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Prisoners Trapped by Abolished Sentence
1 Jan
Summary
- Hundreds of prisoners remain imprisoned under an abolished sentence.
- IPP sentences are described as psychological torture by the UN.
- Incarcerated individuals suffer severe mental health deterioration.
Many individuals remain incarcerated under the abolished Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence, a punitive measure that has caused severe psychological harm. These open-ended jail terms, officially abolished in 2012 but not retrospectively applied, have left nearly 2,500 people imprisoned indefinitely. The United Nations has classified this sentence as psychological torture due to its devastating impact on mental health, leading to conditions like psychosis and profound despair among inmates.
The article highlights the plight of several individuals, including Thomas White, who has spent 13 years trapped without hope of release. His sister advocates for his continued hospital care, fearing his rapid deterioration if returned to prison. Similarly, Rob Russell's brother, who served 16 years, experienced extreme decline before hospital transfer. These cases underscore the broken system where recovery in a hospital can trigger a return to prison, perpetuating a cycle of suffering.
Experts, including Dr. Callum Ross, warn that the hopelessness fostered by IPP sentences increases the risk of suicide. Families and medical professionals are urging the government to implement reforms, such as granting release dates and providing comprehensive mental health support upon release. Despite recommendations, successive governments have resisted resentencing, leaving many IPP prisoners in a state of perpetual uncertainty and despair.
