In one of the worst of recent cases of prison violence in Brazil, more than 60 people have died in a prison in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus. This happened when members of 2 rival gangs fought with each other.
What happened?
The fight began on Sunday and is said to have been controlled by the authorities by 7 a.m. the next day. Sergio Fontes, the head of security of the Amazonas state prison said that the death toll was not confirmed and would probably be more when the exact count is done. It has also been reported that many of the bodies were thrown over the prison walls.
Brazil has a serious problem of overcrowding in prisons, and such incidents are common. The country is notorious for its drug mafia and associated violence. In this particular case, the quarrel was between a Sao Paulo-based drug gang First Capital Command and a local Manaus-based group North Family. It has been mentioned that the Manaus gang was involved in the violence at the behest of Rio- based gang Red Command. Here, First Capital Command is said to be the largest drug gang in Brazil, and Red Command the second largest.
There have been several confrontations among the members of these 2 rival drug gangs, and hostilities were ripe for about a year now. A truce that existed between them for several years was broken last year.
It has been reported that 12 prison guards and 74 prisoners were held hostage during the riots. Some were executed as well. When the images and videos of the incident came forward, it could be observed that the bodies of the dead were piled on top of each other.
Brazil has a serious problem of gang violence
What is notable is that the rioters had arms in their possession, which gives a clear picture of the law and order situation in the country.
Brazil is known for its poor implementation of the law, and most serious criminals escape the legal system. Usually, Crime is under-reported.
Prior to this, the deadliest prison attack in Brazil was in 1992 when 111 inmates died. However, back then, the deaths were mostly due to police firing, and here, the violence was due to the inmates themselves.
