'221 inmates freed on Christmas'

Indonesia marked Christmas day by freeing 221 prisoners for good behaviour, a report said on Thursday. Another 7,024 had their sentences reduced by between 15 days and two months.

Indonesia marked Christmas day by freeing 221 prisoners for good behaviour, a report said on Thursday.

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Another 7,024 had their sentences reduced by between 15 days and two months, Untung Sugiono of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights was quoted as saying by Detikcom news website.

Inmates must have a record of six months' good behaviour to have their sentences cut. Death row prisoners and those serving life are not eligible.

Indonesia grants sentence reductions of up to six months twice a year -- to mark Independence Day on August 17, and on major religious holidays when they are decided according to a convict's faith.