Bar Calls For Independent Probe On Taiping Prison Altercation

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The Malaysian Bar has called for an independent investigation into an alleged altercation at Taiping Prison last month, which reportedly resulted in the death of an inmate.
Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab emphasised that the probe must be transparent with its findings made public.
"The Malaysian Bar is deeply alarmed and saddened by reports of the alleged assault of over 100 prisoners at Taiping Prison, which tragically resulted in the death of an inmate.
"If confirmed, this incident represents a grave violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice that our legal system is meant to uphold," Ezri (above) said in a statement today.
On Jan 27, the Prison Department confirmed that an altercation occurred at Taiping Prison involving an individual transferred to the prison from the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre.
A police report had been lodged over the incident and an investigation was underway, the department added.
However, the department did not provide further details about the nature of the provocation.
This came after Edisi Siasat last week alleged that a prisoner died after an altercation at Taiping Prison between Jan 16 and 17.
Alternative sentencing needed
In his statement, Ezri said the case must be referred to the coroner as per Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
This is because it allegedly involves a death in custody, he explained.
Further, he highlighted the case as an example of the need for prison reform.
"Overcrowding remains a persistent issue within our correctional facilities, exacerbating tensions, straining resources, and compromising inmate safety," he said.
He reiterated the Bar’s call for alternative sentencing mechanisms, such as through the expansion of compulsory attendance centres for non-violent offenders so they can undergo rehabilitation programmes without being incarcerated. - Mkini

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