Releasing Inmates With Minor Offenses Might Avoid Covid-19 Risk In Prisons, According To Experts

Picture Credit: Malay Mail

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Releasing those serving jail time for minor offenses might help reduce the risk of overcrowding the prisons, which can be a potential epicenter for Covid-19, and help with social distancing efforts in prisons.

This sentiment is echoed by retired law enforcement personnel and healthcare officials who feel that prisoners who exhibit good behaviour and are locked up for misdemeanors should be released early.

Former Police Inspector-General Tan Sri Musa Hassan feels that authorities could allow early release for well behaved inmates and place them under probation instead.

Meanwhile, Senior Consultant Paediatrician Datuk Dr Amar Singh suggested that young and female offenders should be released, but with certain prerequisites.

Considering that the elder portion of the prison population are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus, Dr Amar also proposed to move them to lower risk facilities.

According to reports, Malaysian prisons have the maximum capacity of 45,000 prisoners but currently hold over 66,000 inmates

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Hakim Hassan

Unkempt in both stories and appearance, Hakim loves tech but tech left him on read, previously he used to write about tall buildings and unoccupied spaces that he can't afford, and legend has it that he still can't afford it to this day