Stonald Anthony, an inmate who has been on remand at Nsanje Prison for more than two years, has called on authorities to intensify efforts to educate prisoners about their rights.
Anthony made the appeal during a law sensitisation engagement conducted at Nsanje Prison by the Malawi Law Commission in collaboration with the Legal Aid Bureau.
He urged that courts and police authorities strictly comply with the law, particularly regarding the scheduling and conduct of court hearings for remand prisoners.
The initiative is part of broader efforts aimed at empowering inmates with knowledge about their rights and freedoms while in custody.
Speaking at the event, Peter Mota, Deputy Director of Law Reform at the Malawi Law Commission, emphasised that imprisonment does not strip individuals of their constitutional rights.
Mota highlighted the importance of ensuring that prisoners are aware of their legal entitlements, including access to timely hearings and fair treatment under the law.
Meanwhile, Tiwonge Penama, Principal Legal Advocate at the Legal Aid Bureau, explained that the exercise focused on helping inmates understand the availability of legal support.
Penama noted that legal assistance is particularly crucial for individuals on remand and those seeking to appeal decisions in their cases.
The sensitisation sessions are designed to empower prisoners to actively engage with legal processes and to seek assistance when necessary.
Anthony commended the initiative, saying that such programmes are vital in ensuring that prisoners are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
He added that understanding one’s rights helps inmates navigate the justice system more effectively and reduces the likelihood of procedural injustices.
The Malawi Law Commission and Legal Aid Bureau indicated that similar sensitisation exercises will be conducted in other prisons to reach more inmates across the country.
Authorities stressed that knowledge of legal rights is a fundamental component of human dignity and the rule of law, even within correctional facilities.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen accountability among judicial and law enforcement authorities by reminding them of their obligations under the law.
Prisoners who are aware of their rights are better positioned to advocate for themselves, which contributes to a more transparent and just correctional system.
Both MLC and Legal Aid Bureau officials encouraged inmates to actively participate in the sessions and to seek guidance whenever they encounter legal challenges.
The programme underscores the importance of continuous legal education as a tool for promoting justice, fairness, and respect for human rights in Malawi’s correctional system.
Through such engagements, stakeholders aim to foster a prison environment where inmates are informed, protected, and supported in their legal pursuits.
Anthony concluded by urging authorities to maintain regular sensitisation initiatives to ensure that all inmates, particularly those on long-term remand, are fully aware of their rights and avenues for legal redress.
