Not everything the Sun does is instantly condemnable...
Considering that I'm probably one of the Sun newspaper's most trenchant critics, it deserves to be said that today's front page splash on a party held at Holloway prison is a fully justified and shaming incident which really ought to raise wider questions about what those in authority in such institutions really think is and is not acceptable. The fact that it was a Halloween party adds to the incredulity, but honestly, when is any sort of officer-approved party apart from perhaps at Christmas or when someone long suspected to be innocent is finally released acceptable, especially when it involves the other inmates apparently being neglected so that it could be monitored?
Apart from no doubt further disgusting the relatives of those killed by some of those featured in the photograph, it will also further push the idea that prisons themselves are cushy establishments where punishment is often the last thing that takes place in them. The fact that is often as far from the truth as it's possible to get - with women's prisons especially often filled with the mentally ill and the drug addicted, where self-harm and suicide attempts are an everyday occurrence - is ever harder to argue when such evidence of largesse, insensitivity and downright stupidity by those meant to be in charge comes to light. For once you can't possibly blame Jack Straw for reacting instantly to a headline, ordering that any such incidents be shelved immediately.
There must be some credit paid to the Sun also - the paper could have really gone to town with such an exclusive if it had wished to - instead only publishing this rather mild in the circumstances leader comment:
Very little that can be disagreed with.
It would be remiss though not to comment also on this latest apology from the Sun, even if it is to a former highly unpleasant Big Brother contestant:
Apart from no doubt further disgusting the relatives of those killed by some of those featured in the photograph, it will also further push the idea that prisons themselves are cushy establishments where punishment is often the last thing that takes place in them. The fact that is often as far from the truth as it's possible to get - with women's prisons especially often filled with the mentally ill and the drug addicted, where self-harm and suicide attempts are an everyday occurrence - is ever harder to argue when such evidence of largesse, insensitivity and downright stupidity by those meant to be in charge comes to light. For once you can't possibly blame Jack Straw for reacting instantly to a headline, ordering that any such incidents be shelved immediately.
There must be some credit paid to the Sun also - the paper could have really gone to town with such an exclusive if it had wished to - instead only publishing this rather mild in the circumstances leader comment:
KILLERS go to jail for punishment.They are not banged up to enjoy fancy dress parties.
The sight of convicted murderers having a Halloween knees-up in Holloway prison will heap untold anguish on their victims’ relatives.
A civilised nation will be astonished at this lax regime — at taxpayers’ expense.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw must take charge today by cancelling plans for any more parties in jails.
And sacking whoever was responsible.
Very little that can be disagreed with.
It would be remiss though not to comment also on this latest apology from the Sun, even if it is to a former highly unpleasant Big Brother contestant:
WE would like to make clear Big Brother contestant Alexandra De Gale was not issued with a six-month restraining order by Croydon Magistrates, has never physically threatened former colleague Laura Barnes or any of her family and is not involved in a relationship with Courtney Hutchinson nor any other member of the PDC gang as we reported on June 7.
We apologise for the mistake.
Labels: apologies, cushy prisons, Holloway prison, prisons, Scum-watch, Sun-watch
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The problem is that, I suspect, in future this incident will be used as part of the 'prisons are soft' narrative. The article, in and of itself, is fine; it remains to be seen how it will be used in future. This is the paper, after all, that has such a penchant for 'caging lags'.
I do have to disagree with one particular point:
"KILLERS go to jail for punishment."
Punishment and preventing recidivism are not the same thing. We could probably reduce crime if we spent less time on punishment and more on rehabilitation, not to mention making sure people are sent to drug rehab or hospital if that's more appropriate than prison.
xD.
Posted by
Dave Cole |
Monday, September 15, 2008 11:59:00 AM