Rwanda’s cabinet has approved the parole of 1,847 incarcerated people, allowing them to leave prison before completing their full sentences on the condition of good behavior.
Under the law, prisoners sentenced to up to five years can apply for parole after serving at least one quarter of their sentence, while those with longer sentences must serve at least one third.
Prisoners serving life sentences become eligible after 15 years.
However, parole can be revoked if a person commits another crime, seriously misbehaves, or breaks the conditions of release.
If this happens, they must return to prison to serve the remaining sentence, which may also be added to any new punishment.
