The South African Prisoners’ Organisation for Human Rights (Sapohr) on Friday condemned the phasing out of condoms in Swazi jails as part of a campaign to discourage sex behind bars.
”It is highly astonishing, embarrassing, irresponsible and barbaric decision by the Swaziland government to declare a proclamation to the beloved people of their country in prisons that condoms are no longer authorised to be distributed in prisons according to them this is aimed at discondoning sexual practices behind bars (sic),” Sapohr said in a statement received in Johannesburg.
The pressure group pointed out that HIV/Aids was a serious challenge and expressed its horror that a ”third world country” (Swaziland) could decide to destroy lives ”in such an irresponsible manner”.
It pointed out that incarcerated prisoners would continue to engage in sexual activities irrespective of condom availability.
”Sapohr views this as issuing of a death sentence, therefore entirely condemns this action. We therefore call upon the South African government and other organisations in the human rights arena to intervene,” Sapohr said. ‒ Sapa