On December 25, 2023, approximately 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, following a violent rebellion related to post-election protests. Police reported casualties and raised concerns over the release of convicted terrorists among the escapees. Authorities have called for voluntary surrender and public assistance in locating the fleeing inmates, amid ongoing unrest in the country.
On Christmas Day, a significant upheaval occurred at the Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique, where approximately 6,000 inmates escaped during a rebellion linked to ongoing post-election disturbances. Police Chief Bernardino Rafael reported that the escape resulted from protests following the Constitutional Council’s affirmation of the Frelimo party’s electoral victory. Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of 33 inmates, while 15 others sustained injuries amid violent clashes with security forces. During the upheaval, prisoners seized weapons from guards, facilitating their mass escape. The alarming situation also involved pardoning convicted terrorists among the fleeing inmates, raising severe concerns within the nation’s defense and security circles. Videos depicting the escape circulated on social media, with some inmates attempting to conceal themselves in local residences; however, several were apprehended shortly thereafter. As the authorities strive to manage this crisis, they urge the escaped inmates to surrender voluntarily and call upon the public to aid in tracking down the fugitives.
Mozambique has recently experienced political turmoil following the October 9 elections, which solidified the Frelimo party’s grip on power. This political landscape has led to widespread unrest, with protests resulting in destruction to infrastructure and heightened tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement. The breach of security at the high-security prison amidst these events illustrates the severe implications of the unrest and poses a substantial threat to public safety, especially with numerous violent offenders now at large.
The mass prison break in Mozambique during the Christmas riots underscores the dangerous intersection of political unrest and public safety. The survival of escaped inmates, particularly convicted terrorists, alarms authorities and indicates the need for robust measures to restore order and security within the country. The situation remains fluid, with the police urging for community engagement in tracking down the fugitives.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
