Over 6,000 Inmates Escape Mozambique Prison During Violent Protests
On Christmas Day, 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, amid riots following the recent election results. The violence, associated with the protests against the ruling party, resulted in 33 fatalities and significant property damage. Authorities reported that 29 of those released were convicted terrorists, stressing national security concerns in the aftermath of this unprecedented incident.
On Christmas Day, over 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison located in Maputo, Mozambique, following a violent rebellion that coincided with widespread riots in the country. The authorities, represented by Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael, reported that 33 individuals lost their lives and 15 were injured during confrontations between prisoners and security forces.
This mass escape unfolded amidst protests triggered by the constitutional council’s announcement declaring the ruling Frelimo party victorious in the October elections. The unrest resulted in the destruction of police vehicles, facilities, and various public infrastructures, escalating tension within the community.
According to Commander Rafael, the uprising began around midday when “a group of subversive protesters” incited unrest within the prison. During the chaos, inmates managed to overpower prison officers, seizing their weapons to facilitate the escape of fellow detainees. Alarmingly, Rafael noted that this prison housed 29 convicted terrorists, raising concerns for national security following their release.
Rafael further stated, “They [protesters] were making noise demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences,” emphasizing that the protests led to a structural collapse, which enabled the mass escape. He urgently called upon the escapees to surrender voluntarily and requested the support of the public in identifying these fugitives.
Social media circulated videos capturing the moment of escape and subsequent military captures. Some inmates attempted to evade recapture by hiding in nearby residences, but many were ultimately detained. In one notable video, an inmate, still handcuffed, claimed he had been in isolation but was liberated by fellow prisoners.
Mozambique has been experiencing significant political unrest following the recent electoral process, leading to widespread protests against the ruling party. The elections, held on October 9, culminated in the Frelimo party’s reaffirmation of power, inciting dissatisfaction among opposition supporters. This turmoil undoubtedly contributed to the events at the Maputo prison, where protests escalated into violent actions that facilitated the escape of thousands of inmates, including dangerous individuals.
The escape of over 6,000 inmates from a Mozambican prison amidst chaotic protests underscores the precarious situation following the country’s recent elections. The involvement of convicted terrorists in this mass escape raises significant security concerns. Authorities are now faced with the dual challenge of managing public safety while urging the escaped prisoners to surrender, highlighting the urgent need for stability in Mozambique’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
