The New La Esmeralda Women’s Prison Begins with the Transfer of Female Prisoners
The transfer of female inmates to the new La Esmeralda women’s center has begun, which seeks to improve conditions and strengthen resocialization in Panama.
This Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the transfer of approximately 400 women deprived of their liberty from the old CEFERE to the new La Esmeralda women’s center began. The day began early in the morning, amidst:
- Hugs
- Tears
- Mixed feelings
Each transfer represents not only a change of location, but also a new stage for the inmates. The new women’s center La Esmeralda, inaugurated in January 2026, aims to offer:
- Better internment conditions
- Decent spaces
- Study programs
- Training workshops
Everything is geared towards strengthening social reintegration processes. During the day, authorities reiterated the message to the incarcerated women to see this change as an opportunity. The minister emphasized that this new space represents an important step toward personal and social transformation. The director of the Panamanian Penitentiary System accompanied the process, explaining:
- Conditions of the new center
- Available benefits
- Operation of the facilities
The transfer is part of the State’s efforts to modernize the prison system and improve the conditions of people deprived of their liberty. Authorities insist that this process involves not only a physical change, but also an opportunity to reconstruct histories and move towards resocialization.
CEFERE: A Center with a Focus on Resocialization
