Democratic Republic of the Congo releases 648 prisoners to ease overcrowding

Democratic Republic of the Congo releases 648 prisoners to ease overcrowding

The Justice Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Constant Mutamba announced the conditional release of 648 inmates from the country’s largest prison on Saturday amid efforts to ease overcrowding, according to local media. In total 648 prisoners, including 73 adults and 8 juveniles were released with parole conditions. Makala Central Prison, built in 1957, is designed to accommodate 1,500 inmates but it currently houses over 12…

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 729 prisoners were released this weekend from a notorious prison in the capital Kinshasa. The authorities are doing this because there are far too many prisoners being held in the complex. The Makala prison has room for 1,500 prisoners, but at least 12,000 people are locked up. According to Amnesty International, there is a dire shortage of drinking water and medicine in the prison. The prison was built in 19…

The Makala prison in Kinshasa is notoriously overcrowded and there are frequent outbreaks of violence. A mass release is now intended to remedy the situation. A similar step was recently taken in Europe.

In the refugee camps around Goma, among the cities most involved in the clashes between rebels and the Congolese army, 80% of women have experienced sexual violence

Congo releases prisoners citing overcrowding. #drc #congo #prisoner #africanews

Congo releases prisoners citing overcrowding. #drc #congo #prisoner #africanews source

Following a deadly escape attempt in early September, the Congolese government is now taking measures to reduce prison overcrowding.