12,339 inmates released to reduce prison congestion

By Thameenah Razeek

A total of 12,339 inmates had been released from Prisons across the country since 1 December 2020 to 16 January 2021 to reduce congestion in prisons.

Prison Spokesman and Commissioner (Administration) Chandana Ekanayake said 1,100 male prisoners and 26 women inmates who were convicts  were among those released, while 10,832 male and 371 women in remand had also been released. He said PCR tests were carried out on released inmates. Earlier, the final report on the Mahara Prison unrest which was handed over to Justice Minister Ali Sabry cited overcrowding in prisons was one of the major reasons for the unrest.