Overcrowding, Abuse, and Neglect: The Reality of Honduran Prisons
ArchiveNov 21, 2019
Following an attack at the Tamara Penal Center women's prison last week that left 46 dead, the Honduran Armed Forces launched what it's calling "Operation Faith and Hope," with soldiers taking control of the nation's prisons to crack down on gang violence.
Last week's attack involved members of the Barrio 18 street gang, who smuggled in guns, machetes, and a flammable liquid before subduing the prison guards, breaking into the cells of rival gang members, and shooting and hacking them to death.
The Honduran prison system has been broken for a long time, under both the previous conservative regime and its progressive successor. Due to overcapacity and little focus on rehabilitation, these jails have become unsupervised and chaotic spaces where prisoners are at the mercy of unofficial inmate leaders. Instead of implementing harsher punishments or building more prisons, the government should be investing in improving its existing prisons and providing a rehabilitative atmosphere.
Despite incorrect statements made by journalists and nongovernmental organizations, most Hondurans — from bipartisan politicians to average citizens — want their government to implement an El Salvador-style crackdown on gangs. Government corruption certainly exists, but the primary goal for the nation at this time should be eradicating the epidemic of lawlessness and violence.