Prisoners write to President urging right to euthanasia

ALLAHABAD: A total of 97 prisoners, who have been lodged at Naini central jail here for over 14 years, have written to President Pratibha Patil seeking early release or mercy killing.
    
"If we are not considered worthy of being given a chance to go back to our families, why is the government wasting its money by keeping us in jail," they said in an emotion-charged letter. "It will be better if are allowed to die."
    
The prisoners alleged that authorities have chosen to ignore their good conduct in jail. "We can start a new life as law-abiding citizens," they said.
    
The inmates were sentenced to life term in different cases and have already spent over 14 years in prison.
    
Officials at the jail said there may be some prisoners lodged for more than 14 years but did not confirm if their number could be as high as 97.