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

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.

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