Japan to Restrict Use of Leather Restraining Handcuffs in Prisons

Article Tools Print This Page | Comments(0) | Suggest a Story

By Associated Press

Published: 05/23/2003

Japan will ban the use of leather handcuffs at prisons and replace them with safer restraining gear over the next six months, Justice Ministry officials said March 6.
The decision by a ministry committee comes after the death of an inmate at a central Japan prison became known last month.
The leather handcuffs - criticized as a possible violation of the U.N. convention against torture - are wrapped tightly around an inmate's waist, with one hand strapped to the front and the other to the back.
Six months will be needed to select and produce an alternative, and in the meantime the leather handcuffs will be allowed under strict conditions, said a ministry spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Long criticized for severe discipline and secrecy, Japanese prisons now face increased scrutiny following allegations of abuses and the arrest of officers in several inmate deaths.
Prison officials claim the restraints are necessary to maintain order and safety among violent prisoners.
On March 5, the committee also decided to require prisons to keep records of the deaths of inmates for 10 years, up from the current three years.

Comments:

No comments have been posted for this article.

Login to let us know what you think

MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search