The US Supreme Court ruled that a Rastafarian man cannot sue prison officials for cutting his dreadlocks, citing the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Justice Gorsuch stated officials must consent to liability under RLUIPA, a decision dissented by liberal justices.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that a Louisiana prisoner cannot sue prison guards for money damages after they forcibly shaved his dreadlocks, citing the Spending Clause of the Constitution. The majority held that laws passed under this clause function as contracts, and individual suits require the agreement of the sued parties.
Kent Kiehl's research using fMRI to identify psychopathy in criminals has become controversial. Despite initial skepticism, his work has been used in thousands of US court cases to argue for lighter sentences, but critics warn it echoes discredited eugenic thinking and can lead to harsher punishments.
Anthony Bailey, 61, freed after 27 years, now faces prison again due to a Supreme Court ruling limiting compassionate release. The ruling excludes inmates whose sentences are long due to mandatory penalties, even if no shots were fired.
Queensland watch houses face ongoing overcrowding and poor conditions, with regional facilities like Toowoomba and Maryborough regularly exceeding capacity. Police Union president Shane Prior highlights issues like shared cells and floor mattresses, impacting both prisoners and staff, and calls for faster prisoner transfers from Corrective Services.
Queensland watch houses face ongoing overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, with regional facilities like Toowoomba and Maryborough regularly exceeding capacity. Police Union president Shane Prior highlights risks to prisoners and staff, blaming delays in prisoner transfers to Corrective Services facilities. The government has announced a $16 million investment for system overhaul.
A UK probation union has declared no confidence in management due to excessive workloads, warning of direct public risk. Industrial action is threatened unless support and pay increase, as plans expand electronic tagging for 40,000 ex-offenders.
NSW Ombudsman criticizes Corrective Services NSW for unlawful 24/7 cell confinement of protective custody inmates for up to three months. The report highlights failures in planning and record-keeping, impacting multiple correctional centers.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated he is open to a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the coming months. Lukashenko mentioned potential topics for discussion include embassy issues, economic and financial matters, and prisoner releases, suggesting they should be addressed as a package.
Former political prisoners in Myanmar recount systematic torture, sexual abuse, and neglect in prisons, including invasive strip-searches and threats of rape. Despite recent amnesties and political changes, activists like Thazin and Ma Khaing state abuses continue, with many still detained.
A US federal appeals court has ordered further review of Alabama's use of nitrogen gas for executions, citing concerns over its constitutionality under the ban on cruel and unusual punishment, potentially impacting a scheduled execution.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accuses Iran of leveraging Lebanon in negotiations with the US.
The Israeli Supreme Court has overturned a ban preventing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian prisoners. The court found the government lacked sufficient legal grounds for the blanket prohibition, imposed after the October 7th Hamas attack. The ICRC welcomed the decision, emphasizing its commitment to international humanitarian law.
Iranian writer Hamid Asefi and others report severe beatings, torture, and deaths in custody following arrests amid a wider crackdown. Detainees describe physical abuse, starvation, mock executions, and sexual assault, with rights groups documenting widespread ill-treatment.
Helen Spree, 63, head of HMP Liverpool's independent monitoring board, was jailed for over five years for misconduct, smuggling drugs, and sending sexual messages to inmates, including killer Dylan Westall.
A court in the Nizhny Novgorod region sentenced three prisoners to 8 years and 2 months to 10.5 years in a special regime colony for attempting to escape, engaging in religious extremism, and disrupting prison operations. The convicts were part of a banned extremist group and planned an escape using prohibited items.
Ukrainian prosecutor general reveals draft officers added dead, convicts, and ineligible individuals to mobilization database to meet targets, amid manpower shortages and public anger over forced conscription.
During a summit, Donald Trump discussed the cases of Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and media mogul Jimmy Lai with China's Xi Jinping. While Xi indicated consideration for the pastor's release, Lai's case was deemed 'tough.' Families expressed gratitude for Trump's support, but no further developments have been announced.
Inmates at Venezuela's Injuba prison clashed with security forces and burned mattresses in protest against alleged mistreatment. The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) reported the incident, highlighting ongoing concerns about poor prison conditions and demanding the resignation of officials.
Venezuela's opposition is demanding the release of political prisoners and calling for elections after a promised release failed to occur. Opponents are targeting the U.S.-backed interim government.
Inmates at Barinas prison in Venezuela protested on the roof, setting mattresses on fire and demanding the director's removal. They accuse guards of shooting unarmed prisoners, with one man seen with a bullet wound. Families clashed with National Guard outside.
Inmates at Barinas prison in Venezuela protested on the roof, setting mattresses ablaze and demanding the removal of the director. They accused guards of shooting unarmed prisoners, with one inmate seen with a bullet wound. Families clashed with National Guard outside.
Hezbollah will retain weapons to defend Lebanon against Israeli aggression, stated Secretary-General Naim Qassem. He criticized Israel's actions, urged withdrawal and prisoner release, and called on the Lebanese government to reject disarmament and preserve sovereignty.
A report by QMUL and Defend Our Juries claims the UK is creating 'new political prisoners' by jailing climate and Palestine activists. The study highlights increased anti-protest laws, lengthy sentences, and the use of civil injunctions leading to custodial sentences.
