Prisoners told to go home

Prisoners told to go home

WAMENA, Irian Jaya (JP): The local penitentiary is allowing 64
prisoners to serve the rest of their terms at home with their
families following a "heated atmosphere" in jail.

The chief warden, Idris, announced the controversial policy on
Saturday, but refused to elaborate on his reasons.

"We have tried to keep them here, but conditions at the jail
make it impossible for them to stay with the other inmates,"
Idris said.

He said he had reported conditions at the penitentiary to the
provincial office of the Ministry of Law and Legislation in
Jayapura, but had received no response.

Local police chief Lt. Col. D. Suripaty said he deeply
regretted the policy.

"The penitentiary is fully responsible for the inmates, who
are also in need of guidance. If it cannot function, law
enforcement will mean nothing. What do we arrest criminals for?"
Suripaty said. (eba)