DR Congo frees goats from prison

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DR Congo frees goats from prison

A minister in the Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered a Kinshasa jail to release a dozen goats, which he said were being held there illegally.

Deputy Justice Minister Claude Nyamugabo said he found the goats just in time during a routine jail visit.

The beasts were due to appear in court, charged with being sold illegally by the roadside.

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wednesday here (not verified) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 - 05:14

BBC Africa analyst Mary Harper says that given the grim state of prisons in Congo, the goats will doubtless be relieved about being spared a trial.

What about the prisoners who may be in their for petty/minor things due to 'gaps' in police' knowledge?

Isn't there real crime in Congo (if i'm correct, it's a very orthodox Christian and strict Islamic area)?

Ya'qub — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 - 17:32

[quote=wednesday here]

BBC Africa analyst Mary Harper says that given the grim state of prisons in Congo, the goats will doubtless be relieved about being spared a trial.

What about the prisoners who may be in their for petty/minor things due to 'gaps' in police' knowledge?

Isn't there real crime in Congo (if i'm correct, it's a very orthodox Christian and strict Islamic area)?[/quote]

I think this story is misleading.

The goats' owner was being charged with illegally selling them, so was locked up in prison.

While he/she was locked up, the goats had nowhere to stay/no one to look after them, so they were kept in a cell until the trial.