Arthur Road Prison Conditions

Noodle

And I don't want to discuss it, I don't even know exactly what he did. The thread was about the conditions in Arthur Rd and how to help a friend/relative who has to spend time in there. Speaking about the horrific conditions in Indians jails and feeling sad for the friend who has to suffer them doesn't necesarily mean that I feel he shouldn't be punished. One doesn't cancel out the other. Yes, he committed an offence. Yes, I feel he should face the consequences. And yes, I feel sorry for him as well. When you have a friend or relative in there it's normal to feel this way, even if you don't approve of what he did. From what I heard so far I get the impression it's worse being in Arthur Road than lieing, say, uncurably sick in hospital. (I hope this doesn't spark off another discussion!?) What Nick wrote is true ... about the legal system here. It's horrific.

Nick-H

Noodle's post is a reality check on this thread.

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dhans

Whatever the reason for being in prison, suspects and convicts are entitled to a decent and fair treatment.

For information about prisons abroad:

www.prisonwatch.org
www.prisonlife.nl (in dutch)

ananda2193

How do you know he commited an offense! Were you there? And what offense was it? If it was just smoking charas, then it's a crime that he's in prison. Don't Indians let their Holy Men smoke charas free of hassles. Isn't Shiva puffing away at Mt. Kailash. But I don't and everybody here doesn't know why he's there. But if it's for smoke it's a shame. Stupid laws are mean't to be broken..........

Indojingai

Conditions of things outside the jail isnt clue enough of how it would be inside? Certainly not presitine(r) I'd guess.

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Darmabum

Noodle's post is a good reality check.

I take exception to Ananda's post: stupid laws aren't meant to be broken, they're meant to be changed. Until they are, like it not/agree with it or not - they are laws. That the alledged offense occured in a country whose prison conditions I can only guess and gasp at allows me to feel for this person; and for the thousands of Indians confined under similar conditions.

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Noodle

Ananda, I heard from an aquaintance what he did. But it's hearsay and I don't know the whole story, I'm not sure exactly what he did. It was more serious than just a smoke, that much I know. But I think it's better not to discuss it in detail. My friend said he's probably looking at 5-10 years Are there any guidelines to how much for which offence?

Mmmh, I can't open your prisonwatch link because I'm missing some plug-ins and for some reason my browser isn't installing them (time to update that Fox again I guess!)

ananda2193

So Rosa Park's should have stayed at the back of the bus until the law was changed so she could sit in front! So all black people in the south should have kept saying, Yes Master and keep on plowing the fields until they changed the laws. ......etc.
It used to be illegal for women to vote in America. It used to be illegal for blacks to go into a white restaurant in the south, or use the same toilet as a white.In South Africa...........

LAWS ARE MEAN"T TO BE BROKEN

GOD IS THE LAWMAKER< NOT MAN!!!!!

Not to say I'm a big believer in God anymore. But there must be a higher power.

skinnylizard

wow. a charas smoker breaking a law is the same as Rosa Parks wanting to sit up front.

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Nick-H

I'm an atheist.

Look, this is just not the place to argue this, but of we must get religious about it then 'give unto ceasar what is ceasar's' has something to do with it.

Laws are made by elected governments. That is their job. That is what we (in democracies) pay them to do. That is what they do do.

They also, on our behalf employ courts and police to enforce those laws.

So, until (are you an Indian citizen?) you vote for a government that will legalise, just for instance, smoking cannabis, should you choose to do so next to an Indian policeman with open eyes and a closed wallet, then shouting about god's laws will only make your trip to prison noisier.

Should you elect to make your protest in that way, then that is your right also, but it is unlikely to get you anywhere.

The fact that many laws reflect the values and prejudices of the past, or even the benefits of a past colonial ruler is just part and parcel of the process. Democratic countries change law through democratic process. Protests of one kind or another can be a valuable part of democracy, sometimes calling for selfless self-sacrifice by brave and dedicated individuals

Any one who wishes to sacrifice their freedom or life in the name of legalising dope --- well, let them do so. Though I don't expect that it will earn quite the same fame and level of respect as those who fought and died for racial or sexual equality.

Weren't we talking about Indian prisons?

ananda2193

Hey, everyone's got their causes! And there all injustices. Putting a person in prison for smoking a natural plant that your Gurus and Sadhus smoke freely, and your God Shiva smokes is criminal. I can go and drink 2 bottles of whiskey no problem, but to smoke a little charas is evil. GET REAL! The lawmakers have no right to govern my body. PERIOD.

LEGALIZE IT!- Peter Tosh

machadinha

That's not what the lawmakers seem to think... Any contributions on Indian prison life?

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Noodle

Got the news that the friend I mentioned above has seen the judge and received 10-20 years!!

Will this likely be appealed by his lawyer, and if so what are the chances he'll get less? Does anyone here know how this works in India?

I'm worried about him ...

cyberhippie

Bloody hell noodle that's a shocker, best of luck with the appeal!!

Noodle

Ysterday I spoke to a German friend who lives here. He said my friend in Arthur Road didn't have his trial yet, so hasn't been sentenced yet. The "10-20 years" was just gossip going out of control! The trial should happen in April or May. He's looking at 5-10 years.

A couple of people here send him things, and Expats and travellers visit him whenever possible. He said he's okay and doing fine, considering. He also said the German embassy provides 2,500 Rs pocket money a month to German inmates.

This is what my friend emailed me today:

"He is in a big room together with about 100-150 other prisoners. no privacy, no locker to keep personal belongings. The people are lying on the naked floor, no blanket, no matress."

I will now write him a letter, see if he needs anything else.