Indonesia releases 22,000 prisoners over COVID-19 fears

JAKARTA, Indonesia

A total of 22,158 inmates in Indonesia have been released in a bid to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission in overcrowded detention facilities, an official said on Friday.

“This is part of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities,” said Rika Aprianti, a spokeswoman for Directorate General of Corrections.

She said the released prisoners are those who have served two-thirds of their sentences.

Aprianti added that the government is set to release a total of 30,000 prisoners over the week.

“However, the number does not include those convicted for corruption, terrorism, and drug-related crimes,”

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