The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has released 527 prisoners from the Makala Prison in Kinshasa due to severe overcrowding.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced this decision on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
During the announcement, Mutamba also provided 2,000 mattresses to the prison, part of a larger order of 7,000, to improve the living conditions for the remaining inmates.
“A law-governed state means everyone must adhere to the law,” Mutamba said. “Tonight, you will spend the night in your own homes. We will continue releasing those who were unjustly detained next Saturday.” He emphasized that this effort aligns with the Head of State’s directives to enhance prison conditions.
Mutamba reassured that no prisoner would have to sleep on the floor, with the initial batch of mattresses already distributed and new beds being manufactured. Starting next week, the prison will no longer have inmates sleeping on the floor. Additionally, the prison’s health center is being rehabilitated, and several sections of the facility are undergoing renovation. The goal is to reduce overcrowding and thoroughly upgrade the prison.
The Minister also announced plans for a new prison to be constructed in Maluku, a site he recently visited.
In July, the government announced a plan to release at least 7,000 inmates from Makala Central Prison to alleviate overcrowding.
The prison, the largest in the country, was built in 1957 to accommodate 1,500 inmates but now holds over 15,000, including women and children.
The conditions are notoriously poor, with inmates facing overcrowded cells, inadequate food, and health issues related to poor sanitation and water.
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