A riot that took place in Bogota’s La Modelo prison in March over the lack of COVID-19 protection left 23 prisoners dead and over 80 more wounded. Investigative reporting based on security camera footage, witness accounts, and autopsies has revealed that prison guards “shot to kill” and used grossly excessive force to put down the riot. Guards also shot defenceless and surrendering prisoners, killing at least five inmates. 

The report alleges that authorities knew of plans by ELN rebels and FARC dissidents to incite prison riots to facilitate mass escape. However, the authorities did not take necessary precautions to prevent riots which ultimately broke out due to COVID-19 concerns. 

Read Semana’s report “Ten Hours of Terror” here (in Spanish).  

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