Wrongfully Jailed, Wrongfully Denied: #PayUp4TimeSpent

In 2014, the UK government introduced one of the harshest barriers to justice for the wrongfully convicted.

Under this law, even after their conviction has been overturned, a person must prove their innocence beyond all reasonable doubt to receive compensation. In other words: it’s not enough for the courts to say they shouldn’t have been jailed — they must now prove they didn’t commit the crime at all, often without access to the evidence they’d need to do so.

This sets an almost impossible standard.

As a result, the vast majority of innocent people — who have already lost years of their lives behind bars — receive nothing. Fewer than 7% of applicants are awarded compensation.

They leave prison with no support, no apology, and no help to rebuild their lives. Many are left destitute. The trauma of wrongful imprisonment is only made worse by a system that treats them as if they’re still guilty.

The UK is out of step with other European countries. As one victim, Sam Hallam, put it: “It goes completely against what this country should stand for.”

It’s time for change.

We’re calling on the Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, to scrap the brutal 2014 test and ensure that those who’ve suffered wrongful imprisonment are treated with dignity — and fairly compensated.

✍️ Add your name to support fair compensation for the wrongfully convicted.

#PayUp4TimeSpent