RECENTLY, Harvey Weinstein, a prominent American movie producer who sexually assaulted women, tested positive for Covid-19 in prison. This brought up concerns that even the prison systems aren’t safe from the pandemic.
Noting this risk, the Indian Supreme Court has put out an order asking states to consider releasing some prisoners for parole, as reported by Vice. “While the Government of India advises that social distancing must be maintained to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus, the bitter truth is that our prisons are overcrowded, making it difficult for the prisoners [to do so],” the Supreme Court order said.
According to 2018 statistics, there are more than 400,000 inmates in India, and thus measures are needed to protect prison staff and their families as well. Vice reported that prisoners with a jail sentence of less than 7 years are to be given parole.
