Eritrea accused of prisoner abuse

A former Eritrean prison guard says at least 15 former high-ranking government officials and journalists have died in jail due to inhumane conditions.

Eyob Bhata Habtemariam, who managed a team of up to 10 guards in two jails for political prisoners for over nine years, is seeking refuge in neighbouring Ethiopia.

He told Al Jazeera that inmates at the Eritrean jails had been subjected to extreme temperatures and provided with inadequate food, water or medical attention.

The detainees were arrested in a government crackdown on dissenting officials and journalists accused of plotting a coup in 2001.

Eritrea has not commented on Habtemariam's accusations.

Andrew Simmons reports from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

video-Murder accused Sydney Nhlapo in court on Friday

For almost a decade, it's alleged, a murder accused had isolated his family... rarely allowing them to leave their house.

Court frees boy prisoner

The Namibian Newspaper: "THE High Court yesterday ordered the immediate release of a 12-year-old boy who became Namibia's youngest sentenced prison inmate after receiving a six-month jail term for housebreaking and theft at Karasburg in October.

In a review judgement handed down by Judge Elton Hoff, Acting Judge Claus Hinrichsen set aside the boy's conviction and sentence and ordered his immediate release from detention.

Judge Hoff agreed with Acting Judge Hinrichsen's decision, which was based on the principle that a child as young as the boy is presumed not to be criminally liable, especially where he had been involved in a crime while under the influence and instructions of a much older person.
The boy was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on October 19, after he had been convicted in the Karasburg Magistrate's Court on a charge of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft."

Hohoe Police cell inmates beat up colleague

Ghana Today "Hohoe (V/R), Feb. 27, GNA - Inmates at Hohoe Police cell beat up a colleague for being so 'stupid' not to have taken some of the money that fell off as armed robbers escaped after looting a local bank.
Six armed robbers on Tuesday evening attacked the Hohoe branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank and took away an unspecified amount of money. The robbers held Mr Solomon Osei Bonsu, the Branch Manager of the Bank, at gunpoint, matched him to the strong room at about 1850 hours and took away the money."

SmallShop....Africa News