On Christmas Day, 6,000 inmates escaped from Maputo Central Prison during protests against post-election violence in Mozambique. The encounter resulted in 33 inmate fatalities and injuries to others. Police confirmed inmates seized weapons and exploited a wall collapse to facilitate their escape. Authorities are urging the public for information on the escaped prisoners, which includes convicted terrorists.
On Christmas Day, approximately 6,000 inmates escaped from the Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique, following a violent rebellion amidst ongoing post-election unrest in the country. The police chief, Bernardino Rafael, confirmed that the escape occurred as protests erupted in response to the ruling Frelimo party being declared the victor in the October 9 elections. Disturbances led to the death of 33 inmates and injuries to 15 others during interactions with security personnel.
The massive prison break was described by Chief Rafael as a direct consequence of protests nearby, where demonstrators pushed for the release of prisoners. In the chaos, inmates allegedly seized weapons from the prison staff, initiated the breakout, and took advantage of a weakened wall that collapsed during the riot. Among those freed were 29 convicted terrorists, raising concerns among officials about public safety and security.
Videos shared on social media portray the moment of the escape as well as the subsequent capture of some fugitives by military forces and prison guards. Authorities have appealed for the escaped individuals to surrender voluntarily, emphasizing the importance of public awareness regarding the ongoing situation.
The incident underscores a significant security crisis in Mozambique, exacerbated by the political turmoil following the recent elections. The ruling party’s declaration as the electoral winner led to violent protests, demonstrating widespread dissatisfaction among segments of the population. The prison break reignites discussions about the management of high-security facilities and the implications of releasing over 6,000 inmates, including former terrorists, during a time of national instability.
This unprecedented escape from a high-security facility highlights the profound impact of political dissent on public safety and security in Mozambique. The authorities are urgently calling for the return of the escapees, particularly those categorized as terrorists. The incident not only reveals the vulnerabilities in the country’s correctional system but also raises crucial concerns regarding future political stability in Mozambique.
Original Source: apnews.com
