During Easter, 200 inmates were granted temporary leave from prisons in Campos and Itaperuna, sparking concerns over non-return rates in previous years.
During the Easter period, the Secretaria de Administração Penitenciária (Seap) authorized the temporary release of 1,639 inmates across Rio de Janeiro state, with 200 specifically leaving prisons in the northern regions of Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaperuna. This release is part of a seasonal benefit program allowing inmates from semi-open prisons to spend time outside of confinement during traditional holidays.
The temporary leave began on April 17 and is set to conclude on April 23, with inmates required to return to their respective facilities by 10 PM on the final day. Notably, the inmates benefiting from this leave were incarcerated in several facilities, including those in the Campos area and the Norberto Ferreira de Moraes prison in Itaperuna. This move reflects ongoing practices within the Brazilian penal system aimed at rehabilitation and integration.
However, concerns have arisen due to a troubling history of non-compliance among released inmates. In 2025, for example, 176 prisoners failed to return after their Easter leave, while an even higher number of 259 were noted during the Christmas release. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the penitentiary system in ensuring that temporary releases do not compromise public safety and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
