Latest News

HMP Coldingley Workshop (Secondment 2019)

Our Secondees - - gathered with prisoners, prison staff, magistrates, APP staff and volunteers to share their views and experience during a recent Workshop at HMP Coldingley.

Our Work with Children in Uganda

Last week the Legal Aid Clinic in Luzira Maximum Security Prison scored another triumph when it helped secure the release of several juveniles from incarceration within that facility.

Graduates: Alex Dimba and Isaac Kimaru - Prison Students Empowered by the Law

“Justice is not meant only for those with money - it should be given to everyone”

Release: William Okumu

“I have realised that my dreams are bigger than my fears.” William Okumu

Most of the world’s population have no access to basic justice. But the fix is easier than you think

Growing evidence shows more expenditure on people-centred justice delivers a high return on investment, while unresolved legal problems put huge strain on the economy - Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland.

Providing Legal Awareness Through Mock Trials

Mock trials provide prisoners with perhaps their first look at a courtroom, what might be expected of them when they stand trial or make an appeal, and how a Judge might respond to their case.

There are Alternatives to Criminal Prosecution for the Justice System

“Is it not more effective to take a drug addict to a rehabilitation facility instead of prison? “ Muthuri Kathure.

Graduate: George Karaba

“At my age, studying law feels like a challenge to push harder. I have realised that learning is a continuous process, it is never too late to learn,” George Karaba.

A Day to Celebrate: International Women’s Day at Luzira Women’s Prison - Uganda

15th March 2019 will always remain a day to remember for the inmates of Luzira Women’s Prison as they had time to sing, dance, take part in sports and drama, all commemorating International Women’s Day 2019

Paralegals in Kenya and Uganda receive training on bail and appeal procedures from legal experts

Magistrates and legal experts from across the judiciary have come together to share their practical knowledge. Ensuring trainees are immersed into the legal world, even from behind prison bars.

Law books fuel the defence

Inmates at Luzira Prison share how access to quality reading material has helped them prepare their defence for court.

Jane's story: From death row, to paralegal officer

As one of our trained paralegals in Langata Women's Prison in Kenya, Jane is enabling fellow incarcerated women to access essential legal services. Fostering hope for a more just world.

Annet spent 14 years dealing with the consequences of her husband's death sentence

“My husband committed a crime, so he had to pay for it. Though it put me in a difficult situation.”

Sarah spent more time in prison before her trial, than if she was sentenced

“Being in prison: days are like months and months are like years.”

Betty is close to completing her law degree from within prison

"Using the knowledge I have acquired from Justice Defenders, I managed to convince the judge in my appeal process, overturning my death sentence."

Release: Joseph Karanja, pioneer and free man

Joseph Karanja has spent 20 years in prison. He was arrested in 2000 and sentenced to death at his trial in 2001. However, in 2009 he was one of 4,000 prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.

Gilbert Niwamanya

Gilbert, aged 36, is the Welfare and Rehabilitation Officer at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, Kampala, where he’s worked for the past 5 years.

George Karaba

George has spent almost 20 years behind bars. Arrested in 2002, he was sentenced to death in 2006. This was commuted to a life sentence in 2009. In 2018 he graduated from the University of London with a Bachelor of Law degee [LLB], with support from our Justice Changemaker programme.