The justice ministry’s new move to allow incarcerated individuals to seek parole after completing just a quarter of their prison sentences, has been praised as an advantage for human rights but caution has been urged in its implementation.

Parole is the early release of an inmate on promise of good behaviour.

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Prior to new changes, inmates would apply for parole after completing at least two-thirds of their prison terms. However, the new criminal procedure allows those serving sentences that are less than five years to apply for parole after completing just a quarter of them.

For inmates with jail terms that exceed five years, parole can be granted after fulfilling a third of the sentence, while their counterparts on life sentences can apply for parole after spending 15 years in correctional facilities.

As the new changes take effect, here are a couple of things you may need to know about eligibility and more.

What is good conduct for inmates?

In an interview with The New Times, Daniel Kabanguka Rafiki, the Spokesperson of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), said good conduct within correctional facilities is not different from that in society.

Incarcerated individuals are expected to avoid conflicts, refrain from violence, and should not attempt to escape, for example.

Officers at RCS document incidents of poor behaviour and feed the information into the judiciary's online system. Kabanguka highlighted that positive change in behaviour, even among those who have previously committed offences within RCS facilities, is recognised and opportunities are provided for parole.

Frequency of granting release on parole

Release on parole is granted at least once a year. Inmates seeking the opportunity file their applications through the RCS Commissioner General and the Minister of Justice. In military correctional facilities, parole requests are submitted through the Minister of Defence, who then forwards them to the Minister of Justice.

Annually, the Minister of Defense and the RCS Commissioner General compile a list of parole applicants, including details such as the offence they committed, the sentence they are serving, the applicant's conduct, and so on.

The selection process

A parole commission, comprising various justice sector institutions, is in charge of the selection process. The commission assesses applicants based on information gathered from correctional facilities. Considering such, the eligibility of those who should be granted parole is established.

New changes lauded; caution urged

Mary Musoni, the Senior Legal Empowerment Officer at Legal Aid Forum (LAF), told The New Times that the new changes regarding parole are commendable, because they promote human rights, in addition to assisting the country to deal with congestion in correctional facilities.

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However, she emphasised that the selection process should ensure that individuals are genuinely prepared for reintegration into society, with minimal risk to public safety.