With the high number of pre trial detainees at the Monrovia Central Prison, Justice Ministry has expressed concern about the large number of youth sent to jail for minor crimes.

Justice Minister Cllr. Christiana Tah who visited the Monrovia Central Prison Saturday said while it is true that some of the youth are in prison for serious crime, others with minor crimes should been given a second chance through the probation process to enable them correct their bad attitudes.

She said keeping youth with minor crimes in detention with hardened criminals could lead them to cause more harm to the society.

Cllr. Tah said while it is true that inmates at the prison have broken the laws of Liberia but observed that components of the justice system are not coordinating which has led to over crowdedness at the Monrovia central Prison.

The Liberia criminal Justice system consists of the Police, Court and the Correction which Minister Tah said must coordinate to avoid over crowdedness at prison facilities.

Minister Tah disclosed plans by her ministry and the Judiciary to ensure that inmates are reduced at prison facilities.