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| Thursday, 24 June 2004 |
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The exterior of Welikada Prison does not contradict global trends. Outside the prison against a light cream wall in big bold gold letters, seemingly a costly exercise for the State, reads Correctional Institute. However, ironically, inside it are a multitude of wrongs which would lead to prisoner de-orientation and not otherwise which is nobody's concern, yet public knowledge. Sociologists' painful research and recommendations have ended up in the limited arena of paper only. Population growth and rising crime have contributed in no small way to the exodus of criminals languishing in jail. Worsening this congestion is the inability of those with minor offenses to pay up the necessary fines. Little wonder then the mess that is inside the prison house, contradicting the nameboard of Correctional Institute. Sociological research reveals how when the ones sentenced for minor offenses are put alongside hard core criminals even they - the minor offenders - take on the rest as role model. Indeed, these guys go through a socialization process that culminates in contributing to the ever increasing numbers of hard core criminals. All the `fine art' of criminality, the `ins' and `outs' of the trade are at the disposal of anyone without a grievous track record of such. Interestingly, the prisoners are also not without their class hierarchy. Reportedly, the stronger `macho' type dominate the weaker ones and order them into various tasks. One guy even laughingly explained how the tough self appointed leaders in the upper rung of prison society get themselves shaven, hair cut and clothes washed, while they in typical lord style sit upright. Those with drug dependency meant for rehabilitation once charged with the offence of possessing heroin are directed into the Welikade Prison and by the time the sentence they serve is overcome `all the worse". The congestion inside has also led to sexual diseases which have now drawn the attention of the Red Cross that educates prisoners on such - its first endeavour being at the Bogambara prison house. Male advances to fellow males when refused it is said led to terrific brawls. Visitors to prison are appalled at large amounts of monies circulating inside, not to forget the drugs that find their way in somehow. How does all this get in? Prisoner contact with the outside world is by the once elite monopolised cell phone. The ability to organise more killings is apparent as hard core criminals and gang leaders remain in touch with their club membership. Bribing and corruption believably a widespread menace - not that things are any better outside - is a passport to prisoner contact with the outside world. The concept of class is not without its presence felt in here for prisoners of a higher social class are treated comfortably with the same luxuries made available as in their homes. The hacked concept of the prison house being a centre for rehabilitation so that individuals could get back to society as better citizens to contribute to societal well being is now no more. Instead, today some prisons contribute towards social ills and remain an effective training ground for enhancing criminals kills. |
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