Honduran President Unveils Plans for New Megaprison in Crackdown on Gang Violence
In an effort to combat gang violence and overhaul the prison system, President Xiomara Castro of Honduras has announced the creation of a new 20,000-capacity “megaprison.” The measures unveiled also include strengthening the military’s role in fighting organized crime and prosecuting drug traffickers as terrorists.
Castro’s plan mirrors that of President Nayib Bukele in neighboring El Salvador, who has built the largest prison in Latin America. The Honduran government aims to ease overcrowding in prisons, where the current population exceeds capacity by 6,500 inmates.
Authorities will construct a new prison near the rural province of Olancho to house dangerous gang members, while plans for an island prison colony are also in the works. The defense council has urged Congress to change the penal code to allow for detainment of suspected gang leaders without charges.
While the crackdown on crime has led to a decrease in homicides, critics remain wary of the long-term effectiveness of the government’s tactics. Despite concerns, the public’s desire for results in combating gang violence remains strong.
Source: Associated Press