Second prison riot of the week tear gassed

POLICE used tear gas on 200 rioting inmates at a Penonome prison on Friday May 24.The prisoners were protesting poor conditions at the facility.

It was the second prison riot of the week over poor conditions. The other was at an overcrowded women’s prison which the Minister of Government and President Martinelli have promised to replace with a new center in Pacora.

Coclé Police Chief Miguel Avila said that prisoners were caught trying to escape, which is why police moved in. Officers from Veraguas assisted local authorities.
Ten inmates were removed from the facility and dispersed to other prisons.
Dozens of remaining inmates have announced that they will be going on a hunger strike.
National Prison System Director Angel Calderon and officials from the Office of the Ombudsman went to the scene.