South African apartheid death squad leader to be freed on parole

South African apartheid death-squad leader Eugene de Kock, also known as "Prime Evil," was granted parole Friday, The Guardian reports. The ex-cop will be released from prison after serving more than 20 years for the torture and murder of black South African activists in the 1980s and early 1990s.

South Africa Justice Minister Michael Masutha said in a news conference de Kock was released "in the interests of nation-building and reconciliation." Masutha also mentioned de Kock has expressed remorse and helped authorities recover remains of some of his victims.

De Kock is said to have been responsible for more atrocities than any other man in an attempt to preserve white rule, according to The Guardian. Many South Africans believe he should die behind bars. —Julie Kliegman

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