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Nine killed in Honduras jail riot

By John Hirst

Nine killed in Honduras jail riot

"Nine prisoners have been killed in a jail in northern Honduras during a riot involving knives and machetes.

It is understood the fight started after one inmate shot another at the overcrowded prison in San Pedro Sula.

Government official Hector Mejia said eight of the victims were gang members. Television images showed blood-stained prison corridors.

Violence is common in Central American prisons, which are often overcrowded and dominated by gangs.

Police regained control of the jail, which has a capacity of about 800 but holds 3,000 prisoners.

San Pedro Sula is Honduras' second largest city and a major manufacturing centre. It is also regarded as the country's most violent city".

I think it is just asking for trouble cramming 3,000 prisoners in a space designed to hold 800. And, it is not surprising to read that violence is common in Central American prisons. I don't suppose it helps if the prison authorities allow prisoners to possess guns, machetes and knives.

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on April 27, 2008 (boomark / email).