Global Courant 2023-05-12 11:05:44
Almost seven years after the telematic control law was approved and more than a decade after this modality for prisoner control began to be discussed, the start-up of a first phase of electronic shackles is finally announced. The primary objective of this implementation is the release of prisons, especially the Preventive one in zone 18, where there could be numerous cases that can benefit from this type of supervised release.
There are two thousand devices leased at a cost of Q110 million, which includes not only the electronic anklet, but also the equipment and personnel for monitoring detainees with a substitute measure. In any case, the application of this new system should prioritize people who are in prison under some procedural phase for crimes that do not threaten life or property. For example, accused or convicted of extortion should not be eligible, because if such a crime is committed within prisons, removing them from them would facilitate even more atrocities. There can be no generalizations and each case must be analyzed according to the recidivism profile, dangerousness and characteristics of the crime allegedly committed.
The judge in charge of each case will decide if the detainee must pay a minimum of Q50 per day for the use of the device or if the cost falls on the State. This dilemma arises when considering that not everyone could afford said device. In any case, it must also be considered whether there is a real risk of flight, since if this is not the case, the substitute measure can and should be granted without requiring digital monitoring and only with the obligation to report to sign the control book at the Agency. Judicial.
Indeed, the origin and primary objective of telematic control is to reduce prison overcrowding. If, hypothetically, the two thousand acquired devices were to be awarded and used, it would be around 8 percent of the current prison population, including convicts who have already served the majority of their sentences, have good conduct and are in the process of rehabilitation. The devices have three ways of connectivity, via the Internet and radiolocation, to ensure the location of the individual 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ensuring the quality of such monitoring in the medium and long terms is the real challenge.
However, it is also necessary to expedite the construction of a high security prison, for the transfer of the most dangerous inmates. The repetitive searches in prisons show the continuous movement of telephone devices, internet terminals, household appliances, sound equipment, video games and enervating substances. In other words, telematic control is a long-awaited component, but it is only one edge of a major problem that the Giammattei Falla administration leaves to the next government.
In fact, serious situations continue to be reported in prisons, such as the surreptitious entry of young minors by trafficking networks. And if that is already worrying, much more so are the rapes and beatings received by many of these victims who are captured in public schools under the deception of obtaining economic benefits. It is not a new complaint and the brutality of the cases is practically implausible, but it is noteworthy that there is no open investigation, either internal to Mingob, the anti-corruption office or the Public Ministry to stop such iniquitous practices.
Late but the electronic shackles arrive
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