By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) released 527 prisoners from Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa on August 10, 2024, in an effort to ease severe overcrowding.
The Justice Minister, Constant Mutamba, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, 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.” He also promised further releases of unjustly detained prisoners and improvements in detention conditions, including the distribution of 2,000 mattresses to inmates, with more to come.
Mutamba reassured the public that “no prisoner would sleep on the floor anymore” and highlighted ongoing renovations at the prison and the construction of a new facility in Maluku. Makala Prison, originally built for 1,500 inmates, now holds over 15,000, leading to dire conditions.
Source: Africanews
