Paul Biya’s “pardon” to inmates: Over 600 prisoners in Newbell set free

As of Wednesday April 22nd, 608 out of 770 prisoners were freed at the Douala central prison, following the commutation and remission of their sentences by President Paul Biya of Cameroon.

According to the head of the detention facility, the prison had 3,473 inmates before the presidential decree but 162 of the 770 beneficiaries are were not released on Monday for undisclosed reasons.

President Biya’s decision to reduce jail sentences for those serving their terms is a move to decongest prisons due to the rapid coronavirus spread, according to the government.

Rights defenders say the figures are insignificant.

Mimi Mefo Info