Some inmates to be released for medical reasons

Some inmates to be released for medical reasons

Groups of inmates, whose remaining sentence is less than 30 days, will benefit from medical trips due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Deputy Premier of Quebec and Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, assured that this permission will only be granted to inmates who have committed crimes of low gravity.

“No prisoner who has committed a violent crime will be able to leave,” she said. It will reduce the number of inmates and it will therefore help our correctional officers apply the rules of physical distancing. We have a duty to protect our correctional officers and inmates.” continued Ms. Guilbault, who recognized that the potential for contagion in prisons is significant and that certain inmates are at risk.

Temporary absences will be granted for medical reasons to vulnerable prisoners as well as those whose sentence will expire within 30 days of leave and who have committed offenses with a low level of severity.