Rwanda plans to introduce virtual visits in prisons

Rwanda's Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja announced on Thursday that the country's Correctional Services (RCS) plans to roll out e-visitations. 

This technological advancement aims to revolutionise the conventional prison system by introducing virtual visitations, enabling inmates to connect with their loved ones through digital platforms.

Ugirashebuja stressed that this was part of the modernisation of the criminal justice policy, saying, "We are considering the implementation of e-visits in prisons, where inmates will be able to connect, see, and communicate with their family and friends through video platforms, eliminating the need for face-to-face visits."

Although specific operational details were not disclosed, Ugirashebuja assured that the RCS is actively working on the development of this system.

In Sri Lanka where the intiative is already in motion, visitors are first required to register their identities before applying for online visits. 

The registration process requires the submission of a copy of their national ID or other official identity documents. Once registered, visitors can reserve visiting time using their unique registration number, which must be certified by a prison officer before the visitation can take place.

Only one family member is allowed to register on behalf of the inmate, and sharing the registration number with others is strictly prohibited, and can result in the suspension of visitation privileges.

During video calls, the registered individual must appear, but others can join with the consent of the inmate. To ensure security, prison officers monitor the video calls, immediately disconnecting any conversations that pose a threat or involve inappropriate content. In such cases, the e-visit facility is temporarily suspended.