Constitutional petition filed in Mozambique against privileged prison conditions for the rich

Under the leadership of lawyer and human rights activist Maria Alice Mabota, a petition was filed today with the Constitutional Council of Mozambique against Article 8(2) of the 2019 Penal Execution Code. The petition is supported by the organization REFORMAR and the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, as part of the Global Campaign to Decriminalize Poverty and Status. The case challenges a provision that allows prisoners to obtain more favourable detention conditions through payment, which, according to REFORMAR, perpetuates inequality between the poor and the rich and violates the principle of non-discrimination. The Constitution of Mozambique guarantees the right to equality and protection against discrimination. The Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela's Rules, establish minimum standards for the humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. REFORMAR argues that Article 8(2) of the Mozambique Penal Execution Code goes against these rules, creating a dual system of prison sentence enforcement based on individuals' financial situation.

application/pdf Constitutional petition filed in Mozambique against privileged prison conditions for the rich.pdf — 587 KB

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