Title: Release of more than 700 CPRK prisoners: a step towards decongestion of prisons in the DRC
Introduction :
More than 700 prisoners from the Kinshasa Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Center (CPRK), formerly known as Makala Prison, have been released thanks to a presidential pardon. This measure aims to relieve the prisons in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and to offer an opportunity for reintegration to detainees. In this article, we will examine the details of this release, as well as the measures envisaged to address prison overcrowding.
A prison decongestion measure:
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Thaddée Mambu, released the CPRK prisoners on Saturday July 23. This decision follows a careful examination of the files by the judicial administration. The minister underlined that the gesture of President Félix Tshisekedi demonstrates his desire to promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of detainees. However, it is important to note that this presidential pardon does not apply to serious crimes such as rape, assassination, murder, embezzlement of public funds and harm to state security.
The problem of prison overcrowding:
Makala Prison, built in 1957 with a capacity of 1,500 detainees, currently houses 12,166 prisoners, including 9,506 accused and 2,660 convicted. This prison overcrowding creates many risks, both in terms of health and security. This is why measures must be taken to relieve the prisons of the DRC and improve the conditions of detention.
Proposed solutions:
The director of the CPRK, Joseph Yusufu, proposed several possible solutions to remedy prison overcrowding. He suggests that the magistrates divest themselves of minor cases and that the requisitions for imprisonment for detainees whose judgments have already been rendered be processed by the public prosecutor’s office as quickly as possible. In addition, it offers transfers of certain convicts to other prisons in the provinces and rapid processing of applications for parole. He also pleads for a reform aimed at favoring alternative sentences to imprisonment.
Towards a successful reintegration:
It is crucial to understand that prisons do not just release prisoners, but play a key role in their rehabilitation and social reintegration. Released detainees must therefore seize this opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and become useful citizens of society. It is essential that reintegration programs are put in place to support them in their transition to life after prison.
Conclusion :
The release of more than 700 CPRK prisoners is an encouraging sign in favor of the decongestion of prisons in the DRC. However, much remains to be done to address prison overcrowding and improve prison conditions. The proposed solutions mentioned by the director of the CPRK are a step in the right direction, but additional efforts must be made to ensure the successful reintegration of released detainees