LISBON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Under Portugal's exceptional rules for the easing of sentences, 1,867 prisoners were freed between April 11 and 27 as part of the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported on Tuesday.
The Directorate General of Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP) said that 1,179 prisoners had already been pardoned, 674 inmates were awaiting the authorization of their administrative exit license, and a further 14 pardons were granted on Monday by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to prisoners aged over 65 with serious health problems.
According to the authorities, there is no coronavirus-infected inmate in the country's prison system. However, 13 doctors, administrative workers and prison guards have tested positive for the virus.
Under the law, partial pardon can be granted to those who committed less serious crimes (convictions of up to two years). However, the law does not apply to those who committed crimes such as homicide, rape, domestic violence or child abuse, or to politicians, military officers or magistrates who committed crimes while carrying out their duties.
As of Tuesday, Portugal has registered 948 deaths and 24,322 confirmed coronavirus cases, the health authorities said. Enditem
