Honduras Prison Riot Kills Over 40 Women

A violent Honduras prison riot broke out in Tamara, resulting in the deaths of at least 41 women, with most of them being burned to death, AP reports.

The Honduran president, Xiomara Castro, attributed the violence to the influence of street gangs known as "maras" or MS-13, which often wield significant power within the country's prisons. Reports indicated that some inmates were shot while others were set on fire during the riot.

According to Yuri Mora, the spokesperson for Honduras' national police investigation agency, forensic teams confirmed the count of 41 deceased individuals.

Additionally, several female inmates were taken to a hospital in Tegucigalpa to receive treatment for gunshot and knife wounds.

Video footage shared by the government displayed firearms, machetes, and other bladed weapons discovered inside the prison following the riot.

President Castro expressed her intention to implement drastic measures in response to the incident and claimed that MS-13 gang members had planned the riot with the knowledge and complicity of security authorities.

It was reported that members of the Barrio 18 gang, a notorious criminal organization, forcibly entered a cell block and engaged in acts of violence against other inmates, including shooting and setting them on fire.

Honduras Deputy Security Minister Declares State of Emergency

Following the gruesome Honduras prison riot, Deputy Security Minister Julissa Villanueva has declared a state of emergency and vowed to take action against the violence, BBC noted.

She authorized the immediate intervention of firefighters, police, and the military to address the situation. Ms. Villanueva stated that the loss of human lives would not be tolerated.

It remains unclear whether all the victims were inmates of the prison, located approximately 20km from the capital city, Tegucigalpa, and houses around 900 individuals.

Delma Ordonez, who represents family members of the inmates, reported that a portion of the prison had been destroyed during the violence.

Videos shared on social media depicted a large cloud of smoke rising from the women's prison. President Xiomara Castro, who initiated a crackdown on gangs last year, expressed shock over the tragic murder of the women and pledged to implement drastic measures in response to the incident.

The Crack Down of Illegal Activities Causes Honduras Prison Riot, Official Says

Villanueva suggested that the recent attempts to crack down on illicit activities inside the prisons may have triggered the riot, according to Al Jazeera.

She described the violence as a reaction to the measures against organized crime and emphasized that they would not back down from their efforts.

Gangs hold significant control within Honduras' prisons, where inmates often establish their own rules and sell prohibited items.

The riot at the women's prison is considered one of the most tragic incidents at a female detention center in Central America since 2017, when a fire set by girls protesting mistreatment at a shelter in Guatemala resulted in the deaths of 41 girls.

Honduras has also experienced one of the deadliest prison disasters in recent history, with the 2012 fire at the Comayagua prison claiming the lives of 361 inmates. The cause of that fire was believed to be related to a match, cigarette, or some other open flame.

The riot at the women's prison on Tuesday may increase pressure on Honduras to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and implement stricter measures like those in neighboring El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele has established no-privilege prisons with a heavy-handed crackdown on gangs.

While El Salvador's approach has raised concerns about human rights violations, it has garnered popularity in a country plagued by gang-related violence.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Scene outside Honduras women's prison after brawl leaves at least 41 dead - From AFP News Agency