Haiti’s National Penitentiary Experiences Mass Prison Break
Thousands of Prisoners Escape During Surge of Violence
Source: CNN
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – In a shocking turn of events, Haiti’s National Penitentiary became the site of a mass prison break during a surge of violence over the weekend. According to estimates by the United Nations, around 3,500 prisoners managed to escape, although an official count has not yet been possible due to the prevailing conditions.
Chaotic Situation in the National Penitentiary
The National Penitentiary, which housed 3,687 prisoners prior to the incident, had been under the monitoring of the UN mission in Haiti. However, according to Haitian lawyer Arnel Remy from the Collective of Lawyers for the Defense of Human Rights in Haiti (CADDHO), a total of 3,597 prisoners successfully fled, leaving only 99 remaining inmates in the facility.
Remy, who was present at the prison during the incident, stated that the remaining inmates are currently being relocated to other facilities. The penitentiary now stands empty, with a heavy police presence guarding the surrounding area.
Violence and Clash with Authorities
The Haitian Ministry of Communication reported that the police faced off against heavily armed criminals determined to release prisoners at any cost. The authorities were unable to prevent the large-scale prison break, resulting in several injuries among inmates and prison staff involved in the violence.
The recent surge in violence, which began on Thursday, shocked security sources in Port-au-Prince, revealing an unprecedented level of unrest in recent years. Gangs, led by former police officer and notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, targeted not only police stations but also the international airport, intensifying the chaotic situation.
Gang Leader’s Call for Leadership Change
Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, issued a statement demanding the arrest of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Cherizier, the leader of an alliance of gangs and sanctioned by the United Nations and the United States Department of Treasury, vowed to utilize weapons to liberate the country from the current government.
Escalating Unrest in Haiti
The prison break comes amid a series of violent incidents and escalating gang violence in the country. Gangs hold a firm grip on Port-au-Prince, obstructing essential supply routes and tormenting the metropolitan population. They have forced over 300,000 people to flee their homes, and indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, arson, and rapes have become alarmingly common.
The United Nations has referred to January as the most violent month in two years, with over 1,100 people being killed, injured, or kidnapped. The situation in Haiti calls for urgent action to restore stability and security.
