“As part of the current procedures for the management of the prison population, [DGRSP] transferred 35 inmates from various prisons on the Continent to the Funchal Prison, whose capacity to occupy male spaces is 70%” explains DGRSP, in a written reply sent to Lusa agency.

The DGRSP adds that, of the transferred inmates, "some originate from the Autonomous Region of Madeira" while the others are divided into those who "expressed interest in this transfer" or "did not receive visits on the Continent".´

“It is clarified that, of course, all transferred prisoners meet the requirements legally provided for in the Code of Enforcement of Sentences and Deprivation Measures. Finally, it is reported that the option for a single transfer movement is related to the management and economics of human and material resources” underlines the DGRSP.

The news of the transfer of these 35 inmates from the Continent to the Cancela Prison in Funchal, was reported by the Diário de Notícias da Madeira, in its online edition.

“According to information gathered by the Gazette, these are inmates who requested transfer to the Funchal Prison, where they must serve their prison sentences. Prisoners are due to land in Madeira this morning aboard a Portuguese Air Force plane in an operation that is being supported by the Public Security Police” read the news.