WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Parliament unanimously approved an amendment to the prison law last night. All 14 members present voted in favor of the legislation, while seven members were absent, representing various parties, including PAR, PNP, Trabou pa Kòrsou, and MFK. The new law, whose development process began in 2019, has now reached its conclusion. 

A notable aspect of the amendment is the provision allowing inmates to receive unsupervised visits, including intimate visits from their partners. In principle, intimate visits can take place weekly, while on other days, family and friends can visit their incarcerated loved ones. The Minister of Justice also mentioned that the space for unsupervised visits still needs further development. 

Mobile Phones 

The amended law also takes into account international trends, as an increasing number of prisons allow inmates to use mobile phones and computers. In this case, mobile phone usage would be limited to improving reintegration into society and strengthening family ties. 

To ensure prison security, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the management of the Sentro di Detenshon i Korekshon Kòrsou (SDKK), will establish rules for the use of mobile phones. For the time being, computer usage is permitted for educational purposes, which remains a key objective within the prison system.