Public defenders' drive to examine inmates' cases in Brazilian prisons

A public defenders' drive to examine the legal situation of about 5,600 inmates began Monday (Feb. 6) in the metropolitan area of Manaus, Amazonas state.

As part of the project, which has been dubbed Defensoria Sem Fronteiras (Portuguese for “public defense without borders”), 75 federal and state public defenders have begun examining the detainees' cases. In the second week, the defenders will work at prison units talking to inmates.

The Public Defender's Office, the National Council of General Public Defenders, and the Ministry of Justice are involved in the joint effort.

The purpose is to provide legal counselling throughout Brazil and reduce the prison population by 15% by 2018.

Translated by Mayra Borges