DR Congo Frees 1,685 Ill Inmates to Ease Prison Overcrowding.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has released 1,685 seriously ill prisoners from Makala Prison in a bid to reduce overcrowding.

This follows a deadly jailbreak earlier in September where 129 inmates died, highlighting the dire conditions in the facility. Built for 1,500 inmates, Makala was holding around 12,000 people.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba led the initiative, with some inmates receiving medical care and others sent home. Makala, described as “true hell,” faces ongoing criticism for its inhumane conditions. Rights groups have welcomed the release but stress more reforms are needed to address the prison crisis.