inmates, Kevan Townsend and Jaco Kennedy.
The American citizen and awaiting-trial detainee sought N$1.9 million in damages, challenging multiple aspects of their detention and transportation. They specifically complained about dangerous transport conditions involving high-speed drives without safety belts and metal seating during court transfers and other trips.
Parker largely rejected their claims as frivolous, finding most allegations unsubstantiated. He particularly noted that their argument seemed misguided and referenced Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical approach to living dangerously by pursuing such legal actions. The judge metaphorically suggested they were building their case on unstable ground.
The Supreme Court previously declared such transportation practices unconstitutional, determining that handcuffing prisoners behind their backs in vehicles lacking safety features violates protections against cruel treatment. Parker affirmed this stance and prohibited authorities from continuing these transport methods for Townsend and Kennedy.
Ultimately, the court maintained that most prison regulations were reasonable. The judge upheld rules restricting cellphone and laptop possession, recognizing alternative communication channels for inmates. Parker did not award monetary compensation but effectively mandated safer prisoner transportation practices through his specific court order.
The American citizen and awaiting-trial detainee sought N$1.9 million in damages, challenging multiple aspects of their detention and transportation. They specifically complained about dangerous transport conditions involving high-speed drives without safety belts and metal seating during court transfers and other trips.
Parker largely rejected their claims as frivolous, finding most allegations unsubstantiated. He particularly noted that their argument seemed misguided and referenced Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical approach to living dangerously by pursuing such legal actions. The judge metaphorically suggested they were building their case on unstable ground.
The Supreme Court previously declared such transportation practices unconstitutional, determining that handcuffing prisoners behind their backs in vehicles lacking safety features violates protections against cruel treatment. Parker affirmed this stance and prohibited authorities from continuing these transport methods for Townsend and Kennedy.
Ultimately, the court maintained that most prison regulations were reasonable. The judge upheld rules restricting cellphone and laptop possession, recognizing alternative communication channels for inmates. Parker did not award monetary compensation but effectively mandated safer prisoner transportation practices through his specific court order.
