Reading scheme offers reduced jail time

LA PAZ: Inmates in Bolivia’s overcrowded prisons are now able to reduce their jail time by reading books in a new programme influenced by one in Brazil that aims to spread literacy and give hope despite a notoriously slow judicial process.

The state programme ‘‘Books behind bars’’ offers detainees a chance get out of jail days or weeks early.

The programme had been launched in 47 prisons that did not have resources to pay for education, reintegration or social assistance programmes for prisoners, the Andean country’s Ombudsman’s Office said.

So far, 865 inmates were sifting through prose, improving their literacy skills.

Nadia Cruz of the Ombudsman’s office this week said the intention was to encourage inmates awaiting trial.

Mildred, an inmate at the Obrajes women’s prison in the highland city of La Paz, said learning to read could be like escaping the prison walls, at least in the mind.

‘‘When I read, I am in contact with the whole universe. The walls and bars disappear,’’ she said. — Reuters