Hundreds of inmates at the Northern Regional Penitentiary Facility attempted to escape last Tuesday by organizing an unsuccessful protest.

Hundreds of inmates at the Northern Regional Penitentiary Facility attempted to escape last Tuesday by organizing an unsuccessful protest.

As a result of the attempt and to prevent future escapes, the number of visits to inmates has been reduced.

This information was confirmed to our newspaper by the director of the Penitentiary Facility, Sérgio Cumbane, who denied amateur video footage circulating on social media that suggested the inmates had successfully escaped.

According to the director, the attempt to incite turmoil resulted in injuries, both serious and minor, although he did not specify the number. However, the prompt intervention of prison guards prevented a worse outcome.

The source added that the situation is now calm and under control, and activities are proceeding as usual. He further explained that the restrictions on visits are aimed at ensuring the security of the penitentiary facility.

Meanwhile, Sérgio Cumbane highlighted a significant increase in food production for inmates’ consumption in 2024 compared to previous years. He added that the production is intended not only to ensure the health and quality of inmates’ diets but also to reduce the government’s financial burden in maintaining the prison system.

However, overcrowding remains the primary concern of the penitentiary facility. This year, only 16 inmates were pardoned.

In addition to the pardons, several conditional releases were granted following mass trials conducted during Legal Awareness Week.

Commenting on the protests, Cumbane said they are negatively impacting the functioning of the prison system, hindering rehabilitation efforts for inmates. Nevertheless, he assured that measures are being implemented to minimize their effects in the short term.

Source: Noticias