The Gendarmerie carried out a raid to find the cell phone, which was seized, given that having this type of electronic device in a prison is a crime.
Gendarmerie reported that it managed to seize the cell phone used to record Cathy Barriga while she was dancing Zumba at the San Miguel Women’s Penitentiary Center.
The former mayor of Maipú He has been serving preventive detention in San Miguel prison since last November 12after being formalized for falsification of a public instrument and fraud to the treasury for more than $33 billion.
It was in this context that a viral story went viral in which Cathy Barriga appears dancing Zumba with other inmates from the prison.faced with this situation, her defense lawyer, Cristóbal Bonacic, had to explain that the former community leader was participating in a program of the Ministry of Sports.
But in addition to the cell phone, other prohibited items where seized, which were placed at the disposal of the Public ministry.
What are the legal consequences for inmates found with cell phones in prison?
Interview with Legal expert Dr. Isabella Torres on the Implications of Digital Devices in Prisons
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. We’re here to discuss a recent incident involving former mayor Cathy Barriga, who was recorded dancing Zumba in prison, alongside the seizure of a cell phone by the Gendarmerie at the San Miguel Women’s Penitentiary Center.Can you provide some insight into the legal ramifications of this incident?
Dr. isabella Torres: Thank you for having me. The seizure of the cell phone is significant as it highlights the ongoing issue of contraband in prisons. In many jurisdictions, possessing electronic devices like cell phones is a crime, and this incident underscores the challenges correctional facilities face in maintaining security.
Time.news Editor: There seems to be a growing use of smartphones among inmates. What are some of the implications of this for prison management?
dr. Isabella Torres: Absolutely. The presence of mobile devices within prison walls can complicate management and safety protocols. Inmates can engage in illegal activities,such as orchestrating crimes from within,communicating with the outside world,or documenting life inside the prison,as we saw with Barriga. This poses threats not only to the facility’s control but also to public safety.
Time.news Editor: Cathy Barriga’s defense claimed she was part of a Ministry of Sports program, which raises questions about rehabilitation programs in prisons. How can such initiatives be balanced with security concerns?
Dr. Isabella Torres: Rehabilitation programs are essential for reducing recidivism and aiding reintegration into society. However, balancing these programs with strict security measures is crucial. Prisons must implement robust screening processes and monitoring systems to prevent misuse of allowed activities and ensure that rehabilitation initiatives do not compromise inmate safety or facility integrity.
Time.news Editor: This incident also highlights the potential for social media exposure of prison life. What advice would you give to prison authorities regarding this issue?
Dr. Isabella Torres: Prisons should establish clear guidelines and strict penalties for unauthorized electronic devices. Increasing staff training on digital monitoring can help address the risks posed by social media exposure. It may also be beneficial to engage with inmates about the consequences of online documentation of prison life, fostering an understanding of why these rules exist.
Time.news Editor: Based on this recent event and its wider consequences, what are your thoughts on future reforms needed in the correctional system?
Dr. Isabella torres: Reform is indeed necessary. First, there must be an investment in technology that aids security without compromising rehabilitation efforts. Second,fostering a more rehabilitative culture within prisons can definitely help ensure that programs do not lead to incidents like this. Collaboration between sporting bodies, the justice system, and corrections can create a more structured environment conducive to rehabilitation.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. torres. this situation with Cathy Barriga serves as a reminder of the complexities within the prison system and the need for ongoing dialog about security and rehabilitation.
Dr. Isabella Torres: Thank you for the discussion. It’s crucial that we address these issues thoughtfully to ensure a fair and safe correctional system.