According to breaking news from the Belfast Telegraph, three prisoners have been sentenced to one month for unlawful use of a mobile phone while in custody. On May 1st of this year, the Irish passed legislation that makes the possession or use of a mobile phone by inmates a criminal offense. Six men are currently under incitement under this law.

Other countries should consider following Ireland’s lead in this. Prisoners lose certain civil rights while incarcerated, one of which is an expectation of privacy. Mobile phones make it difficult for prison officials to monitor an inmate’s outside communications. Phone privacy allows prisoners to conduct criminal activity while still behind bars. I don’t know if an extra month is enough time to deter this activity, but the basic idea is a good one.

Three jailed for a month for mobile phone use in prison [Belfast Telegraph]