Kumsa Gutteta, a former prisoner turned advocate, is making significant strides in improving the conditions within Ethiopian prisons, especially for economic offenders and young inmates. Recently, his NGO, the Center for Justice, introduced vocational training programs at Sheger City prison, supported by the French embassy, aiming to facilitate the reintegration of inmates into society. Gutteta, who was sentenced to life imprisonment at 17 for speaking out against repression, has also initiated reforms to separate juvenile offenders from adults, addressing the urgent need for child protection in a system where children as young as nine can be incarcerated. Despite facing challenges, including limited access to police stations and military camps, gutteta remains committed to transforming prison experiences into opportunities for education and personal growth, highlighting the potential for change within Ethiopia’s penal system.
In Ethiopia, Former Prisoner Advocates for Improved Inmate Conditions
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