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The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Progressive shift towards rehabilitation
PETALING JAYA: Rehabilitation advocates and criminal law experts have lauded the proposal to clear minor, non-violent offences from criminal records, describing it as a progressive shift towards rehabilitation and an overdue step towards a second chance for such offenders. Retired Prison Department deputy commissioner Anathurai Kalimuthu, who gave the amendment the thumbs up, said it paves the way for a more just and rehabilitative justice system for minor offenders. He said several years ago, the department had submitted a proposal on the matter to the Home Ministry after learning that many former convicts had faced difficulties in securing jobs due to their criminal record. ALSO READ : Red tape blocks road to redemption Anathurai, who now runs a charity rehabilitation centre to assist freshly released prisoners reintegrate into society, said first-time offenders and those involved in minor cases deserve a second chance to turn over a new leaf. 'In cases of shoplifting, the offender could have been broke and may have committed theft to feed their family. 'They should be given a chance to repent. I have personally received many complaints from former offenders who are unable to get jobs. 'There are developed countries that have implemented this practice successfully,' he said. Anathurai also suggested that the government consider expunging the criminal records of ex-convicts who have remained clean from crimes for over 10 or 15 years. 'Many have repented and are reformed individuals. It will motivate them to start life anew,' he told The Star. ALSO READ : Bosses willing to give minor offenders a chance Criminal defence lawyer KA Ramu said such provisions in the law would be a progressive step for offenders who have genuinely repented. He said the authorities should thoroughly assess each case, ensuring there are reasonable and valid grounds to allow offenders to start a new life. Citing several cases related to scams handled by his firm, he said a few of the accused were not victims of entrapment but willing participants. 'It would be unwise to extend this privilege to every light offender. 'Most of these cases involve mule bank account holders who were aware of what they were getting themselves into,' he said. Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said the proposal marks a pivotal step toward modernising the country's criminal justice landscape. 'It reflects a long-overdue shift from punitive incarceration to rehabilitative and restorative justice,' he said. Sundramoorthy said another significant reform is the proposed Home Detention Act, which is currently under review by the Attorney General's Chambers. He said the law seeks to allow non-violent offenders and remand detainees to serve their sentences under home confinement and be monitored through electronic tracking. 'This initiative offers a pragmatic alternative to incarceration that aims to relieve pressure on the prison system while preserving public safety. 'Community-based alternatives to detention have been associated with better rehabilitation outcomes and lower rates of recidivism,' he said. National Human Rights Society president Datuk M. Ramachelvam viewed the proposal as 'very progressive'. 'The timeline for minor offences should be about one year and for non-violent crimes, it should be around two years. 'I do not see any negative implications arising from this proposal. If these persons re-offend, then put them back on the criminal register,' he said. Suara Rakyat Malaysia executive director Azura Nasron said long-term stigma from criminal records often creates barriers to employment, education and housing, which in turn can hinder rehabilitation and contribute to cycles of poverty or re-offending. 'We have received many complaints over the years from individuals who struggle to find jobs because of existing records. 'In some cases, they were only investigated but never charged. 'We have long fought to address this unfair situation,' she said, though she added that clear criteria and safeguards should be established. 'This approach should not apply to serious or violent crimes where public safety considerations are paramount.' Former Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Jerald Joseph said a personshould not be branded as a criminal for life for mistakes or situations that forced them into crime. 'Society and the government must be more involved in the reintegration of youth with past criminal records,' he said.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Indian Express
2006 Mumbai train blasts case: Hours after Bombay HC verdict, eight released from different jails
Hours after Bombay High Court acquitted the 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, eight of them were released from different jails in the state. While two were not released due to pending cases against them, one of the accused had died due to Covid -19 and another was already released on parole. The HC on Monday morning had ordered release of all accused forthwith in case they are not required to be detained in any other case. The court had directed them to execute personal bonds of Rs 25,000 each. Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddiqui, who was earlier on death row and Mohammed Ali Alam Sher Sheikh, who was on life-term, were released from Nagpur Central Prison around 8 pm. Moreover, other accused including Tanveer Ahmed Mohammad Ibrahim Ansari, Mohd Majid Mohd Shafi, Suhail Mohammad Sheikh, and Zamir Ahmed Latifur Rehman Sheikh were released from Amravati Central Jail around 9 pm. Asif Khan Bashir Khan was released from Yerawada Jail in Pune and Muzammil Ataur Rahman Shaikh was released from Nashik jail. The two accused were not released due to pending cases against them. The two include Mohammed Faisal Attaur Rahman Shaikh lodged at Aurangabad Jail and Naveed Hussain Khan Rasheed lodged at Nagpur jail. Moreover, Kamal Ahmed Mohd Vakil Ansari died due to Covid- 19 in 2021 at Nagpur Central prison, while another accused Mohammed Sajid Margub Ansari was already released on parole. 'Two of accused from 7/11 Mumbai blasts case were lodged at Yerawada prison. Of the two, Asif Khan Bashir Khan alias Junaid was released on Monday night. Second accused, Mohammed Faisal Ataur Rahman Shaikh has not been released since he has another case against him,' said a senior officer from Prison Department. Anjum Inamdar, Pune-based activist with Muslim Mulniwasi Manch said, 'Asif was released around 8.30 pm from Yerawada Prison and was received by his brother. His brother and Asif both expressed their feeling of truth having prevailed and justice being delivered to them.' Suhail Mohamed Shaikh, after being released from Amravati Central Prison around 9 pm, told media persons outside the jail premises, 'Today we are released after 19 years. We had complete faith in the court and the establishment and it has worked. There was nothing in the case against us. We should have been acquitted by the special court itself, but now the High Court has done it. We are thankful to the lawyers who worked for us and the judges.'
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- The Hindu
Fugitive arrested, three prison personnel suspended
A life-term convict, who escaped from Tiruchi Central Prison on Friday, was apprehended on Saturday near Chinna Suriyur here. The escape triggered disciplinary action from the Prison Department, with three prison personnel suspended for negligence. The convict, J. Rajendran, 49, of Kumbakonam, had been serving a life sentence under the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a minor. He was assigned as a kitchen assistant at the prison-run canteen located outside the main Central Prison compound. On Friday morning, he was taken along with five other inmates for duty but went missing around 8.30 a.m. Following a complaint from the prison administration, K.K. Nagar police registered a case and launched a search. Based on a tip-off, Rajendran was found hiding near a pond in Chinna Suriyur. Though he tried to flee again, he was swiftly caught by the search team. A detailed investigation is on.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- The Hindu
Pattukottai Sub-Jail remains shut for two years; activists seek merger with government hospital
The Pattukottai Sub Jail, a British era detention facility located in the heart of the town, has remained closed for two years because of its deteriorating structure and lack of safety standards. Built over one acre, the prison was initially under the Revenue Department before being transferred to the Prison Department. However, its ageing and fragile infrastructure prompted officials to shut it down entirely. Sources in the Prison Department said the jail was declared unfit for use due to structural vulnerabilities, and the search for a suitable site to build a new sub-jail is ongoing. Until then, undertrials from cases in the Pattukottai and Peravurani magistrate courts are being lodged at sub-jails in Pudukkottai or Papanasam. Local activists have raised safety and land-use concerns regarding the abandoned jail structure. V. Veerasenan, president of the Nasuni Bed Dam Farmers' Association, pointed out that the dilapidated jail building shares a wall with the Pattukottai Government Hospital. 'The outer walls of the jail are weak and crumbling. There is a real risk of collapse, especially near the ICU block of the hospital. It poses a threat to patients and staff,' he said. Mr. Veerasenan has urged the district administration to take over the disused sub-jail premises and integrate it into the adjoining government hospital premises. 'The land could be used to expand medical facilities and construct new treatment blocks. It will serve a far more essential public purpose,' he added.
The Star
09-05-2025
- General
- The Star
A chance to change: Prison Dept's Hijrah Kasih programme spurs reform through skills training, family support
KOTA KINABALU: Prisoners – or "prospects", as the Prison Department aims to refer to them from now on – should not view jail terms as the end of the line for them but an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. 'Prove that you can change and can choose the right path after (your term),' its Corrective Division director Nora Musa said after a Hijrah Kasih programme at the Kota Kinabalu Prison Department Integrity School on Thursday (May 8). The 16th edition of the programme from Tuesday to Thursday (May 6 to 8) saw 49 prospects from three correctional institutions in Sabah given a chance to change through education and moral development, she said. The programme is organised by the department and Education Ministry and aims to provide the skills necessary to earn a good living upon release. It is also a platform for families and communities to understand the importance of second chances, education, reform and support, Nora said. 'Prison walls should not stop anyone from rising again and changing for the better,' she stressed. 'Quality education is the basis of the effort to rehabilitate and create people of moral values and build character, especially among the youth." She added that the department's vision to be a pioneering corrective facility would not be achieved without the collaboration of all involved, especially in terms of education and human development. Nora said Hijrah Kasih also provides a platform for self-reflection, making amends and resetting the future. 'The participation of families and friends shows how blood ties remain strong despite the separation by prison walls," she said, adding that such support also helps encourage change. Participants in the recent event were from the Kota Kinabalu Integrity School, the Henry Gurney School for Women Kota Kinabalu, and Henry Gurney School Keningau. The approach of building character through such programmes began at the Henry Gurney School in Telok Mas, Melaka in 2012, with proven results, Nora added.
