As coronavirus fears rise, the potential risks for those in confinement are leading to unprecedented measures for some correctional facilities around the world. In response to the spread of the virus in the U.S., Cuyahoga County Court is considering freeing hundreds of inmates. (1, 2)

Special Hearings

Special hearings will be held on March 21, 2020, according to administrative Judge Brendan Sheehan. The hearings will help determine which inmates would be eligible for early release in an effort to reduce the number of inmates currently occupying the County Jail. (1)

When looking at how many inmates this could mean, Judge Sheehan says, “Gosh. We’re hoping hundreds.” Inmates showing signs of poor health can escalate their risk of becoming ill in prison. This would make it easier for the coronavirus to spread throughout the facility. (1)

Alleviating Pressure On County Jail

The hearings will continue for at least a week. Guilty pleas will be worked out and other plans will be considered to help alleviate pressures on the prison’s population. According to the judge, most inmates will be eligible, but not all. “You gotta remember, the goal of this is to protect the community and the safety of the inmates,” he says. “If someone’s a serious violent person, well, we’re using our discretion to make sure the community’s safe also.” (1)

Not Everyone Will Qualify

So, people in the area can feel a little safer knowing that they aren’t going to be freeing just anyone. Instead, inmates could plead guilty and get released but they can also still be placed on house arrest as well as follow standard procedures that would allow them to come to plea deals. Those who won’t qualify will still be expected to serve their time in prison. (1)

According to the judge, their goal is to “be proactive and ahead of the curve.” Part of the reasoning behind the plan is to look ahead to the potential need to provide an area to quarantine inmates with the illness. The plan can help free up that space. (1)

Locals Not Convinced

While inmates will feel safer with this plan, many of those living nearby might not share this view.  One local pointed out they are concerned about how they will determine who will be set free. “Low-level criminals versus more active, violent criminals,” they wondered. (1)

Those with loved ones inside are supportive of the idea with hopes they will be set free. Celena Glover’s mother will get a hearing at which time she could be released. “I’m excited to hear that. ‘Cause a lot of people in jail are waiting on a court date,” says Celena. (1)

Iran Frees 10,000 Prisoners

Meanwhile in Iran, the country has pardoned 10,000 prisoners. According to the country’s health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour, they are experiencing one death every 10 minutes with 50 new cases being detected every hour. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili says their goal is to “reduce the number of prisoners in light of the sensitive situation in the country.” (2)

It ties in with the annual pardons the country extends each New Year. Last year there were 50,000 prisoners freed. “A large number of prisoners who have been temporarily freed do not need to return to jail after the leader’s pardon,” says the statement. (2)