Special remission for inmates in E. Java

MALANG, East Java: The Lowokwaru penitentiary management has submitted to the justice and human rights minister through the East Java regional office, a list of 630 convicts considered to be deserving of a special clemency in conjunction with the celebration of Christmas and Idul Fitri, the penitentiary chief has said.

Speaking here Thursday, the chief, Djoko Mardjo, said 30 convicts would receive Christmas "vacations" varying in length of between 15 and 30 days, while 600 others would be temporarily released to celebrate Idul Fitri. Twenty-eight of the latter group will be freed permanently.

Meanwhile, as many as 202 convicts at the Jember penitentiary will also be allowed to roam freely in society during the holidays, Siti Kamaril, an official at the penitentiary, said in Jember, East Java, Thursday.

As many as 6 convicts will have their terms cut short and be totally freed she said, adding that there are six categories for special holidays, varying in length from 15 days to 60 days.

The officials were not asked about the security measures, if any, to be taken to safeguard the general populace while these penitentiary convicts are on the loose in society. --Antara.