[Lauchenoiria]

Kerlian News Service

International Edition

Prison reform bill agreed by Council – Restricted Region to be shut within a year
19th August 2019

The Council of Kerlile today voted on a landmark bill which will radically alter the Kerlian prison system – including shutting down the Restricted Region, a key pledge by the Reform Party and by President Rebecca Arnott. The bill will also end involuntary labour in prisons, alter the categorisation system and improve the treatment of prisoners. The bill passed with nine votes in favour and one against.

The bill was proposed by Councillor Carmen Robinson, who herself spent two weeks in prison in June of this year, accused of treason. The charges against her were later dropped following President Arnott’s appointment. President Arnott had called the charges “politically motivated ” and had pledged to pardon Robinson if the charges were not dropped. Robinson has said her experience was a strong motivating factor for why prison reform is important to her.

The Restricted Region is to be shut down within twelve months, with all prisoners to be transferred out of the Region in that time. Transfers will begin within two weeks and will be scattered throughout the year. There are approximately 6,000 prisoners held within the Restricted Region, all of whom are serving life sentences. After all prisoners have been transferred out of the Region, the prison facilities will be demolished.

The nine-level prison classification system is to be reduced to three categories, following an amendment by Councillor Jennifer Hale to exclude the inclusion of alternative education centres in the classification system. Under the current nine-level system, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as treason or terrorism are generally sent to Level 8 or 9 facilities, all of which are located in the Restricted Region, and all of which will now be shut down within a year.

Prisoners currently in Level 4-7 detention facilities are expected to perform involuntary labour, however this is to be phased out beginning immediately. Prisoners will now be offered the opportunity to work in exchange for wages and increased visitation privileges, however they may decline. This system will be implemented across all categories of prison moving forward. Prisoners who refuse to work will be allowed visitors only once every four months, whereas those who choose to work will be offered monthly visits.

Councillor Carmen Robinson commented publicly today on the passage of the bill, saying: “this is a momentous step forward for the Matriarchy of Kerlile. For too long we have had a system which has been, quite frankly, cruel and has attracted criticism both at home and abroad. I am pleased that we have taken steps today to rectify the situation and ensure that, going forward, all individuals within Kerlile are treated with respect, and are not subjected to undue suffering.”