Brazil: 26 Deaths confirmed in new prison riot

Following an inspection round at Alcaçuz State Penitentiary in the metropolitan area of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, public security officials in the state said in an interview on Sunday (Jan 15) that 26 people—the previous 27 body count was later revised—were killed during a prison riot that began Saturday (14).

A gang war between two rival factions with members serving jail sentences at the prison facility sparked a riot at pavillion 4 of the penitentiary as inmates from a separate hall (pavilion 5) escaped and started the clashes. The mutiny was subdued early on Sunday (15). All the state's police forces were marshalled to contain the fighting and prevent it from sprawling to other pavillions.

Public security authorities in Rio Grande do Norte say they have identified at least six inmates as leaders of the riot. Any convicts proven to have been involved will face criminal charges and could be relocated to federal supermax facilities.

State Justice Secretary Walber Virgolino da Silva Ferreira said the inside of Alcaçuz was a barbaric sight of devastation and mutilated corpses.

Tensions

State authorities believe earlier prison riots and massacres in Amazonas and Roraima in the first few days of the year have “ignited” inmates in Rio Grande do Norte. According to the justice secretary, Brazil's prison system has been fraught with tension in all states. Earlier in the past week, military police had confiscated weapons and mobiles inside the penitentiary.

This Monday (Jan 16), police and riot control troops will check the prison again for cold weapons that may have been used in the killings.

Translated by Mayra Boges

Relacionadas

Human Rights Watch report criticises prison overcrowding in Brazil