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Africa News of Friday, 8 May 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

85 children freed from South Sudanese prisons due to COVID-19 - UN

South Sudan President, Salva Kiir Mayardit South Sudan President, Salva Kiir Mayardit

At least 85 children have been released from detention in South Sudan's overcrowded jails as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the United Nations.

South Sudan who has 74 COVID-19 cases, has followed the moves taken by countries across the world by freeing prisoner to limit the spread of the respiratory illness.

According to the UN, some 11 others will remain in prison because of the severity of their alleged offences.

The UN children's fund (Unicef) said those who had been freed were reunited with their parents or legal guardians.

It said prisons in South Sudan were overcrowded, with inadequate sanitation and healthcare - conditions highly conducive to the spread of Covid-19.

The BBC reports that South Sudan does not have a juvenile justice system, with many children locked in jail with adults, often for minor offences.