We've seen calls from @WHO, @UNHumanRights, @ACHPR & global civil society to release prisoners in order to reduce overcrowding & curb the spread of #COVID19 in #prisons. How have countries responded?
#Ethiopia - has released about 5,600 prisoners - https://newbusinessethiopia.com/health/ethiopia-releases-additional-2500-prisoners/
#Kenya - has released nearly 5000 prisoners - https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/02/africa/kenya-courts-on-skype/index.html (Note the innovative use of Skype court sessions)
#BurkinaFaso - has released more than 1,200 prisoners https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/World/Burkina-Faso-frees-prisoners-stem-virus-spread/688340-5512766-6gph40/index.html
- #DRC - has released 1,200 prisoners https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/dr-congo-frees-1-200-inmates-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/1796522
- #Senegal has pardoned 2,036 prisoners https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/africa/Hissene-Habre-chad-senegal.html?referringSource=articleShare
- #Morocco has released over 5000 prisoners https://middle-east-online.com/en/morocco-free-over-5000-prisoners-over-virus-fears
- #Nigeria releases around 2,600 prisoners - https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-grants-amnesty-to-2600-prisoners/
- #SriLanka releases over 2,900 prisoners on bail http://www.colombopage.com/archive_20A/Apr05_1586097044CH.php
- #Oman pardons 599 prisoners, including 336 foreigners https://reut.rs/2Rp1zcb
- #Tunisia releases 1,420 prisoners https://www.arabnews.com/node/1650651/middle-east
#Indonesia - releases 30,000 prisoners https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-releases-30000-prisoners-as-covid19-cases-double-in-a-week
#Iran temporarily released 54,000 prisoners - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51723398
- #Ghana - released over 800 prisoners - https://www.modernghana.com/news/993364/pardoned-808-prisoners-to-be-freed-today.html
#India - Chhattisgarh releases 1,478 prisoners after the Supreme Court's order to decongest prisons to curb the spread of #COVID19 https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-chhattisgarh-releases-1-478-prisoners-after-sc-order-to-decongest-prisons/story-YdmTjOO05Y7qZCuJszLD8N.html
#Thailand has given 8,000 prisoners suspended sentences to ease overcrowding in #prisons during #COVID19 https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1899685/8-000-inmates-released-to-ease-risk#cxrecs_s
#Chile will pardon around 1,300 prisoners, such as prisoners over 75 years old, mothers of children under two years old and pregnant women, who will be able to serve the rest of their sentences at home #COVID19 https://www.straitstimes.com/world/americas/chile-to-pardon-1300-prisoners-to-halt-coronavirus-spread
#Myanmar granted amnesty to nearly 25,000 prisoners https://www.mmtimes.com/news/nearly-25000-prisoners-freed-myanmar-new-year.html