Nine Inmates Granted Parole at Overcrowded Kangbayi Prison in Beni

Beni, North Kivu - May 29, 2026 - Nine convicted inmates have been granted conditional release from Kangbayi Central Prison in Beni, in a supervised parole operation led by provincial authorities.

The procedure was overseen by the Deputy Governor of North Kivu, Commissioner Louis Segond Karawa, who met with judicial and prison officials before presiding over the formal roll call of beneficiaries selected for release.

According to the Prosecutor General at the North Kivu Court of Appeal, Thierry Tshiswaka Kabeya, the released inmates met legal eligibility criteria, including having served a minimum portion of their sentences, demonstrating good conduct, and not being involved in serious offenses such as violent crimes, sexual violence, insurrection, or criminal conspiracy.

The conditional release was carried out under a ministerial decree governing parole measures, with official release documents handed over to the beneficiaries on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Authorities urged the released individuals to reintegrate responsibly and avoid returning to criminal activity. In response, the beneficiaries reportedly pledged to respect the law and contribute positively to society.

The parole operation comes amid persistent concerns over severe overcrowding at Kangbayi Central Prison, which was originally designed for 200 inmates but currently holds more than 1,300 detainees-over six times its intended capacity.

Human rights and civil society organizations have repeatedly warned about deteriorating conditions inside the facility, including reported food shortages affecting inmates and multiple deaths recorded earlier in the year. These conditions continue to raise broader concerns about prison management and detainee welfare in the province.