Feature on Rights of the Arrested and Detained

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in the Free State held a roundtable discussion on the rights of arrested, detained and accused persons at Grootvlei Prison in Bloemfontein. The SAHRC hosted a roundtable discussion after the United Nations’ (UN) Human Rights Committee expressed concern about excessive use of force or torture against detainees, as well as deaths resulting from actions of police or prison officials in South Africa. Some of the presentations included input by, among others, the Department of Correctional Services, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Office of the Inspecting Judge, Legal Aid, and Chapter 9 institutions. OFM News’ Refilwe Gaeswe compiled this report.