Special task force to submit report on custodial deaths in 6 months

 

Task force chairman Prasad Sandosham Abraham (left) said the report is expected to identify weaknesses in the system that contribute to deaths in custody. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The Special Task Force on the Study of Recommendations and Preventive Measures will submit a report to the government in six months on the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s (EAIC) proposed recommendations and preventive measures regarding deaths in custody.

In a statement posted by EAIC on Facebook today, task force chairman Prasad Sandosham Abraham said it would also recommend improvements in the governance of lockups, depots and detention centres.

“The special task force will work in stages over six months, involving four phases of action – visits to selected lockups, depots and detention centres; submission of detailed feedback, including justifications for the recommendations; and the report’s preparation and presentation to the government.

“The report is expected to identify weaknesses in the system that contribute to deaths in custody.

It will help the government formulate better policies, ensure accountability of the involved parties, raise public awareness and foster cooperation between agencies in safeguarding human rights,

 he said.

Prasad, who is also EAIC deputy chairman, said the commission’s Study Committee Report on Deaths in Custody and the Identification of Preventive Measures was presented to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a meeting of a special Cabinet committee on national governance on May 7.

The task force includes representatives from the home, finance, health and works ministries, Human Rights Commission, Independent Police Conduct Commission, Attorney-General’s Chambers, public service department and police. - FMT