By: Charles Hanson
Recently released Lifer Charles Hanson finds he is destined to be defined by his past, "shackled by a criminal identity", yet remains committed to challenging injustice and oppression
Having been released on life licence in July 2009, one of the takeaway pieces of advice I was given by a fellow prisoner on the evening before release was that I should walk away from prison and ‘move on with my life’; leaving the struggles of life behind bars to those still incarcerated. However this is easier said than done, as I continue to be defined as a ‘criminal’ and ‘convicted murderer’, and an arguable risk to the public depending on any perceived circumstances.
I seem destined to be imprisoned by labels, defined by my past and never allowed to forget. The life licence confirms that.
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