SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 07/10/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP for Central Scotland Carolyn Leckie today called on the Scottish Executive to make immediate plans for the amnesty and release of all women imprisoned in Scotland for non-violent crime following statistics that show a third of Scotland's female prisoners are jailed for shoplifting, while fewer than one in 10 committed crimes of violence.
Carolyn, who was imprisoned in Corntonvale in January of this year because of a protest at Faslane, has laid a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for an amnesty for women convicted of non violent crime.
Carolyn said today;
“The vast majority of women in Cornton Vale are there for non violent crime and are essentially victims of society.
“These women are imprisoned for minor offences that are rooted in poverty, exclusion, drug and alcohol dependency and abuse and violence against them as women.
“The criminal justice system is failing these women and wider society.
“The Scottish Executive should make immediate plans for an amnesty and release of all women imprisoned in Scotland for non-violent crime, review the cases of all women in jail and put the appropriate resources and supports in their communities to help them achieve fulfilling lives outside prison.”
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