December 23, 2024
On Friday, August 16, the city of Saint-Marc was shaken by a dramatic escape from the civil prison, causing a wave of panic among the population. According to information confirmed by Government Commissioner Me Venson François, the escape resulted in tragic human losses and highlighted the serious security challenges facing the police.
A report provided by a source from the prison administration stated that 15 prisoners died during the incident, while only one managed to escape. Additionally, six other prisoners were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. Calm has finally returned to the prison, where 477 men and 17 women were detained before the escape, totaling 534 prisoners, compared to the 550 recorded on August 15.
According to AlterPresse, a Haitian press agency, the Haitian National Police fired at some prisoners attempting to escape. The prison’s police personnel has also ceased working in order to demand better working conditions.
Law enforcement had to intervene decisively to regain control of the situation. During the operation, a prisoner attempting to escape was shot dead by police near Place Philippe Guerrier. This use of force was deemed necessary to prevent a larger escape, despite the criticism that such actions may provoke.
This tragic event is part of a troubling series for the Haitian prison system, with recent escapes at the National Penitentiary of Port-au-Prince and the Civil Prison of Croix-des-Bouquets. Last March, these mass escapes, facilitated by armed attacks, allowed nearly 3,900 and 3,500 detainees, respectively, to regain their freedom illegally, once again highlighting the deep security crisis that is plaguing the country.
Today, authorities are struggling to maintain control over the situation in Saint-Marc, but the recent escapes across the country suggest new challenges for Haiti’s already strained security forces.