Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered release of prisoners who are sentenced for minor crimes for up to seven years. The decision has been made in light of the coronavirus situation in the country. Social distancing needed as a preventive measure against coronavirus is often difficult to enforce in the jails, and there have been calls from rights activists on social media to provide relief to prisoners.
Chief Justice Athar Minallah had issued notices to government officials asking them if the under trial prisoners can be released in light of the outbreak of coronavirus in the country. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Deputy Inspector General (IG) Islamabad police and DG Health appeared before the court to submit their responses.
Earlier, the IHC had stated that the Adiala Jail can house 2174 prisoners while 5001 prisoners are currently kept in it.
While ordering the authorities to release the prisoners, CJ Minallah asked the DC to deploy an official to deal with the bail formalities so the prisoners can be released at the earliest. The judge also said that this was an emergency situation which required emergency measures. He said that those prisoners who cannot afford to pay the amount for indemnity bond should be facilitated by the government, which should pay for their bail.
Chief Justice Athar Minallah had issued notices to government officials asking them if the under trial prisoners can be released in light of the outbreak of coronavirus in the country. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Deputy Inspector General (IG) Islamabad police and DG Health appeared before the court to submit their responses.
Earlier, the IHC had stated that the Adiala Jail can house 2174 prisoners while 5001 prisoners are currently kept in it.
While ordering the authorities to release the prisoners, CJ Minallah asked the DC to deploy an official to deal with the bail formalities so the prisoners can be released at the earliest. The judge also said that this was an emergency situation which required emergency measures. He said that those prisoners who cannot afford to pay the amount for indemnity bond should be facilitated by the government, which should pay for their bail.