Senegal faces the Covid-19 issue in prison

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In the context of the spread of Covid-19, the situation is particularly sensitive in prisons, due to the high crowding. The national observer of the places of deprivation of liberties stresses that no case has been confirmed to date in detention, but warns against "a time bomb". 

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

2,036 out of a total of 10,000 detainees have already been pardoned by President Macky Sall earlier this month as part of the fight against the pandemic. People sentenced to short terms, or at the end of detention. 

But for Josette Lopez Ndiaye, national observer of places of deprivation of liberty, we must go further. "  We find that it is not enough. All remand centers and penal establishments are overcrowded. It was noted that there were occupancy rates above 120%, even 150%. It is enough that the little virus enters a detention center for it to be a bomb for society.  " 

All new prisoners under arrest warrant are placed in quarantine at Cap Manuel prison in Dakar, which has been emptied to make room for them. Another consequence: visits are suspended in prisons: families can no longer bring food. 

The observer made several recommendations. “  We said that free telephone calls were needed. These people, who are in distress, need to stay in touch with their families. Let there be more soap and hand washing everywhere. If we don't take care of the prison population, it's a big risk for us. I think the state will have to take a closer look . "

Concerning the case of Hissène Habré , the former Chadian president considered as “vulnerable”, and who benefited from a 60-day exit permit, the observer considers that the measure fulfills all the conditions provided by law.

The latest assessment from the Ministry of Health on the Covid-19 front: the country currently registers 736 positive cases, including 442 under treatment, 9 deaths. The health authorities recognize this: the country is "  in an ascending phase  ". 

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• Senegal
• Justice
• Coronavirus

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