Letter: Voting rights

AS A signatory, the UK government has an obligation to comply with the European Court of Human Rights ruling on prisoner voting.

Allowing prisoners to vote is a contentious matter, but a resolution needs to be sought as a matter of urgency if the UK is to preserve its reputation as an upholder of human rights (Perspective, 15 February).

Sacro believes it is reasonable to assume that citizens who commit serious offences or pose a danger to the public have forfeited the right to vote by acting with such disregard for civilised society.

Scotland - and the UK - has a justice system to deal with criminal behaviour that results in a long period in prison. However, those convicted of less serious crimes and imprisoned for a short period have a more urgent and necessary requirement to be rehabilitated during and following their period in custody.

Effective community reintegration requires people to re-establish and reconnect with those elements that constitute a civilised society. The more we marginalise and disenfranchise those who break the law, the more difficult it becomes to reintegrate them successfully.

Sacro believes society needs to be responsible about giving short-term prisoners the vote. It does not harm anyone further; it keeps offenders closer to an ordered society and should comply with our legal obligations as a member of the international community.

Tom Halpin

Sacro

Albany Street

Edinburgh