2,000 prisoners will be released in the Democratic Republic of Congo this month in a move to bring calm amidst the political tension with upcoming elections and reduce overcrowding in the jails, said the Justice Minister on Tuesday
DRC’s Justice Minister Alexis Thambwe gave the number of the low level offenders to be released as 1200; the prisoners who would have served one quarter of their sentences, received approval from the prison director and prosecutor general will be freed this month.
The remaining number of 800 prisoners will be those that were pardoned by President Kabila last week. The President announced that prisoners over the age of 70 years detained for crimes that were not serious should be released. He added that the members of the separatist religious movement also be released from prison.
DR Congo’s jails hold around 20,000 prisoners, a number that is way past its capacity according to the United Nations
Many prisoners have been detained following due to throwing accusation to President Joseph Kabila for holding on the power after his term ends in December according to Human Rights Activists.
Justice Minister Thembwa told Reuters that the measures were taken to reduce tensions in the country before the November Presidential elections and create room for a national dialogue that is set to be held. Opposition parties have been dismissing the dialogue alleging that it will be used as a platform for President Kabila to extend his term in office.
