If you were suspected of a crime, would you be treated fairly? In Rwanda, the likely answer is no. This project gives 100 long-term detainees of Gitarama Central Prison a trained defense lawyer.
Gitarama Central Prison in Muhanga District Southern Province of Rwanda is sadly known as one of the world’s five worst prisons. Ordinary men, women and children facing charges can wait in legal purgatory indefinitely, with little if not no access to family, medical assistance, and legal counsel. Some have been imprisoned for 16 years without an expected date of trial. It does not have to be that way. We seek to decongest Gitarama Prison and ensure timely, fair trials for detainees.
IBJ lawyers have been working with Gitarama Central Prison authorities to identify long term detainees who need urgent legal assistance. With the support of the prison authorities, IBJ lawyers will investigate each case and provide committed counsel.
This project will secure legal protections and fair trials for 100 men, women and juveniles who are facing indefinite detention. As prison overcrowding decreases, conditions will improve for convicted prisoners and the backlog in court will reduce.
