Amnesty International joins call for release of vulnerable inmates amid COVID-19 crisis

Human rights group Amnesty International has called on Philippine authorities to act immediately in decreasing prison populations after two detention facilities reported several cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.

Amnesty International has joined calls for the government to consider the early, temporary, or conditional release of inmates who are at risk of getting COVID-19, including elderly and sickly detainees, and pre-trial inmates, depending on the gravity of their alleged offense.

"All those detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights must be immediately released. Authorities may also consider issuing non-custodial penalties for people charged with minor offences," the group said in a statement.

They said inmates must be protected against possible COVID-19 outbreaks.

"Those who cannot be released should have access to medical attention and healthcare of the highest attainable standards in line with people's right to health, including access to diagnosis, prevention and treatment," the group said.

Extreme overcrowding, poor food, water, hygiene, and healthcare conditions in correctional and detention facilities have constantly been cited as reasons by groups calling for the release of vulnerable detainees and convicted prisoners.

Nineteen inmates and one jail staff member at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City have tested positive for COVID-19. Nine inmates and nine personnel at the Quezon City Jail have also been infected.

The Supreme Court's (SC) Office of the Court Administrator has told lower court judges to study their pending criminal cases and release qualified detainees, including those who have served the minimum penalty for their alleged crime, with certain conditions.

The SC has also ordered prison and jail authorities to comment on several detainees' petition seeking their temporary release on humanitarian grounds.

The Department of Justice, which supervises correctionals, has simplified requirements and procedures for the processing of applications for parole or executive clemency.

Amnesty International also said authorities should "never issue prison sentences" for people found to have violated quarantine rules so they would not add to already overcrowded detention facilities.

The group said jail time is "likely to only worsen public health problems stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic" considering the high risk of transmission in jails.

"Individuals found to have breached physical distancing
measures or quarantines imposed in the context of the pandemic should therefore not be imprisoned, given it is both disproportionate, and counterproductive in safeguarding public health," the group said. --Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News