Inside Paraguay's overcrowded prisons

Paraguay has 18 prisons with a capacity of nearly 10,000 inmates, but the current prison population has exceeded 17,600, according to the latest figures provided by the government for the end of 2023. With a population of more than 6 million, the South American country is considered a regional drug trafficking hub.

Inmates look out from a communal cell at the regional prison in Villarica, Paraguay. Photo: AP

An Associated Press photographer recently visited five different prisons, four for men and one for women, to see what life is like for Paraguayan inmates. Except for the women's prison, overcrowding is widespread in the men's prisons.

One of the prisons the AP visited was Tacumbú, Paraguay’s largest. Authorities stormed it nine months ago to wrest control from the Rotela gang, which has expanded its presence on Paraguay’s streets and in several prisons.

The police operation ended with dozens dead, many injured and 700 prisoners relocated to other prisons.

Prisoners rest in the outer corridor of Tacumbú prison in Asuncion, Paraguay. Photo: AP

Inside the prison, cells designed to hold five inmates house more than 15. Inmates often sleep on thin mattresses on the floor and hang towels in an attempt to gain privacy.

The facilities the AP visited were low-security prisons, so inmates interacted more freely. But those who broke the rules were sent to an isolated area where they were held without visitors.

Inside the women's prison, things look cleaner and less crowded than the men's facilities.

Prisoners line up to receive food provided by Tacumbú prison. Photo: AP

An inmate shines shoes for a prison guard at the regional prison in Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. Photo: AP

On any given day, in prisons like Tacumbú, there are stretching sessions in open areas or religious ceremonies. Some inmates play soccer while others like to play bingo. Some try to make money, shining guards’ shoes for 30 cents.

There is no dining area, so prisoners eat in their cells or in the hallway. On cold days, prisoners are allowed to light fires on the patio to keep warm.

Inmates in a cell block at the regional prison in Villarica, Paraguay. Photo: AP

Atiliano Cuyer, 64, is in custody for domestic violence and said he has been waiting 10 months for his trial at the Coronel Oviedo regional prison. "Justice in Paraguay is meaningless if you don't have money," he said.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhung-hinh-anh-ben-trong-cac-nha-tu-qua-tai-cua-paraguay-post316384.html