The Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Mateus Saize, yesterday defended the adoption of reforms to make the prison system more humane.

Speaking at the opening of the institution's 10th Coordinating Council, Saize pointed to the decriminalization of less serious conduct, the use of electronic bracelets for minor crimes and the expansion of arbitration and mediation mechanisms.

"Alternative measures to prison, when well implemented, promote more effective management of resources and respond more sensitively to the needs of those already serving their sentences," he said.

The Minister considered that such measures could create guidance to make the justice system more efficient, humane and sustainable.

Use of electronic bracelets on prisoners starts this year, says Justice Minister