The National Women’s Penitentiary for Social Adaptation, situated in the central department of Francisco Morazan, approximately 35 km away from the capital city Tegucigalpa, became the site of the violent incident. According to Public Ministry spokesperson Yuri Mora, 25 victims were found to have perished in the flames, while 16 others suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The death toll may rise as authorities continue their thorough search of the facility, Xinhua news agency reported.
The outbreak of the riot is believed to have been triggered by the introduction of new regulations within the prison, which included the prohibition and confiscation of televisions and other electronic devices. Delma Ordonez, a representative of the inmates’ relatives, expressed this as the catalyst for the unrest.
Reports from local media indicate that injured prisoners have been transferred to a hospital in Tegucigalpa. Disturbing images of charred bodies and other aftermath scenes have already circulated on social media platforms.
Deputy Security Minister Julissa Villanueva took to Twitter to declare an emergency and authorize the “immediate intervention” of the National Police, military, and firefighters in response to the riot. Villanueva affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards acts of vandalism and irregularities within the prison. She also pledged to launch investigations targeting any individuals involved in collusion with organized crime who are currently imprisoned.
Authorities are expected to release an official statement in the near future, providing an updated death toll and the identities of the deceased inmates.
President Xiomara Castro, who initiated a crackdown on gangs last year, expressed her shock at the “monstrous murder of women” on social media. She vowed to take “drastic measures” in response to the tragic event, as reported by the BBC.
Honduras, a country known for corruption and gang violence, has a history marred by deadly prison riots, often associated with organized crime. A prison in the northern port city of Tela witnessed the killing of at least 18 people due to gang violence in 2019. (Edited)