41 Killed in Gang-Related Women’s Prison Riot in Honduras
TimeJUL 2023
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.