527 Prisoners freed in Congo amidst overcrowding, safety concerns

In a move aimed at addressing the longstanding issues of prison overcrowding which hampers safety in Congolese prisons, the Democratic Republic of Congo has released 527 prisoners from the central prison of Makala in Kinshasa.

The decision, announced by Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba on Sunday, aims to alleviate the severe congestion at the facility, which has been a subject of concern for years.

The Makala Central Prison, built in 1957 to accommodate 1,500 inmates, currently holds over 15,000 people, including children and women.

The deplorable conditions at the prison have led to widespread criticism, with reports of inmates facing extreme hardship, including poor sanitation, inadequate food, and limited access to healthcare.

Minister Mutamba emphasized the government’s commitment to improving detention conditions, stating, “A state governed by the rule of law means that everyone must be subject to the law. Your place is in your home, where you will spend the night tonight. You must return to your homes.” He also announced plans to continue releasing prisoners who have been unjustly detained.

In addition to the prisoner release, the government has taken steps to address the prison’s infrastructure.

Mutamba delivered 2,000 mattresses to the inmates, with a further 7,000 on order, aiming to ensure that no prisoner sleeps on the floor.

The prison’s health center is also undergoing rehabilitation, and several pavilions are being renovated.

The Minister revealed plans to construct a new prison in Maluku, which will help reduce overcrowding and provide better conditions for inmates.

This move is part of a broader effort to reform the country’s prison system, which has faced criticism for its poor conditions and overcrowding.

*Makala Prison:

The prison is one of the most notorious prisons in Africa. Built in 1957, the facility was designed to hold 1,500 inmates but currently houses over 15,000 people, including children and women.

This severe overcrowding has led to deplorable conditions, with reports of inadequate food, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.

The prison’s infrastructure is in a state of disrepair, with crumbling walls, rusty cells, and inadequate ventilation. Inmates are often forced to sleep on the floor, with many sharing small cells with dozens of others.

The lack of basic amenities, such as toilets and showers, has led to the spread of diseases, including cholera and tuberculosis.

Despite the harsh conditions, Makala Prison has become a symbol of the broader issues plaguing the Congolese justice system.

Many prisoners are held without trial, and some have been detained for years without charges.

The prison’s overcrowding is also exacerbated by the country’s slow judicial process, which can lead to lengthy pre-trial detentions.

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