DR Congo halts new admissions at overcrowded Makala prison
DR Congo's Justice Ministry has barred new inmates from Kinshasa's Makala central prison, except in exceptional cases. The prison was built for 1,500 people but now holds more than 16,000, the ministry says.
The Congolese government has stopped new admissions to Makala central prison through the Ministry of Justice, Radio Okapi reported. Only exceptional waivers will let new detainees in. Officials describe the ban as temporary. The numbers explain why. Makala was built for 1,500 people. According to the Justice Ministry, it now holds more than 16,000. Authorities say security, health and humanitarian concerns over detention conditions drove the decision. Makala is not alone. Radio Okapi…
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