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President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the release of low-risk offenders to reduce overcrowding at the correctional facility.
JOHANNESBURG – The South African Commission on Human Rights (SAHRC) welcomed the government’s decision to grant parole to at least 19,000 prisoners in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized the release of low-risk offenders to reduce overcrowding at the correctional facility.
SAHRC said this was in line with its recent recommendations to the government to improve conditions for prisoners and ensure their safety during the global health crisis.
Commissioner Chris Nissen said correctional facilities, police station cells and other detention centers were severely overcrowded with poor sanitation.
“Overcrowding has contributed to the violation of people’s dignity … And we are very grateful that at least from this side it will allow the Department of Correctional Services to ensure that they maintain the social distancing and dignity of people within correctional facilities, ”he said.
For official information on COVID-19 from the Department of Health, click here.
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