Thread by @Sabrina_Mahtani, We've seen calls from @WHO, @UNHumanRights, @ACHPR & global civil society to [...]

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

)

Kenya has freed nearly 5000 inmates via newly adopted Skype court sessions

Kenyan courts are using Skype calls to pass judgments and verdicts folllowing an increase in coronavirus cases in the country.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/02/africa/kenya-courts-on-skype/index.html

#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

Burkina Faso frees prisoners to stem virus spread

Since two cases of COVID-19 were detected in the country on March 9, Burkina Faso has a total of 288 registered cases and 16 deaths. Around 50 people have been declared recovered

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

DR Congo frees 1,200 inmates amid coronavirus outbreak

Release to help reduce spread of COVID-19 in prisons, says official - Anadolu Agency

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

Chad’s Ex-President, Sentenced to Life, Given Temporary Reprieve From Prison

Hissène Habré, the former president of Chad who was convicted of crimes against humanity, was freed from his prison cell for 60 days for humanitarian reasons.

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

Morocco to free over 5,000 prisoners over virus fears | MEO

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/

Nigeria grants amnesty to 2,600 prisoners

The Nigeria Government on Thursday granted amnesty to no fewer than 2,600 inmates as part of measures to decongest prison facilities in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria’s interior...

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

Oman Sultan pardons 599 prisoners, including 336 foreigners: Oman News Agency

The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, has pardoned 599 prisoners jailed for various offenses, including 336 foreigners, the state-run Oman News Agency said on Twitter on Wednesday.

https://reut.rs/2Rp1zcb

- #Tunisia releases 1,420 prisoners https://www.arabnews.com/node/1650651/middle-east

Tunisia releases 1,420 prisoners over coronavirus

TUNIS: Tunisia's President Kais Saied on Tuesday ordered the release of 1,420 prisoners in an amnesty to combat the spread of the coronavirus in prisons, a presidency statement said. Tunisia has

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

Indonesia Releases 30,000 Prisoners as Covid-19 Cases Double in a Week

The government fears the country's crowded jails could become a breeding ground for coronavirus infection.

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

Iran frees 54,000 prisoners to combat coronavirus

A judiciary spokesman says the inmates were granted furlough after testing negative for Covid-19.

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

Pardoned 808 Prisoners To Be Freed Today

The Ghana Prisons Service has activated the process for the release of the 808 prisoners who have be...

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

Covid-19: Chhattisgarh releases 1,478 prisoners after SC order to decongest prisons - india news -...

Ritesh Mishraritesh.mishra@hindustantimes.comRaipur: Chhattisgarh government has released 1, 478 prisoners till Wednesday from various jails of the state on bail, parole, and...

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

8,000 inmates released to ease risk

The Department of Corrections has suspended jail sentences for more than 8,000 inmates nationwide to ease overcrowding in prisons during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

Chile to pardon 1,300 prisoners to halt coronavirus spread, Americas

Americas News -SANTIAGO, CHILE (AFP) - Around 1,300 prisoners at high risk of contracting coronavirus will be pardoned in Chile after the Constitutional Court approved a special law on Tuesday (April

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

Nearly 25,000 prisoners freed on Myanmar New Year

UPDATE 1: President U Win Myint granted amnesty to nearly 25,000 prisoners on April 17, as part of the celebration of Myanmar’s New Year Day.

https://www.mmtimes.com/news/nearly-25000-prisoners-freed-myanmar-new-year.html

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