Around a dozen inmates have been killed in Haiti after a prison break in Saint-Marc resulted in gunfire, explosions, and chaos. Law enforcement reported that eleven escaped inmates were killed in shootouts with police, with one inmate arrested. A state prosecutor mentioned the catastrophic results of the incident, including burnt dormitories and archives. The prison, holding over 500 inmates, faced unrest as staff demanded better treatment.
Officials suspected a ‘mutiny’
Prison staff strikes and reports of poor conditions fueled fears of a “mutiny” among prisoners. Local government officials claimed shortages of food and health issues as reasons for the protests. This incident marks the third prison break in Haiti this year, amid widespread gang violence plaguing the country.
Gang violence crisis in Haiti
The recent spate of violence has led to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the deployment of a transitional government to restore order. With Kenya’s support, efforts are being made to combat armed gangs in Haiti. Gang violence has displaced hundreds of thousands and exacerbated hunger, affecting a large portion of the population.
Source: Reuters, AP
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