Prison Break in Haiti’s Saint-Marc: Chaos and Destruction
Everything was set on fire say locals. Photo videocapture, credit Africa Report.
Prison Break Leaves 11 Inmates Dead, Many Escaped
At least 11 inmates were killed during chaotic events surrounding a fiery prison break on Friday in Haiti’s coastal city of Saint-Marc, officials said. Saint-Marc is located about 50 miles north of Port-au-Prince. Prison guards were reportedly on strike at the time.
“The situation is under control, but the results are catastrophic,” State prosecutor Venson Francois told Reuters. “All the cops’ dormitories have burned down. The archives have burned down. They’ve set everything on fire except their cells.”
Prison Conditions Sparked the Breakout
A local government official said the turmoil was a spontaneous protest reflecting inmates’ frustration with the prison’s living conditions that he said include a lack of food and appalling health conditions.
Gang Violence Persists in Haiti
The Miami Herald reported that businesses in Saint-Marc have been asking for police reinforcements for several days, citing a growing gang violence problem. Le Nouvelliste, the local newspaper, reported that prison officials were on strike to demand better working conditions at the time of the prison break.
Unverified Videos Show Chaos and Destruction
Unverified videos of the prison break posted on social media showed people scaling walls amid fire, smoke, and a loud explosion. Gunfire was also heard near the prison.
Prison Break is the Third in Recent Months
Friday’s prison break was the third in recent months. In March, gangs raided two of the country’s largest prisons — the National Penitentiary and the Croix-des-Bouquets. More than 4,000 prisoners escaped in the raids, including inmates indicted in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.
Conclusion
The prison break in Saint-Marc highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Haiti’s justice system, including gang violence, poor living conditions, and a lack of resources. The country’s authorities must work to address these issues to prevent further breakdowns in the system.
FAQs
* How many inmates were killed in the prison break?
+ At least 11 inmates were killed.
* How many prisoners escaped?
+ The exact number is unknown.
* What was the cause of the prison break?
+ The cause is unclear, but it is believed to be related to the prison’s poor living conditions and the guards’ strike.
* Has this been the only prison break in recent months?
+ No, this is the third prison break in recent months.