Officials at Wau Central Prison, in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, have announced the immediate lifting of a three-week suspension on family visits for inmates.
This decision comes after a recent prohibition was put in place due to a dispute involving two incarcerated individuals.
Maj. Gen. George Gabriel Gedo, the director of Wau Central Prison, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday the stoppage of visits was due to the unruly behavior of inmates.
“The decision was taken based on the prison laws and regulations as a modality of punishment to control the bad behaviors and disputes among the inmates,” he explained.
Gen. Gedo said the authorities had successfully resolved the disputes and that there is now calm at the correctional facility and inmates can be visited starting Saturday at noon.
“On Saturday and Sunday in the afternoons, they (visitors) are welcome to visit their beloved ones. Previously, I allowed people to come randomly, but this time we are going to change according to the law which allows visitors only twice a week (Friday and Sunday). Friday for Muslims and Sunday for Christians,” he said. “Generally, It will be mixed if a Muslim comes on Sunday, it will not be a problem, and if a Christian comes on Friday, there will be no problems either.”
According to Gen. Gedo, some families distance themselves from imprisoned relatives due to stigma.
“Some families do not visit their son or daughter when in prison. Right now I have one complicated case of a boy who fell sick. I played my role as the director of prisons and as a father at the same time. I took the sick boy to the hospital and now he is receiving treatment,” he narrated. “Since I did not see his family, I started looking for them until I reached out to his biological father. The sick boy’s father is very angry with the boy. He spent a lot of money to educate his son abroad only for the son to return and start misbehaving and committing crimes. The father was angry that he had wasted money educating his son.”
“The boy is improving and doing much better now and I will not mention his father’s name but I am appealing to all those who are listening to me to please change their mind and come and check on their son here in Wau Central Prison,” Gen. Gedo added.
He appealed to families to maintain their connection with imprisoned relatives.
“I am advising families not to hate your people who have been imprisoned for the crimes they have committed. Please do not abandon them. In the end, these people in prison are your relatives and your blood,” he added. “The losses you have made from educating your child are not happening to you alone. It is a common problem with all children today.”