Civil rights threat may shackle Government

NZ HERALD 5:00AM Thursday Jun 14, 2007

The Government’s main response to the Ombudsman’s damning report on the transport of prisoners is under threat, with civil libertarians warning any attempt to introduce waist restraints will meet legal action.

The report said prisoners were often transported in inhumane conditions. It called on Corrections to redesign prison vans so that guards could properly supervise inmates, and prisoners could be kept safe from accidents and from each other…


NZ HERALD 5:00AM Thursday Jun 14, 2007

The Government’s main response to the Ombudsman’s damning report on the transport of prisoners is under threat, with civil libertarians warning any attempt to introduce waist restraints will meet legal action.

The report said prisoners were often transported in inhumane conditions. It called on Corrections to redesign prison vans so that guards could properly supervise inmates, and prisoners could be kept safe from accidents and from each other…

Mr Ellis, a civil liberties lawyer who has previously taken successful cases claiming inhumane treatment of prisoners, said the Ombudsman’s report created the possibility that a case alleging mistreatment of prisoners during transportation could be taken.

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