Paraguay has recently undertaken an operation to tackle various issues within its prison system, such as internal gang control, but one challenge remains persistent: overcrowding. The nation, with 18 prisons having a total capacity for nearly 10,000 inmates, is currently accommodating over 17,600 prisoners, as per the latest data until the end of 2023.
With a population exceeding 6 million, Paraguay is recognised as a regional hub for drug trafficking. An Associated Press photographer was granted access to five different prisons in the country, where overcrowding was notably prevalent, except in the female detention centre.
Among the prisons visited was Tacumbú, the largest facility in Paraguay, which underwent a police raid nine months ago to regain control from the Rotela clan, a prominent gang extending its influence across streets and prisons. Inside Tacumbú, cells intended for five individuals now house more than 15, with inmates resorting to sleeping on thin mattresses on the floor and improvising privacy with towels.
In these minimum-security prisons, inmates engage more freely, participating in activities like stretching sessions, religious ceremonies, soccer games, and bingo. They seek ways to stay occupied, with some even offering to shine guards’ shoes for a small fee.
The female prison, ‘El Buen Pastor’ or Good Shepherd, presents a cleaner and less congested environment compared to the male facilities. In contrast to the male prisons, where eating often occurs in cells or hallways due to the absence of designated dining areas, female inmates have somewhat better conditions.
Despite the efforts to address overcrowding, the pervasive issue reflects systemic challenges within Paraguay’s justice system. Atiliano Cuyer, a 64-year-old detainee awaiting trial for domestic violence, expressed disillusionment with the justice process, highlighting the barrier that economic disparities pose for accessing justice.
The situation inside Paraguay’s prisons underscores the complex interplay between crime, incarceration, and the broader societal and economic dynamics at play. As the nation grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the need for comprehensive reform and support for both inmates and the justice system becomes increasingly apparent.