Saturday, February 8, 2025
spot_imgspot_img

Top 5 This Week

spot_imgspot_img

Related Posts

DRC reports 129 fatalities in failed escape from largest prison in the country | Prison Update


Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported a tragic incident at the central Makala prison in the capital Kinshasa. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo revealed that at least 129 people lost their lives while attempting to escape from the overcrowded facility. Prisoners initiated the break out during a fire that affected the administrative buildings, resulting in casualties from both gunfire and suffocation.

The massive Makala prison was originally built to house 1,500 inmates but currently holds between 14,000 and 15,000 detainees, mainly individuals awaiting trial. This overcrowding has been a persistent issue, with previous jailbreaks in 2017 and ongoing efforts to reduce the number of prisoners through releases. Despite the tragic incident, Lukoo confirmed that calm has been restored after the crisis.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba described the attack as a premeditated act of sabotage aimed at undermining improvements in prison conditions. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible, with severe punishment promised for instigators. Mutamba also announced a ban on inmate transfers from the prison and plans to construct a new facility to alleviate overcrowding.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, currently on an official visit to China, has not commented publicly on the incident. With the tragic loss of life at Makala prison, the DRC government faces the challenging task of addressing overcrowding and ensuring the safety and security of all detainees.

Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Popular Articles