The Mozambican government plans to build at least 10 new district-level prisons across the country this year, it was announced on Tuesday.
According to information from the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Helena Chida, quoted by the local press, the construction of these new prisons involves an investment of 2.7 million meticais (37.5 thousand euros), in addition to the restoration of some centers opened in an advanced state of degradation.
The work is being carried out within the framework of the project “Area worthy of a penitentiary institution”, within the framework of which 63 penitentiary institutions will be built in the country.
There are currently almost 160 prisons in Mozambique, including regional, provincial and district prisons, which face the problem of overcrowding.
Mozambican prisons are struggling with overcrowding, with around 21,000 inmates at a set capacity of 4,498, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice released in 2020.
In December 2022, the head of state of Mozambique pardoned 809 prisoners from various institutions.
“To determine this measure of pardon, the head of state was guided by the spirit of humanism, respect and protection of the dignity of the human person and the solidarity that characterizes the rule of law democratic state and Mozambican society,” the President said in a statement at the time.
According to the document, Filipe Nyusi was also “driven by a firm belief in the human capacity for regeneration, rehabilitation and social reintegration” as the Christmas celebrations are being prepared.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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