An inmate at Nsanje Prison is asking officials to better educate prisoners about their legal rights. Stonald Anthony, held on remand for over two years, made the call during a law awareness session organized by the Malawi Law Commission and the Legal Aid Bureau. He pressed courts and police to follow legal procedures strictly, especially for scheduling hearings for remand detainees.
Peter Mota from the Law Commission stated that imprisonment does not remove a person's constitutional rights. He stressed the need for inmates to know their entitlements, like access to timely court dates. Tiwonge Penama of the Legal Aid Bureau explained that the session aimed to inform prisoners about available legal support, which is critical for those on remand or pursuing appeals.
Anthony praised the program, saying it helps ensure fair treatment under the law. He noted that understanding one's rights lets inmates engage with the justice system more effectively and prevents procedural wrongs. The partnering organizations plan to hold similar sessions in other prisons nationwide. They emphasized that knowing legal rights is a basic part of human dignity and proper governance, even behind bars. The initiative also seeks to hold judicial and police authorities accountable by reinforcing their legal duties. Officials encouraged inmates to participate actively and seek guidance for any legal issues they face.
Peter Mota from the Law Commission stated that imprisonment does not remove a person's constitutional rights. He stressed the need for inmates to know their entitlements, like access to timely court dates. Tiwonge Penama of the Legal Aid Bureau explained that the session aimed to inform prisoners about available legal support, which is critical for those on remand or pursuing appeals.
Anthony praised the program, saying it helps ensure fair treatment under the law. He noted that understanding one's rights lets inmates engage with the justice system more effectively and prevents procedural wrongs. The partnering organizations plan to hold similar sessions in other prisons nationwide. They emphasized that knowing legal rights is a basic part of human dignity and proper governance, even behind bars. The initiative also seeks to hold judicial and police authorities accountable by reinforcing their legal duties. Officials encouraged inmates to participate actively and seek guidance for any legal issues they face.
