President gives nod to closing of womens prison

PRESIDENT Ricardo Martinelli has given the thumbs up to a proposal to close the women’s prison, the scene of riots on Tuesday May 21.

The women were protesting prison conditions, lack of medical attention, and length of time awaiting trial. Over 1000 prisoners are packed into a jail built to house 400.

 The proposal came from the Minister of Government Jorge Ricardo Fábrega who recommended building a new women's prison.
"I believe that the current location is not acceptable," said Martinelli adding that the facility does not have the facilities to conduct social integration programs.
He said the new facility should be built in Pacora, where there are existing men's jails