It is rare to see a mass prisoner release ceremony generate such interest and emotion, but that is exactly what happened at Kassapa prison in Lubumbashi. More than 250 inmates were released as part of an initiative to decongest prisons and combat arbitrary arrests. The ceremony, presided over by Minister of State and Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba, highlighted the importance of rethinking the prison system and providing alternatives to incarceration.
Beyond the logistics of this conditional release, it is the very message behind this action that deserves to be highlighted. Minister Mutamba insisted that prison should not be the systematic response to every crime. He stressed that there are cases where alternative sentences could be beneficial both for the inmates and for society as a whole.
The visit to the various pavilions, the kitchen and the vegetable garden, witnessing the work of the prisoners, offered a unique perspective on the daily reality of those behind bars. The release of prisoners who had already served a significant part of their sentence, as well as prisoners suffering from serious illnesses, gave new hope to those who were in a desperate situation.
Yet the decision not to release some prisoners, particularly those accused of serious crimes such as embezzlement, rape or armed robbery, raises questions about the selection criteria. Justice must be blind but fair, ensuring both public safety and the rights of individuals.
The poignant testimonies of former prisoners, some of whom have been waiting for years to be tried, highlight the challenges facing the justice system. Deep reforms are needed to ensure that pre-trial detention does not turn into early sentencing and that justice is delivered in a transparent and fair manner.
By releasing these prisoners, society has a unique opportunity to reflect on the nature of justice and how best to rehabilitate those who have made mistakes. It is a first step toward a more humane and effective prison system, emphasizing rehabilitation rather than mere punishment.