WATCH: Garcia asks why Manafort was released during COVID-19 instead of vulnerable inmates

Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, questioned Attorney General William Barr about the decision to release President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort from prison in March over fears of the coronavirus, instead of prisoners who are more vulnerable.

“Your department released guidelines, criteria, setting priorities by which people would be released early. By your own department’s admission, Manafort did not meet that criteria,” Garcia said. "Since the start of this pandemic, we have repeatedly urged you to use your authority to protect vulnerable populations in prisons. And instead you release the president’s former campaign manager.”

During the pandemic, jails and prisons where social distancing is not possible have become hot spots for virus outbreaks, prompting some facilities to remove qualifying inmates to home confinement.

Garcia questioned Barr during a committee hearing examining whether he has inappropriately politicized the Justice Department. Democrats launched the investigation earlier this year over Barr’s handling of the case against Roger Stone, a close ally of President Donald Trump, whose 40-month prison sentence was commuted by the president this month. Democrats have since expanded their probe to several subsequent episodes in which they believe Barr is working for Trump’s own benefit.

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Видео WATCH: Garcia asks why Manafort was released during COVID-19 instead of vulnerable inmates канала PBS NewsHour