In a bid to tackle severe overcrowding, authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have released 1,685 seriously ill prisoners from the notorious Makala Prison in Kinshasa. The release, which started on Sunday, follows a tragic jailbreak attempt earlier this month that left 129 prisoners dead.
Makala Prison, notorious for its inhumane conditions, was built for 1,500 inmates but held over 12,000, leading to what many describe as “true hell.” Justice Minister Constant Mutamba pledged further action to reduce the prison population, banning new transfers and arranging medical treatment for released inmates.
Local NGOs welcome the move but emphasize the need for broader reforms to address the dire conditions in DR Congo’s overcrowded prisons