Key Takeaways
- Prisoners at the Karlton unit of Western Plains Correction Centre are claiming that the exercise yards are non-compliant with the human rights charter due to the lack of direct sunlight and open air.
- The prisoners are seeking declarations from the court, including that the exercise yards are non-compliant, and are also eligible for a maximum four-day sentence reduction for each day spent in emergency or deprived environments.
- The case is currently being appealed after a judge refused to allow it to run as a class action, and some prisoners have responded to an open letter outlining the intention to fight for a reduction to their prison sentences.
- The construction of Western Plains Correction Centre cost $1 billion, and the prisoners are arguing that the conditions at the Karlton unit are unacceptable and violate their human rights.
Introduction to the Karlton Unit
The Karlton unit of Western Plains Correction Centre has been the subject of controversy, with prisoners claiming that the exercise yards are non-compliant with the human rights charter. According to court documents, the roof of the exercise yards prevents any direct sunlight from entering, making it feel like a 24-hour lockdown day at Barwon Prison. The prisoners are arguing that this is an enclosed space in every sense of the word, and that it is not in the least bit open air.
Prisoner Testimonies
Several prisoners have come forward to share their experiences at the Karlton unit. One prisoner, Binse, stated in his affidavit that he did not feel the sun on his skin due to the fully covered roof of the yards, which is made of iron sheeting, thick bars, and tightly woven mesh. Another prisoner, Tiba, said that the lack of gym and kitchen, as well as the limited phone calls, made him feel lonely, depressed, and at times suicidal. Other prisoners have also shared similar experiences, with one saying that the unit was a "waste of taxpayers money" due to daily issues with lights, toilets, and ventilation.
Legal Proceedings
The prisoners are seeking declarations from the court, including that the exercise yards at the Karlton unit are non-compliant with the human rights charter. They are also eligible for a maximum four-day sentence reduction for each day spent in emergency or deprived environments, known as emergency management days (EMDs). However, the prison system is arguing that the prisoners’ cases should not be allowed to benefit any other prisoner because there is no evidence that other prisoners want to complain about the yards or get the EMDs. The case is currently being appealed after a judge refused to allow it to run as a class action.
Response from Prisoners
In response to an open letter outlining the intention to fight for a reduction to their prison sentences, several prisoners have come forward to support the case. These include Teira Bennett and Eldea Teuira, who attacked gangland figure Tony Mokbel, as well as serial rapist Vinod Kumar and Carlos Lam, who attacked a prison guard. However, so far, they have not launched their own proceedings. The prisoners who have joined the legal fight are no longer currently housed at the Karlton unit.
Department of Justice Response
A Department of Justice spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing court proceedings, saying it would be inappropriate to do so. The construction of Western Plains Correction Centre cost $1 billion, and the prisoners are arguing that the conditions at the Karlton unit are unacceptable and violate their human rights. The case highlights the need for prisons to provide adequate facilities and conditions for prisoners, and the importance of upholding human rights in correctional facilities.
Conclusion
The case of the Karlton unit of Western Plains Correction Centre raises important questions about the conditions in which prisoners are held and the need for prisons to comply with human rights standards. The prisoners’ claims that the exercise yards are non-compliant with the human rights charter due to the lack of direct sunlight and open air are a serious concern, and the court’s decision will have significant implications for the prisoners and the prison system as a whole. As the case continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor the developments and consider the potential impact on the human rights of prisoners in correctional facilities.