The Government will not allow criminals, murderers of women, rapists, and corrupt people to be released from prison as part of the measures to reduce overcrowding in jails amid the coronavirus pandemic, President Martin Vizcarra said on Wednesday.
"Are we going to allow a criminal,
a corrupt person who has stolen from the State taking advantage of Peruvians' resources, a murderer of a woman, and a child rapist to be released from prison? This Government will not let this happen," he emphasized.
According to the top official, recent history shows a large number of pardons issued to drug traffickers and not during a health crisis like a pandemic, so he rejected criticism from academicians, ex-ministers or former
INPE chiefs who —at some point— were responsible for prisons.
"Many of them criticize us now, many who have headed the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) and the Ministry say, 'Why don't they do this or that?' We are having an emergency now, so we have to solve both the jails issue and the national emergency," he expressed.
In this respect, the Head of State told those who give their opinion on the situation not to take advantage of the opportunity to impart behavioral lessons because they had the responsibility at the time and did not take adequate measures.
Mr. Vizcarra affirmed that the utmost efforts will be made to improve the conditions of prisoners and to release inmates in vulnerable situation or those who are few months away from completing their sentences.
The President disclosed that the Government has established a process to grant pardons and commutations of sentences to about 3,000 inmates, including pregnant women, women with children under three years old, and elderly people who deal with illnesses.
On this occasion, the President was joined by some members of the Council of Ministers. The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.
Wednesday marks the forty-fifth day of mandatory social isolation.
(END) RMCH/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/29/2020