Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, has stated that the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) plans to roll out an e-visitation system for their prisons.
Driving The News
The virtual visitation platform will enable inmates to connect with their loved ones virtually.
Although specific operational details were not disclosed, Minister Ugirashebuja stated that the RCS is actively working on the development of this system.
How It Would Work (Sri Lanka Case Study)
There are examples of other e-visit platforms. One is currently in Sri Lank. Sri Lanka visitors are first required to register their identities before applying for online visits.
The registration process requires the submission of a copy of their national ID or other official identity documents.
Once registered, visitors can reserve visiting time using their unique registration number, which must be certified by a prison officer before the visitation can take place.
Only one family member is allowed to register on behalf of the inmate, and sharing the registration number with others is strictly prohibited, and can result in the suspension of visitation privileges.
During video calls, the registered individual must appear, but others can join with the consent of the inmate. To ensure security, prison officers monitor the video calls, immediately disconnecting any conversations that pose a threat or involve inappropriate content. In such cases, the e-visit facility is temporarily suspended.
What They’re Saying
Ugirashebuja stated, “We are considering the implementation of e-visits in prisons, where inmates will be able to connect, see, and communicate with their family and friends through video platforms, eliminating the need for face-to-face visits.”
What Happens Next
RCS officials emphasised that the introduction of e-visits is still a project subject to potential changes. Detailed explanations will be provided once the system is approved.
Source: All Africa
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