An inmate was stabbed by another inmate at the Concepción penitentiary compliance center (CPP Biobío) while a telematic hearing was taking place in the Criminal Oral Trial Court.
The aggressor took advantage of an oversight on the part of one of the guards to attack the victim with a knife in full view of the participants who were also connected to the hearing.
“When they were interviewing a witness, he approached the other inmate from behind and stabbed him at shoulder height,” said Ángela Contreras, lawyer for the attacked prisoner.
The professional also criticized that the incident occurred “without the Gendarmerie noticing, in a special facility conditioned for inmates to connect to hearings in the diffrent courts,” which in her opinion It is indeed “one more example of the tremendous prison crisis”through which the country passes.
The attack was confirmed by the Gendarmerie,which began an internal examination to clarify what happened.
“The incident occurred around noon, when a prisoner caused minor injuries to the inmate who was in the same room, who was quickly transferred to the criminal hospital, without major complications,” indicated the association.
“This is the third time that this situation has occurred in the custody of the Gendarmerie, therefore, they are clearly not in a position to ensure the life and physical integrity of the people who are deprived of liberty,” claimed lawyer Contreras, who requested the transfer of his client to another prison.
One of these attacks occurred on December 5 when he was attacked in the face during an in-person hearing, which is why the decision was made to continue the hearing electronically, with the results known today.
In April, meanwhile, he was also attacked with a knife, leaving them with serious injuries that had to be treated at the Regional Hospital of Concepción.
The victim of the attack is serving preventive detention in the Penquista prison, within the framework of an investigation in which he is accused of attempted homicide and possession of ammunition.
The transfer request will be heard on Monday.
2024-12-13 21:18:00
How can the safety of inmates in Chilean prisons be effectively improved?
Interview: Addressing the Alarm over Inmate safety in Chile’s Prisons
Published on december 13, 2024, by Time.news
Interviewer: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ángela Contreras, a legal expert specializing in prison law, too discuss the recent alarming incident at the Concepción penitentiary compliance center (CPP Biobío), where an inmate was stabbed during a telematic court hearing. Thank you for joining us, Ángela.
Ángela Contreras: Thank you for having me.
Interviewer: To start off, could you briefly describe the incident and its implications for inmate safety in Chilean prisons?
Ángela Contreras: Certainly. The recent stabbing occurred while court hearings were being conducted electronically, which should have provided a controlled environment. Unfortunately, the attacker exploited a moment of oversight by the guards and approached his target from behind, injuring him at shoulder height. This incident exemplifies a serious breakdown in security protocols at a facility specifically designed for inmate hearings. It raises significant concerns about the ability of the Gendarmerie to ensure the safety of individuals in their custody.
Interviewer: This wasn’t an isolated incident, correct? You mentioned it was the third attack involving the same inmate. Could you elaborate on past occurrences?
Ángela Contreras: Yes, this is indeed the third time such an attack has taken place involving my client. Previously, he was attacked during an in-person hearing and on another occasion, suffered serious injuries from a knife attack that required hospitalization. These recurring incidents underscore a systemic issue within the prison system,pointing to an urgent need for reform.The fact that these attacks are happening repeatedly within the care of the Gendarmerie indicates that they are failing to protect those in their custody.
Interviewer: You have called this situation a reflection of the “tremendous prison crisis” in the country. Can you elaborate on what that statement encompasses?
Ángela Contreras: Certainly. The prison crisis in Chile involves overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and a lack of trained personnel, which ultimately leads to violence and safety issues.In this specific case, the fact that a serious attack could occur during a scheduled court hearing indicates not just a failure of security but a deeper issue with the management of inmate safety and resources. If the Gendarmerie can’t maintain order or respond proactively to such threats, we must question the overall integrity of our correctional facilities.
Interviewer: What would be some practical recommendations to enhance inmate safety and address this crisis?
Ángela Contreras: Enhancing safety requires urgent action from multiple fronts. First, improving staff training to recognize and prevent potential threats is essential. Secondly, increasing the number of guards during critical times, like court hearings, could minimize the likelihood of similar incidents. re-evaluating the conditions within the facilities—including security measures, inmate classification, and mental health support—can definitely help reduce tensions and improve overall safety.
Interviewer: Given the circumstances surrounding your client’s situation, what steps are you advocating for regarding his transfer request?
Ángela contreras: My client’s safety is paramount. we’re requesting his transfer to a more secure facility that offers better protection against potential attacks. I believe this situation calls for immediate action from the authorities so that he—and others in similar circumstances—can feel safe while navigating the judicial process.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ángela, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the safety of inmates is a critical concern that demands prompt attention and action.
Ángela Contreras: Thank you for highlighting this crucial issue.I hope that through continued dialog and advocacy, we can improve conditions for all individuals in the prison system.
End of Interview
Keywords: inmate safety,prison crisis,Concepción penitentiary compliance center,Gendarmerie,telematic hearings,prison reform
