Inside Brazil's 'subhuman prisons' where families camp outside to bring inmates food

WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT: Gang violence and severe overcrowding issues make Brazil's prisons hellish, with some inmates handcuffed to police cars when cell spaces run out and others beheaded in deadly riots

By Ethan Blackshaw Senior News Reporter
17:57, 2 AUG 2023



Prisoners in Brazilian state Pernambuco, which has the most overcrowded prisons anywhere in the country (Image: Brazil Ministry of Justice)

Prisons in Brazil are among the most violent and crowded on the planet with conditions described as "subhuman" and inmates' families camping outside lock-ups to bring them basic necessities.

Just last week a five-hour gang war at Altamira prison, in the north of the country, led to at least 52 inmates dying - 16 of whom were beheaded.

The Brazilian Forum for Public Security recently released its latest report on the prison system, detailing massive overcrowding issues and astonishingly poor conditions.

Insight Crime reports the country's total prison population stood at more than 830,000 last year. That marks a record high and a 250% increase over two decades.



Recaptured inmates following a break out at the Sao Paulo State Penitentiary in 2019 (Image: AP)

More:
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/inside-brazils-subhuman-prisons-families-30608557