THE Corrections Department today (March 12) transferred the acting commander of Klong Prem Central Prison back to his previous duty with the department’s deputy director-general moving in to take charge while investigation of the death of Pol. Col. Thitisan Uttanaphon, aka Superintendent Joe Ferrari, who was found hanged with a towel in a cell on Friday night continues, Naewna newspaper said.
Mr. Phedchet Hringrot, director of Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts, will return to head this division while Mr. Chan Wachiradech, the department’s deputy director-general, will take over as commander of this prison.
The announcement stated that this order is not a punishment but to facilitate the investigation of the treatment of inmates, particularly Joe Ferrari’s death amid allegations that he was physically abused by prison guards.
In June 2022 Joe Ferrari, former superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Sawan police station, and six of seven of his subordinates were sentenced to death for intentionally torturing a drug suspect to death with two plastic bags but this was commuted to life imprisonment because of mitigating circumstances.
Meanwhile Joe Ferrari’s sister, Ms. Thananya Uthanaphon, submitted a letter to Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong requesting an investigation into all that happened to him, especially his death in prison.
After the meeting she told reporters that she is more confident that there would be justice for her family.
In her letter Thananya urged the minister to transfer both Klong Prem Central prison commander and Mr. Sitthiphon Kaewkhambong,chief of this prison’s Zone 7, due to the bullying and violence that took place with Joe Ferrari having already complained about the latter before his death while the commander has absolute authority to supervise and investigate his death.
These transfers are necessary to proceed with the investigation transparently and prevent interference and tampering of evidence.
Sittiphon had already been transferred to the general administration department on Monday until the facts of Joe Ferrari’s death are known.
CAPTIONS:
Top: The entrance to Klong Prem Central Prison. Photo: Thai Rath
Insert and Front Page: Joe Ferrari’s sister, Ms. Thananya Uthanaphon, holding talks with Justice Minister Thavi Sodsong. Photos: Naewna
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