Home News Congo Releases over 600 Inmates to Ease Overcrowding After Deadly Prison Break Attempt
NewsWorld

Congo Releases over 600 Inmates to Ease Overcrowding After Deadly Prison Break Attempt

396
Congo Releases Prisoners
Prisoners from Kinshasa Prison- Photo Credit: Chris Milosi via Shutterstock

The Democratic Republic of Congo has released over 600 inmates from the Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa to address severe overcrowding following an attempted jailbreak earlier this month that left at least 129 people dead. 

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, who announced the release during a visit to the prison, stated that 648 of the released inmates were granted bail. He also mentioned that plans are underway to construct a new prison in Kinshasa to alleviate congestion. Mutamba did not provide specific details, however.

Makala Prison, designed to hold 1,500 inmates, currently houses more than 12,000, with many detainees awaiting trial. The attempted jailbreak, which claimed 129 lives—though some reports suggest the death toll could be over that—also saw several women reportedly raped. Mutamba added that authorities are considering the cases of all minors and seriously ill prisoners for potential release.

Read More: 

About The Author

Related Articles

NewsTravel

Chad Suspends Visas for US Citizens in Response to Trump’s Recent Travel Ban

Chad has announced the suspension of visa issuance to United States citizens,...

FinanceNews

Ghana Places INTERPOL Red Notice on Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta

Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken...

Seyi Tinubu flying presidential jet
News

Tinubu’s Silence on Son’s Use of Presidential Jet Draws Contrast with Mongolian PM’s Resignation

President Bola Tinubu has been criticised over the apparent misuse of state...

Umo Join APC
NewsPolitics

Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Dumps PDP Following West Africa Weekly’s Report

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially dumped the Peoples...