The Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has ordered the prison and other relevant authorities to release 50 prisoners jailed for minor offenses.
The move aims to decongest the state's prison facilities, as
Aweil Central Prison is facing an outbreak of skin disease.
Governor Simon Ober Mawut stated in Christmas message that
children, women, and the elderly will be released to reunite with their
families before the year ends.
“Before we conclude this year, I direct the prison service
and other relevant authorities to release 50 prisoners detained for committing
petty crimes, including juveniles, women, and the elderly. This will help
decongest the prison facilities, contain the spread of contagious diseases, and
allow them to reunite with their families during this festive season,” said Ober
The decision to release children, women, and the elderly is
seen as a Christmas gesture.
Correctional facilities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are
often overcrowded, with Aweil Central Prison housing 800 inmates, although it
was originally built to accommodate only 150.