Inmates in the men's section of Prey Sar prison's M1 centre. Heng Chivoan
Civil society organisations working in the fields of human rights and social development urge the implementation of community sentence programmes for less serious offenders, saying it would ease prison overcrowding and reduce state spending.
The call followed January 20 remarks by Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, who said the ministries of Interior and Justice were studying the implementation of community sentences, as stipulated in the Criminal Code.
He explained that after the courts sentenced offenders, they would be allowed to return home, albeit under several conditions.
“For example, a community sentence could require a convicted person to sweep rubbish or clean up public spaces in their village. Community sentences would only be given to less serious offenders, and would go some way to relieving the strain on the prison system caused by overcrowding,” he said.
Am Sam Ath, deputy director for rights group LICADHO, said the government should introduce the new sentencing guidelines as soon as possible, especially as the option is already stipulated in existing law.
“The government has not yet introduced community sentencing mechanisms, and it appears the public do not understand the system. Because the government has already studied the proposal, it seems like it could begin employing community sentencing as soon as it has the will to do so,” he said.
“Giving the courts this option will reduce prison overcrowding and spending. As long as the community work is not discriminatory, and as long as the policy is implemented transparently and justly, it will be a success and avoid corruption or partisanship,” he added.
Yang Kim Eng, president of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace, said the implementation of community sentences would be a boon to local development.
“The use of community sentences would help communities develop faster and will ease prison overcrowding, especially for shorter sentences. Overcrowding has terrible consequences for the health and safety of inmates,” he said.
He was of the view that community sentencing would offer offenders a chance to rebuild their lives and become useful members of society.
Sar Kheng said that further studies need to be completed before the new mechanisms are adopted.
“In the near future, we will implement community sentences. They are stipulated in the Criminal Code, and would address prison overcrowding,” he added.
