Burundi releases 568 prisoners to reduce prison congestion

The Burundian government on Monday, January 30, 2017, released 568 prisoners to reduce prison congestion. The 568 detainees, including members of MSD party and protesters that protested against the President's third term bid in 2014, were all released from the Mpimba Central Prison.

According to the Minister of Justice, Aimée Laurentine Kanyana, she said the move was made to reduce prison congestion up to 60 percent in 2017.

The Mpimba Central Prison alone is said to be home to 3605 prisoners whereas it has the capacity to receive 800 prisoners.

Source: Iwacu-burundi