Rodje Malcolm, Executive Director of JFJ - Gleaner file photo
Human rights advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is appealing to the authorities to discontinue the practice of imprisoning persons who are unfit to plead.
In a news release Friday, Executive Director of JFJ Rodje Malcolm said there are several options when someone is unfit to plead, but imprisonment should not be one.
Mr. Malcolm added that correctional facilities are not suitable to provide mental health care due to overcrowding and lack of resources.
Stating that an independent review of the penal system is needed, Mr. Malcolm said the remaining cases involving mentally ill prisoners should be advanced or discontinued in the interest of justice.
Mr. Malcolm also suggested that after the cases are reviewed, the public should be provided with updates on action taken.
His call comes against the background of the death of 81 year-old Noel Chambers, who spent 40 years at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre without trial.
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