A New Orleans judge on Monday suspended the prosecution of almost 100 defendants and ordered the release of those still jailed, reflecting his continued concerns over the city's inability to provide such defendants with adequate representation.

Criminal court Judge Arthur Hunter Jr. halted prosecution of 98 defendants, and ordered 20 still held in jail to be released. The release was the latest by Hunter, who has before criticized the city's underfunded public defender's office for not providing adequate counsel to those who cannot afford a private attorney. Last month, he suspended prosecution for 42 other poor defendants.

"Either the court or an attorney will be in contact with you," Hunter told dozens of unrepresented defendants in his courtroom. The charges were not dropped, but until they get lawyers they would not be prosecuted, he said, drawing objections from prosecutors.