Morocco to Release 5,654 Prisoners over Coronavirus Fears

Arab World

April 5th, 7:16am

Asharq Al-Awsat

Morocco deployed armored vehicles in the capital Rabat to ensure compliance with emergency measures imposed due to the coronavirus. (AFP)

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned 5,654 prisoners and ordered measures to protect inmates from the coronavirus outbreak, the justice ministry said on Sunday. The inmates were selected on the basis of their age, frail health, time spent in prison and good conduct, the ministry said in a statement. The north African country has confirmed as of Sunday morning 919 coronavirus cases, including 59 deaths. It has imposed a month-long lockdown restricting movement to purchases of food or medicine and to staffing some key jobs. The government has promised monthly support of about $120 a month to households where the main provider has lost work in the informal economy because of the lockdown.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2217441/morocco-release-5654-prisoners-over-coronavirus-fears