Thursday, December 17, 2009

Robert Latimer is scolded by parole board

I have avoided writing about Robert Latimer, simply because his case is being dealt with by the parole board.

The recent article from the Canadian Press is particularly interesting considering that Robert Latimer has been denied extended leave on several occasions. Link to the article: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/79449067.html

The article states:
Corrections had recommended that Latimer be allowed to leave from Dec. 24 to Jan. 7, but the actual dates the board agreed to have been removed from the final report. It's not the first time Latimer, who is serving a life sentence for the second-degree murder of his disabled daughter, has been granted extended leave.

The board says there weren't any concerns until October, (2009) when he returned to his apartment after an extended leave instead of the halfway house.

A warrant was issued and Latimer was taken into custody - although the warrant was later cancelled when he explained that he had made a mistake.

The boards says it's troubling that Latimer wasn't more diligent in understanding the terms of his leave, especially since he already gets privileges "well beyond the norm for other offenders."

Latimer gets five consecutive days extended leave per month.

Robert Latimer should be treated in the same manner as any other person who is on parole for Second Degree Murder. He does not deserve special priviledges. Tracy Latimer, the daughter that he killed in 1993, deserved to be treated with equality. Her disability should not be treated as a mitigating factor. Robert Latimer killed his daughter. To suggest that her disability is a mitigating factor creates an inequality in our justice system providing less protection for people with disabilities.

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