A batch of prisoners at Chamgang was sent to the Euta Goenpa in Paro, today, to serve their remaining terms renovating the Goenpa. These prisoners have been moved to an ‘open air prison’ for exemplary behaviour.
30 inmates at Chamgang have earned remissions because of good conduct in prison.
An inmate can become an open air prisoner when he completes ¾th of his term. The inmate should have a good track record of remission- he should earn a minimum of five continuous remissions which is a reduction of a month’s sentence, every year.
Even those with life sentences can become open air prisoners if they complete a minimum of 15 years of their sentence, and earn ten continuous good conduct allowances.
Under this new arrangement, guarantors have to sign on behalf of the prisoner that they will bring the prisoner back to the police if he runs away.
“We have a social stigma in society: when prisoners are released from prisons, they are not allowed to enter the house without a Lhabsa-Thruesel ( religious ceremony). Prisoners renovating the lhakhang will help remove some of the stigma. They will be paid a daily wage as well”, says the Chief of Police, Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel. He adds that this will help in the reintegration of prisoners into society.
Remission good conduct allowances and the open air prison are aimed at motivating and inspiring prisoners to change their attitudes and behavior.
