Panamanian Penal Facilities - Resources, Protests, Legal Issues, Integrity, Census, Contraband, Security Breaches, Covid-19 Cases in Prisons, etc.

[Moderator_02]

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$6 Million in Prison Improvements

The Ministry of Government of Panama tenders the works of demolition and construction of new fences of the penitentiaries of La Joya and La Joyita, in the village of Pacora.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Panama Government Purchase 2019-0-04-0-08-LV-011178:

"Total demolition of existing fence. Includes: concrete base; cyclone mesh; galvanized tubes; double metal arm for barbed wire and concertina-type wire; barbed wire and concertina-type wire; pick up and dispose of waste from work performed and/or where indicated by the inspection in a municipal landfill. The material resulting from the demolition will not be removed from the site until it has been approved by the inspector in charge of the project.

The wall should exceed 0.70m above the natural floor and should be properly filled without termites or imperfections. Concrete must be at least 3000 lbs./in2 (PSI). Concrete of the resistances approved by the pertinent authorities must be used, according to its place of use, following all the manufacturing norms concerning cement, additives, water, aggregates, sand and stone, guaranteeing the resistance of the concrete. They will place 3-inch diameter PVC pipes (weepers) where required for the evacuation of rainwater. These areas shall be defined by the OIM/DGSP following field inspection."

Reference Value: $6,361,936

Deadline for receipt of tenders: June 18, 2019.

See tender.

https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/6_Million_in_Prison_Improvements

[Moderator_02]

On 3/28/2019 at 7:21 AM, Moderator_02 said:

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/deals-for-sale-by-penitentiary-officials

 

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Corrupted jailers get  prison terms

Posted 28/05/2019

Five former employees of Panama’s  Penitentiary System (SPN) who were part of a corruption network in the system, are among nine people sentenced to between 40 and 90 months behind bars in the  jails they once worked in

They were convicted of corruption of public servants and fraud, in the First Criminal Court. Investigations began in August 2016, after a  network of corruption in the SPN was denounced.

The network changed precautionary measures, such as release and transfer, reduction of sentences and alteration of documents to detainees in La Joya prisons, La Joyita and the Female Rehabilitation Center.

Investigations by the Prosecutor's Office presented and confirmed that relatives of an inmate of the Women's Rehabilitation Center were swindled by the group, which received a payment of $8,000.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/corrupted-jailers-get-prison-terms

[Moderator_02]

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38.3 % of   Panama   prisoners   in  “provisional” jail for over a year

risoners in La Joya awaiting trial, line up for food

Posted 16/06/2019

38.3 % of  of Panama   prisoners   in  “provisional” jail for over a year

Almost 40% of Panama’s  prison population have spent more than a year in provisional detention, most of them in overcrowded hell holes like La Joya, without  the comforts of El Renacer  according to figures of the Penitentiary System.

AIn the prisons of the country there are 7,537 incarcerated with orders of provisional detention, of which,  6,515 that is 38.3% of the national prison population have more than a year behind bars  

" It is enough that the year of fulfillment of the precautionary measure of provisional detention for which the accused or accused requests the Court and it orders its dismissal ...", concluded the trial court of  former President Ricardo Martinelli  in the ruling which replaced the provisional detention with house arrest reports La Prensa

Selective Justice
Maribel Jaén , of the Justice and Peace Commission, said that what has happened confirms the selective justice that prevails in the country, where "economic resources and influences are required" to ensure that the law is carried out. There is no fair and equitable justice for all

Of the 16,996 people deprived of liberty in Panama, 6, 515 have been provisionally detained for more than a year38.3% of prisoners have more than one year in preventive detention. l

The number of provisionally detained persons with more than one year in prison includes the inmates who are prosecuted in the two justice systems that coexist in the country: the inquisitorial  one, in force throughout the territory until 2011, and the accusatory  which entered  into validity that year  beginning first in the provinces of Coclé and Veraguas.

Under the inquisitorial system, there are 4,798 people who have served more than one year provisionally detained, while under the other criminal model add another 1, 717 inmates in the same condition.

Relevance
 These figures take on special relevance after the ruling adopted last Wednesday by the trial court of former President Ricardo Martinelli and who replaced him with the precautionary measure of provisional detention that was imposed at the beginning of the investigations, by one of house arrest says La Prensa.

The trial court changed Martinelli's provisional detention based on articles 12 and 237 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, invoked by the former ruler’s defense when requesting his release.

Article 12 of the Code of Criminal Procedure states: "provisional detention is subject to a reasonable time limit to prevent it from becoming an early penalty. Provisional detention may not exceed one year, except in the cases indicated in this Code. "

Meanwhile, Article 237 states in its last paragraph that " provisional detention shall not be longer than one year, except for the case provided for in Article 504 of this Code".

When analyzing the two articles, the court warned that "such legislation is extremely clear and does not include conditions for access to such benefit ... therefore, it is enough that the year of compliance with the precautionary measure of detention is met provisional so that the accused or defendant requests it from the Court, and the Court orders its dismissal, thus losing its validity, otherwise it would become an anticipated penalty, as it is warned in the rules under examination ".

Ominous
Balbina Herrera a, victim of the wiretapping described the decision of the trial court as “ominous”

"Any person deprived of liberty provisionally, who has completed one year [behind bars] may request his release or change his measure and leave for his home ... The law must be the same for everyone," she warned.

Meanwhile, Maribel Jaén, said a member of the Justice and Peace Commission, considered that the figures of provisionally detained persons with more than one year show that "there is no equitable and expeditious justice for all." She added that one of the "main violations" of the State to the rights of inmates has been abuse in pretrial detention.

"We see that justice is selective," said Jaén, wadding e denouncing that "economic resources and influence are required" to ensure that the law is complied with. The majority of prisoners do not have the necessary resources to "defend their rights" and, consequently, request a change of precautionary measure before the competent authorities.

For Jaén, the issue can not be addressed without mentioning the conditions in which the inmates are in Panama. "We see that not all prisoners have the same conditions," she said.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/383-of-panama-prisoners-in-provisional-jail-for-over-a-year

[Moderator_02]

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OPINION: Panama's selective justice system

Ricardo Martinelli returns to comforts of luxury hom e- File photo

Posted 16/06/2019

In a rule of law, justice must be applied equally for all citizens. The reality of Panamanian prisons contrasts with this principle. In the country's prisons, there are 7,537 provisionally detained. Of this amount, 86% have more than a year behind bars. The principle that provisional detention should last one year, except in exceptional cases, has not been applied to these inmates. Panama has to make a fundamental decision about criminal justice. The chronic lack of economic resources ca not be the cause of human beings not having a trial, having access to knowledgeable defenders of the system (and its technicalities) or that prosecutors are overworked. Precisely, the case of Ricardo Martinelli could demonstrate what the exhaustive fulfillment of the limit of one year of provisional detention would imply. It is a priority that the State invest in all those mechanisms such as bracelets and personal tracking systems that facilitate the release and monitoring of all detainees who are entitled to a change of precautionary measure. Justice is a public service that works well when it has the income it needs, and when its human resource is compromised- LA PRENSA, June 16

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-panamas-selective-justice-system-2

[Moderator_02]

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La Joya prison riot sends 10 to hospital

Posted 08/07/2019

Special police units were rushed to the  La Joya prison in Pacora, Panama East.  on Monday morning, July 8  when a brawl erupted and shots were exchanged injuring over a dozen inmates.

La Joya houses some of Panama’s most notorious gang members and killers.

The shootings started in block 4  soon after illegal drugs were seized, according to early reports. Suppliers and some officials were quickly evacuated  to ensure their safety as National Police Crowd Control Units moved in

Ambulance paramedics from Sume 911 gave first aid to the wounded. Three prisoners were transferred to the hospital in Diciembre  24, where they were stabilized and then moved to the Santo Tomás Hospital, while another  7 were transferred directly.

The head of the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System, Walter Hernández, moved to the prison to gather more information.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/la-joya-prison-riot-sends-10-to-hospital

[Moderator_02]

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6,249 prisoners became high school graduates

Posted 29/07/2019

At least 6,429 inmates at the La Joya Prison Complex have graduated in high school degrees in commerce and humanities.  through education programs of the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP), in coordination with the Ministry of Education (Meduca), during the last 15 years.

The task of training the prisoners of La Joya, La Joyita and La Nueva Joya, is carried out by the Faith and Hope Educational Center.

DGSP Director, Walter Hernández, at a weekend graduation ceremony, said that education is a fundamental aspect for the current administration, in line with respect for the human rights of persons deprived of liberty.

Susana Real, director of the school, said that the educational program seeks that people deprived of liberty be reintegrated into society and in 15 years they have taken a second chance for students to return to society as men of good.

For prisoner  Maykol Pérez r, the school has been a great opportunity that allowed him to get away from bad friendships and helped him strengthen the desire to overcome, because, despite his situation, he wants to graduate from high school as a gift to his parents and then continue with the university.

The ceremony was attended by Katherine Ulloa, General Secretary of the DGSP, the directors of the La Joya and La Nueva Joya centers, and  Commissioner Luis Villegas, head of the external security of the La Joya prison complex La Jewel.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/6249-prisoners-became-high-school-graduates

[Moderator_02]

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Prison vaccinations follow chickenpox outbreak

Posted 18/08/2019

Sunday, August 18 was  vaccination day for 22 prisoners in Santiago de Veraguas following an outbreak of chickenpox  in  block 2.reports the Ministry of  Health

Six detainees refused treatment. Previously, 45 detainees had been vaccinated in block 2, where chickenpox cases had also been reported. Vaccination will continue in the other blocks during the week

Ministry  officials recommended that jail officers isolate those affected to prevent  infection of  other inmates and family visitors

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/prison-vaccinations-follow-chickenpox-outbreak

[Moderator_02]

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Three alleged killers escape La Joya prison

Posted 28/09/2019

Three alleged killers escaped from the La Joya prison on Friday night, September 27.

They are: Yair Aldamir Restrepo Barrera, José Luis Magallón Chérigo and Edgar Luis Beitía Lester, says the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP) who entered La Joya in 2012.

The National Police have initiated a major search and, the DGSP  said investigations will begin to determine responsibilities.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/three-alleged-killers-escape-la-joya-prison

[Moderator_02]

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14 dead, 11 injured in La Joyita prison  gun battle

Posted 18/12/2019

A gun battle between rival gangs in  La Joyita prison in Pacora east of Panama City on Tuesday, December 17 left at least 14 dead and 11 injured, two of them critically. Video pictures of the carnage circulated in social media.

The gangs involved were “Baghdad” and “The Moon”.

Police reported that they were able to enter the prison after the exchange of shots between inmates in halls 13 and 14.

They recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 3 9mm guns, a 380 pistol, and a 38-caliber revolver

Four 911 ambulances arrived to evacuate the injured to the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetatos hospital centers in Tocumen and Santo Tomás hospital. .

Meanwhile,  President  Laurentino Cortizo, said that the presence of weapons at the La Joyita prison reveals that there is some kind of cooperation from the custodians, and he warned he will not allow this situation to be repeated.

"This is an issue that we have to stop, a few weeks ago a requisition was made and weapons were found and now, again. The weapons do not fall from the sky, we will investigate and make decisions, 'said the president.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/14-dead-11-injured-in-la-joyita-prison-gun-battle-1

[Moderator_02]

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President acts as death toll in prison massacre rises to 15

Posted 18/12/2019

President Laurentino Cortizo wasted no time in following through on his promise that there would be “consequences” following the Tuesday afternoon massacre in La Joyita prison, where the death toll has now risen to 15, with 13 detainees still hospitalized with severe injuries.

On Wednesday, December 18 he ordered the firing of  Walter Hernández, director of the Penitentiary System along with the deputy director Luis Gordón and José Melamed, chief commissioner of the external security of the prison complex, and deputy commissioner Ismael Arguelles, chief of external security and Corporal Rigoberto Pérez, who was on duty in Hall 14.

The president announced  the measure through his Twitter account, minutes after a press conference at the Presidency, where he had announced that "hard and unrelated measures" would be applied

At the conference, Cortizo also said that the ministries of Government and Public Security have two weeks to deliver a full report of what happened at La Joyita on Tuesday

"In those two weeks I want to have the answers and the actions we must take, as soon as possible," he added. "We have to proceed to investigate each of the responsible persons, be it custodians or members of the public force," he said.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/president-acts-as-death-toll-in-prison-massacre-rises-to-15

[Moderator_02]

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Security boss sidesteps criticism after jail massacre

A La Prensa cartoonist's take on the Minister's reaction to the jail massacre

Posted 21/12/2019

Public Security Minister Rolando Mirones facing increasing criticism over mounting street crime capped by the Tuesday massacre of 15 inmates of La Joyita prison, and the uncovering of arsenals of weapons inside the penitentiary said on Saturday, December 21 that he will continue in his position. despite the criticism he has received in recent days

 “We have to work regardless of what social networks [Citizens]say.  They have every right to have an opinion ... But it is exactly the same thing they say to a fireman, who is putting out a fire, not to continue because he is to blame for the fire,” Mirones said after a meeting in the National Emergency Service with the National Police and the Ministry of Government, responsible for preparing the report demanded by President Laurentino Cortizo on what happened in La Joyita on December 17.

According to Mirones :  “We are part of the solution, we are not part of the problem. We have a very difficult situation and believe me I doubt very much that there is a volunteer who wants to come and do our work. ”

Mirones said that at the meeting they also discussed plans to "prevent future situations" like the one that occurred in the prison..

He said  that what they have found in recent days is “the product of neglect that I would think has built up over  10 years such as the entry of weapons and drugs.

In La Joyita they found places where the weapons that were used for the massacre were kept. "They are weapons that were in a place that is impossible to have been done without noise," he said.  Special equipment could have been used to make the hiding places. "We are even talking about engineering work," he said.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/security-boss-sidesteps-criticism-after-jail-massacre

[Moderator_02]

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Six National Police probed following Panama jail massacre

Jorge Miranda

Posted 23/12/2019

Six agents of the National Police (PN) are under investigation following the December 17  gun battle in La Joyita prison that left 15 dead and a dozen injured. More police probes are expected

Jorge Miranda. Director of the PN said Miranda said the officers are suspended from duty and the results of the inquiries will determine whether the number of agents under investigation increases.

He said that police actions will continue within prisons, where a thousand police officers have been drafted in as ordered by President, Laurentino Cortizo.

He that in six months, 10 seizure operations have been carried out in the penitentiaries and. "It is surprising how the system could have reached this level of deterioration," said the official.

Since the massacre police raids have uncovered multiple weapons including an AK 47, heavy caliber pistols machetes, and knives. Along with drugs, cell phones, and laptops.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/six-national-police-probed-following-panama-jail-massacre

[Moderator_02]

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Smuggling route into  massacre jail

> LA JOYITA

Posted 28/12/2019

In the days remaining to the end of this year, the Ministries of Government and Public Security must deliver to the President of the Republic a report on the massacre in La Joyita. [prison]

On paper, the civil authorities of the Penitentiary System bear the greatest responsibility for this matter, although in practice it is not so. The National Police controls and monitors the internal and external security of La Joyita, and it is the entity that has dominated the penitentiary policy and the criterion of grouping prisoners deprived of their liberty by their geographical origin and not by their crime.

This has strengthened gangs. Speculations about the horrendous killing of 15 citizens have indicated alleged prison smuggling channels through the kitchen of the prison or supplies are thrown from outside  to the inner courtyards of La Joyita. Both situations would demonstrate a lack of vigilance and an absence of requisitions in the fateful pavilion 14. These are the responsibilities of the National Police. The change in institutional practices starts with the identification of the real causes of the massacre. The first thing is to start by telling the truth – LA PRENSA, Dec.28

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/smuggling-route-into-massacre-jail

[Uncle Doug]

In every prison, the overwhelming source of contraband is smuggled in by the guards.  For the situation in La Joyita to be this out of control, every guard had to have known.

[JohnF13]

Doug, it comes down to money.  If (and I'm only guessing) prison guards get paid around $600/month, then if someone associated to a, for example, a drug smuggling gang with virtually unlimited resources offers something similar for bringing in a "package" it can be hard for someone to resist.  As you suggest, though, I think there is a network amongst the guards and bribes are paid.  How to fix it?  I have ideas, but being an expat Panas are not interested in our input.

 

[Moderator_02]

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Prison massacre report on Tuesdaty

President Cortizo

Posted 06/01/2020

PRESIDENT  Cortizo will present on Tuesday. January 7  a final report on the  La Joyita prison massacre led to the deaths of 15 inmates on  December 17.  2019, which left 15 dead. Cortizo explained that he asked the government ministers, Carlos Romero and Security, Minister  Rolando Mirones, to prepare separate reports of what happened, by 9:00 am Tuesday, when he will be meeting with them, for the preparation of the final report which will be announced at h a televised conference.

The Office of Homicide and Feminicide requested an imputation hearing as part of the investigation that is being carried out, for the death of the prisoners. The Prosecutor's Office has identified at least five prisoners, suspected of having allegedly used firearms in the incident in Hall 14 of La JoyitaThe weapons included  AK-47 rifles, and  9 mm  pistols

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/prison-massacre-report-on-tuesdaty

[Moderator_02]

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Cortizo ok with prison admin report

Posted 09/01/2020

President Laurentino Cortizo, said on Thursday, January 9 that he feels “satisfied” with the “administrative” report in relation to the massacre in the La Joyita prison, which occurred on December 17, which left 13 dead and 14 injured

“The other investigation of what actually happened in the incidents is handled by the Public Ministry, ”said Cortizo.

In the report, high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Public Security and Government were cleared of administrative responsibilities and processes for the massacre.

However, the director in charge of the prison, Alexandra Vence, was dismissed. In addition, the administrative process will begin with the custodian Javier Carter, head of internal security of the prison; to Ismael Arguelles, who was the head of external security of the penal center; and José Vidal Franco Calderón, prison chief.

Processes will not be applied to Walter Hernández, director of the Penitentiary System; and Deputy Director Luis Gordón, who had been separated from their positions. Nor will there be a process for commissioners José Melamed, Alberto Correa, and Corporal Roberto Pinto reports La Prensa.

On the current situation of the prisons, Cortizo said that work has to be started "from the outside in. We can't have a prison with the fences we have right now ... there are places where there is no fence."

He also spoke of the need for new penal centers in Colón and Darién, ease the large number of prisoners in La Joya and La Joyita.

In his  report, the Minister of Public Security, Rolando Mirones , made an extensive account of the shortcomings of the La Joya Prison Complex , which houses the La Joyita, La Joya, and La Nueva Joya prisons. He said there are no perimeter walls, nor video surveillance systems.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/cortizo-ok-with-prison-admin-report

[Moderator_02]

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Prison massacre hearings underway

Posted 03/02/2020

Homicide Prosecutor David Mendoza, on Monday, February 3  charged 12 people with the alleged homicide, and attempted homicide, of 13 prisoners who were killed in the La Joyita prison massacre, on December 17, 2019.

The  hearing at the La Joya Penitentiary Complex took place behind closed doors, and under strict security measures.

Prosecutor Mendoza requested the indictments after collecting security videos from the prison, and conducting interviews with several of the inmates who witnessed the shooting.

After the incidents at the prison, the National Police conducted requisition operations and recovered three Ak-47 rifles, three 9 mm guns, a 380 caliber pistol and a 38 caliber revolver.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/prison-massacre-hearings-underway

[Moderator_02]

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Fishing hook, knivrs, cell phones. handcuff keys seized in jail raid

Posted 09/02/2020

A fishing hook,  sharp weapons, 36 cell phones, 18 hearing aids, electronic heaters, handcuff keys, tools, and appliances, among other items, were seized during the latest search carried out by the National Police at the La Mega Joya prison.

"These findings will be used in the administrative investigations of several officials within this penal center," the police said in a statement.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/fishing-hook-knivrs-cell-phones-handcuff-keys-seized-in-jail-raid

[Moderator_02]

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26 new police deployed to escape scandal prison

Posted 09/02/2020

The National Police authorities have assigned    26 new officers to security and surveillance tasks at the La Joya prison complex, following the  February 3 escape of multiple murderer Gilberto Ventura Ceballos from a maximum-security cell, allegedly with the connivance of police at the penitentiary.

According to the General Order of the Day (OGD) of the National Police (PN) on February 6, among the officers sent to La Joya are Commissioner José Melamed, who had already been on duty at La Joyita prison, when the On December 17, 2019, there was a riot and massacre that left 13 inmates dead and 14 wounded, in some cases with AK-47 weapons.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/26-new-police-deployed-to-escape-scandal-prison-1

[Moderator_02]

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Frustran intento de evasión en el centro penitenciario La Joya

Unidades motorizadas de la Policía Nacional en la cárcel La Joya

Nimay González • 25 Mar 2020 - 09:28 PM

Este miércoles se registró un intento de evasión en el Centro Penitenciario La Joya, el cual fue frustrado por unidades de la Policía Nacional y del cuerpo de custodios, según informó el Ministerio de Gobierno, a través de la Dirección General del Sistema Penitenciario (DGSP).

Se registró un intento de fuga en La Joya. Viola Guevara

“La rápida acción de la Policía Nacional y el cuerpo de custodios, logró frustrar un intento de evasión en el centro penitenciario La Joya, restableciendo el orden de inmediato en la sección B del penal”, indica en un comunicado.

Agrega que se dio inicio a una investigación interna sobre este hecho, a fin de establecer responsabilidades, además se puso al tanto a las autoridades competentes para que determinen si esta situación amerita sanción penal para los implicados.

“La DGSP no tolerará actos que atenten contra la sana convivencia en pro de la resocialización en los centros penitenciarios y actuará en estricto cumplimiento de la ley para sancionar a aquellos reclusos que pretendan desestabilizar el buen funcionamiento de la institución y destruir propiedad del Estado”, enfatiza.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Attempt to escape is frustrated at La Joya penitentiary
 

<<5568e383-be0e-4966-8ae4-f8ef412812e3_16-9-aspect-ratio_default_0.jpg>>

Motorized units of the National Police in La Joya prison

Nimay González • Mar 25, 2020 - 09:28 PM

This Wednesday there was an attempt to escape at the La Joya Penitentiary Center, which was thwarted by units of the National Police and the body of custodians, according to the Ministry of Government, through the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System (DGSP) .

An escape attempt was recorded at La Joya. Viola Guevara

"The rapid action of the National Police and the body of custodians managed to thwart an escape attempt at the La Joya prison, restoring order immediately in section B of the prison," it said in a statement.

He adds that an internal investigation into this fact was launched, in order to establish responsibilities, and the competent authorities were also brought up to date to determine whether this situation warrants criminal punishment for those involved.

"The DGSP will not tolerate acts that attempt against healthy coexistence in favor of resocialization in penitentiary centers and will act in strict compliance with the law to sanction those inmates who seek to destabilize the proper functioning of the institution and destroy state property", emphasizes.

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https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2020/03/26/frustran-evasion-centro-penitenciario-joya/2716481.html

[Moderator_02]

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Easing of corruption jailing, tougher for COVID-19 offenders

El Renacer prison doors will open for some

Posted 22/04/2020

Alleged  corruption offenders in preventive detention awaiting trial may benefit  from a draft law  intended  to reduce  Panama’s prison population during the COVID-19 pandemic

On  Tuesday, April 21 The Government Committee of the National Assembly approved in the first debate,  a draft law, which would allow detainees to request a replacement of the precautionary measure with a less serious one if they have already spent 6 months behind bars and are not serving previous sentences.

It would apply to crimes like larceny, fraud, money laundering smuggling, and customs fraud, Crimes against Intellectual property, crimes against the administration of justice, crimes against the environment, and all crimes that according to to the penal code have a minimum sentence of four years in prison.

Excluded are  those charged with crimes against life and personal integrity robbery, kidnapping, extortion, crimes against individual freedom,  crimes against sexual freedom, domestic violence,  child  and family abuse  trafficking of minors, offenses against collective security public health, and offenses related to drugs, piracy, organized Crime, and  Illicit association, possession and Traffic of weapons and explosives,

The draft law also modifies the Penal Code, with 10-year prison terms for acts of vandalism or hinder the work of medical personnel, the public force and volunteers who are carrying out sanitary and humanitarian tasks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/easing-of-corruption-jailing-tougher-for-covid-19-offenders

[Moderator_02]

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Prisoner with coronavirus dies in Santiago jail

Posted 31/05/2020

The Ministry of Government (Mingob),  confirmed on Sunday, May 31  the death of a prisoner in Santiago who  had tested positive for COVID-19 and had diabetes, reports TVN.

Earlier reports indicated that 64% of prisoners in Santiago had tested positive for COVID 19

The Ministry reported that the inmate had been isolated in a special area of the Police Training Academy of the Veraguas Police station.

The Penitentiary System said that due to his chronic health condition, he had applied to be transferred to house arrest, but was denied, The death was reported to his relatives.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/prisoner-with-coronavirus-dies-in-santiago-jail

[Moderator_02]

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702 prisoners with coronavirus

Jails are being disinfectd

Posted 04/06/2020

The number of cases of coronavirus in Panama’s overcrowded prisons has climbed to 702  confirmed the Penitentiary System on Thursday, June 4.

The center of Santiago (Veraguas) has the highest number of affected detainees.

There gas been an increase of 38 new cases since  Monday.

The management of the Penitentiary System said that there are 133 cases in the Santiago prison and that yesterday, Wednesday, the inmates who are not infected were transferred to the Ifarhu facilities in the province.

"The individuals were transferred to the facilities of the Institute for the Training and Use of Human Resources (Ifarhu), located in Santiago, in coordination with the health authorities, to prevent the virus from continuing to spread within the prison compound, said a statement

To date  of the 702 registered cases, there are 36 recovered and one death.

The Nueva Joya prison has the second-most cases of Covid-19 with 265..

In the Women's Rehabilitation Center there are 98 (21 recovered) and 26 in Nueva Esperanza, in Colón province.

There are  17,882 prisoners in jails across the country.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/702-prisoners-with-coronavirus

[Moderator_02]

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Covid tests in Punta Coco as prison cases top over 800

Posted 19/06/2020

Tests for the detection of COVID-19, have been  carried out on prisoners, police, and custodians  at the Punta Coco maximum security prison, which houses some of Panama’s most dangerous criminals

The application of the tests was coordinated in conjunction with the Ministry of Health (Minsa)

The latest report released by the Minsa  showed hat in different prison centers in the country, there were 815 positive cases, 703 recovered, 104 active positive, 2 hospitalized and one death

The La Nueva Joya Penitentiary Center has the most positive cases (344) followed by the Santiago Public Prison in Veraguas with 313 positive cases.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/covid-tests-in-punta-coco-as-prison-cases-top-over-800