Thursday, 2nd of July 2009
Facebook Crooks
Much has been said not only about the criminal justice system but also about the ‘luxuries’ prisoners have access to behind bars.
In the past week it has been reported that two criminals have been using the popular social networking site Facebook to communicate with the outside world - despite there being strict laws forbidding access to mobile phones or the internet.
Both the inmates, from different prisons had been imprisoned for serious crimes - yet their regular ‘status updates’, posting sickening threats such as ‘who should be on my hit list today?’ - indicate they feel no remorse for their actions.
Loss of liberty should mean the loss of their freedom but the implications of prisoners having access to this level of communication is extremely worrying. If they are able to access social networking sites, it is quite possible that the inmates could make escape plans or intimidate witnesses via the web.
One of the freedoms we take for granted is that of being able to communicate.
These days that means more than just face-to-face meetings or gossip over a coffee. It’s about social networking, Twittering blogs, emails and mobile phones.
Clearly prisoners shouldn’t have access to the above. But individuals and businesses have.
Question is: ‘Are you taking your freedom for granted?’
