Judge questions decision regarding prisoners release
Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:00pm
A National and Supreme Court judge has questioned a 2007 decision
made by former Justice Minister, Bire Kimisopa, authorizing the
release of over 100 prisoners on license.
Justice David Cannings raised the issue when urging current Minister
for Justice, Dr Allan Marat to ensure that all necessary measures are
taken to avoid similar decisions in the future.
Mr Kimisopa had used his powers under the Criminal Code to release
191 prisoners throughout the country last year.
According to information before the court, there was no evidence how
prisoners were identified for release on license.
Some of the prisoners who were released were serving sentences for
very serious crime.
Some had their appeals pending before the courts while one who was
serving a 7 year sentence for the murder of his wife, was released on
license even after the Supreme Court ordered that another 7 years be
added to his original sentence.
Justice Cannings then initiated and commenced inquiries into the
matter where he handed down a decision, issuing orders for the current
Justice Minister, Doctor Marat to act within 3 months to determine set
procedures to be followed when releasing prisoners on license. |
