At least 41 inmates were killed in a riot on Tuesday at a women’s prison northwest of Honduras’ capital Tegucigalpa, said the Honduran Public Prosecutor's Office.
The office’s spokeswoman, Yuri Mora, said the deaths occured during a clash between gang members. Of those killed, 25 were reportedly burned to death while 14 were shot, with Mora saying the death toll may rise. Speaking at a press conference, Deputy Security Minister Julissa Villanueva condemned the violence and promised a tough response, saying an investigation would be launched.
"Undoubtedly, what happened is the product of a direct attack by organized crime against the actions that we deliberately carry out against organized crime. We are dismayed by the loss of human lives," said Villanueva. The prison system in Honduras has been heavily criticized for its poor conditions and documented overcrowding of inmates. In addition, both Villanueva and President Xiomara Castro have pointed out that organized crime has infiltrated the country's prisons. President Castro promised to restore order in prisons following riots and shootings in four Honduran prisons on April 9 which left one prisoner dead and seven wounded. Castro reacted to the killing of the 41 female inmates on her Twitter account, which she attributed to the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang.
“Shocked by the monstrous murder of women in CEFAS, planned by gangs in full view and patience of security authorities. My solidarity with families. I summon the Minister of Security and the president of the Intervention Commission to render account. I will take drastic measures!” she said.
