The Prison Dilemma in the Americas

COLOMBIA / 16 FEB 2017

This series of five case studies and one policy report explores how government mismanagement, neglect and corruption have made the jails in the region powerful incubators of organized crime.

Chapter 1

The Prison Dilemma: Latin America’s Incubators of Organized Crime

PRISONS / 19 JAN 2017

The prison system in Latin America and the Caribbean has become a prime incubator for organized crime. This overview -- the first of six reports on prison systems that we…

Chapter 2

Reign of the Kaibil: Guatemala’s Prisons Under Byron Lima

BARRIO 18 / 26 JAN 2017

Following Guatemala's long and brutal civil war, members of the military were charged, faced trial and sentenced to jail time. Even some members of a powerful elite unit known as…

Chapter 3

Where Chaos Reigns: Inside the San Pedro Sula Prison

BARRIO 18 / 2 FEB 2017

In San Pedro Sula's jailhouse, chaos reigns. The inmates, trapped in their collective misery, battle for control over every inch of their tight quarters. Farm animals and guard dogs roam…

Chapter 4

Colombia's Mirror: War and Drug Trafficking in the Prison System

AUC / 10 FEB 2017

Drug trafficking in Colombia’s prisons isn’t only run by prisoners, but also by the authorities controlling them.

Chapter 5

El Salvador Prisons and the Battle for the MS13’s Soul

BARRIO 18 / 16 FEB 2017

El Salvador's prison system is the headquarters of the country's largest gangs. It is also where one of these gangs, the MS13, is fighting amongst itself for control of the…

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About InSight Crime

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This week, InSight Crime’s Co-director Jeremy McDermott was interviewed by the Associated Press on developments in Haiti as the country continues its prolonged collapse. McDermott’s words were republished around the world,…

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Last week, InSight Crime published an investigation charting the story of Desafío, a 28-year-old Barrio 18 gang member who is desperate to escape gang life. But there’s one problem: he’s…

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