Prisons damage people and have always been used by the powerful to control the most marginalized. But when some criminals undoubtedly pose great danger to others, can society really do away with incarceration altogether? Kelsey Mohamed and Andrew Neilson go head to head.
Kelsey Mohamed is a member of Cradle Community, a grassroots group dedicated to building our skills to support each other through transformative justice responses to violence in our communities.
Andrew Neilson is the Director of Campaigns for the Howard League for Penal Reform, a charity which works for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
Tell us here: letters@newint.org
We will print a selection of your views in the next issue.
The New Internationalist is an independent bi-monthly not-for-profit magazine that reports on action for global justice. We believe in putting people before profit, in climate justice, tax justice, equality, social responsibility and human rights for all.
New Internationalist acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
© Copyright New Internationalist 1973-2026. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons.
Except where otherwise noted, images on this site are © the attributed photographer/illustrator or representative agency.