Guatemala: Inhaftierte halten Krokodile und Hühner – Polizei räumt Gefängnis

In Guatemala, a shocking discovery was made at a prison housing members of the notorious Barrio 18 gang. The prison, known as „El Infiernito“ or „The Little Hell,“ was recently evacuated by authorities due to the deplorable conditions found within its walls. The 225 gang members were relocated to another facility after the disturbing findings were brought to light.

During the evacuation, police officers uncovered a range of unbelievable amenities that the inmates had access to. From air-conditioned cells to a call center where criminal activities could be ordered, the level of luxury within the prison was unprecedented. Additionally, wild animals such as crocodiles, raccoons, chickens, and birds of prey were found freely roaming the premises. The inmates even had access to televisions, refrigerators, and mobile phones, with the call center being shut down during a previous police raid.

In response to these shocking revelations, the authorities have vowed to search the prison for hidden caches of money, firearms, and mobile phones. The Innenminister, Francisco Jiménez, stated that they would not hesitate to tear down walls and floors to uncover any concealed items. The goal is to transform the prison into a high-security facility with strict controls in place, emphasizing that it is a place of punishment, not a vacation spot.

Vice Minister of Security, Claudia Palencia, who visited the prison after the inmates were relocated, criticized previous governments for neglecting the facility for over 30 years. This neglect allowed the inmates to live a comfortable life within the prison, contrasting sharply with the lack of investment in Guatemala’s overall penal system.

A massive raid involving 400 police officers, including members of the animal protection unit, was conducted at the Escuintla prison, located 70 kilometers south of Guatemala City. The animals found on the premises are being examined by veterinarians, with plans to either release them back into the wild or relocate them to appropriate conservation centers.

Guatemala is known for its high crime rates, with over 4,360 murders reported in the country last year alone. Drug-related and gang violence are major contributors to the crime statistics, with criminal organizations like Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha vying for control. Barrio 18 specializes in extortion, with most calls traced back to prisons. Failure to pay protection money can result in deadly consequences, highlighting the ruthless nature of these criminal groups.

In conclusion, the shocking discoveries at the Guatemalan prison shed light on the dire state of the country’s penal system and the challenges faced in combating organized crime. The authorities‘ swift action to address the situation and improve security measures within the prison is a step towards restoring law and order in the region.