Beijing prisoners allowed to spend weekend at home for first time
( 2003-08-16 11:04) (Xinhua)
Ten prisoners on Friday were given permission by
the Beijing Municipal Prison Administrative Bureau to enjoy a weekend out of
jail with their families.
It is the first time the authorities have allowed prisoners to spend a
weekend at home, which is widely regarded as a humanitarian approach to prison
management.
The 10 prisoners have all performed well in serving more than half of their
time in prison and their remaining prison terms are no more than one year, which
are major conditions for getting the permission, according to a senior bureau
official.
The prisoners were required to go through temporary residence procedures at
their local public security bureau and to return to prison Sunday afternoon.
A prisoner surnamed Li told Xinhua that he has been in prison for 10 years
and is scheduled for release in half a year. The freeweekend offers him a golden
opportunity to learn more about the fast-changing world, which will definitely
benefit his future life,he said.
The bureau official said the move is a trial measure in the reform of the
city's prison management, and will help prisoners adjust their mentality and
rebuild their confidence before returning to society.
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