Violations of Basic Rights of Prisoners In Conventional and Islamic Law: Theory and Practice

In jails, the prisoners are often maltreated by the jail authorities. They are abused, and, their fundamental rights as human beings are frequently violated. Although laws upholding the rights of prisoners are plenty, unfortunately, these seem ineffective in preventing the abuse of prisoners in jails. This paper examines the problems of jailed prisoners in general and highlights their violations of human rights. In particular, this paper discusses sexual abuse of prisoners, their mental and physical tortures, and enforcement of prison labour laws. The paper also focuses on overcrowding in jails, inadequate educational facilities for prisoners and poor health care facilities. This article analyses these issues from the perspectives of Islamic Law and attempts to provide a conceptual frame work of solutions. An analytical approach is employed in this study.