Prisons are designed to provide secure custody for individuals who have been convicted of a crime. However, some prisons are more dangerous than others. These dangerous prisons are often characterized by overcrowding, poor living conditions, and high levels of violence.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 most dangerous prisons in the world in 2023, examining the reasons why they are considered dangerous and the number of inmates they house.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Prisons in the world 2023
10. Black Dolphin Prison, Russia
Black Dolphin Prison, located in the city of Sol-Iletsk in Russia, is one of the most notorious and dangerous prisons in the world. The prison has a capacity of 700 inmates but currently houses around 1,000 of Russia’s most dangerous criminals. The conditions in Black Dolphin are brutal, with inmates subjected to intense and prolonged periods of solitary confinement. The prison is known for its strict regime, with prisoners only allowed outside their cells for one hour a day.
The prison is equipped with advanced security measures, including guard towers, motion sensors, and high-tech surveillance cameras. The guards at Black Dolphin are highly trained and heavily armed, making the prison almost impossible to escape from. The harsh conditions and the prison’s reputation as a “living hell” have led to numerous cases of self-harm and suicide among inmates.
9. Carandiru Penitentiary, Brazil
Carandiru Penitentiary was once Brazil’s largest prison, with a capacity of 5,000 inmates. The prison was known for its overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which led to outbreaks of violence and disease. In 1992, a riot broke out in the prison, resulting in the deaths of 111 inmates. The incident became one of the deadliest prison riots in history, and the prison was subsequently closed in 2002.
During its operation, Carandiru was known for its gang violence, with rival factions fighting for control of the prison. The gangs were able to operate with impunity, often with the complicity of corrupt guards. The prison’s reputation for violence and corruption has led to a legacy of fear and distrust among Brazil’s prison population.
8. Al de Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador
Al de Ciudad Barrios is one of the most dangerous prisons in the world, with a capacity of 800 inmates but currently housing over 2,500. The prison is located in one of the most violent regions of El Salvador, and the inmates are predominantly members of rival gangs.
The prison is known for its extreme violence, with daily clashes between the rival gangs. The gangs are able to operate with impunity, often with the complicity of corrupt guards. The conditions in the prison are also brutal, with inmates living in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
7. Petak Island Prison, Russia
Petak Island Prison, located on the remote Petak Island in Russia’s Far East, is one of the most isolated and dangerous prisons in the world. The prison is used to house Russia’s most dangerous and violent criminals, including members of organized crime syndicates.
The conditions on Petak Island are harsh, with inmates subjected to extreme temperatures and isolated from the outside world. The prison is known for its brutal treatment of inmates, with reports of torture and abuse by prison guards. The harsh conditions and brutal treatment of inmates have led to a high rate of suicide and self-harm among prisoners.
6. Bang Kwang Prison, Thailand
Bang Kwang Prison, located in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, is known for its extreme conditions and harsh treatment of inmates. The prison houses over 8,000 inmates, including many foreign prisoners who have been convicted of drug trafficking.
The conditions in Bang Kwang are brutal, with inmates subjected to long periods of solitary confinement and restricted access to medical care. The prison is known for its high levels of violence, with frequent clashes between inmates. The harsh conditions and violence have led to a high rate of suicide and self-harm among prisoners.
5. La Sabaneta Prison, Venezuela
La Sabaneta Prison, located in the city of Maracaibo in Venezuela, is one of the most dangerous prisons in the world. The prison has a capacity of 15,000 inmates but currently houses around 27,000, making it one of the most overcrowded prisons in the world. The prison is known for its extreme violence and poor conditions, with inmates living in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
The prison is controlled by powerful gangs, who often have the support of corrupt guards. The gangs are known for their brutal treatment of inmates, with reports of torture and abuse common. The harsh conditions and violence have led to a high rate of suicide and self-harm among prisoners.
4. Alcatraz Island Prison, United States
Alcatraz Island Prison, located in the San Francisco Bay, is one of the most famous and notorious prisons in the world. The prison was used to house some of the United States’ most dangerous and violent criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud.
The prison was known for its harsh conditions, with inmates living in cramped and isolated cells. The prison was designed to be escape-proof, with high walls and strong currents in the surrounding waters. Despite this, there were several escape attempts, including the famous 1962 escape by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers.
3. Mendoza Prison, Argentina
Mendoza Prison, located in the city of Mendoza in Argentina, is known for its extreme violence and overcrowded conditions. The prison has a capacity of 1,000 inmates but currently houses over 1,500, leading to cramped and unsanitary living conditions.
The prison is controlled by powerful gangs, who often have the support of corrupt guards. The gangs are known for their brutal treatment of inmates, with reports of torture and abuse common. The harsh conditions and violence have led to a high rate of suicide and self-harm among prisoners.
2. Diyarbakir Prison, Turkey
Diyarbakir Prison, located in the city of Diyarbakir in Turkey, is known for its harsh treatment of political prisoners. The prison was used to house Kurdish activists and other political prisoners, who were subjected to torture and abuse by prison guards.
The conditions in Diyarbakir Prison were brutal, with inmates living in cramped and unsanitary conditions. The prison was known for its extreme violence, with frequent clashes between inmates and guards. The harsh conditions and violence led to a high rate of suicide and self-harm among prisoners.
1. Camp 22, North Korea
Camp 22, also known as Hoeryong concentration camp, is one of the most notorious prison camps in North Korea. The camp is used to house political prisoners, including those accused of opposing the government or attempting to defect.
The conditions in Camp 22 are brutal, with inmates subjected to forced labor, torture, and execution. The prison is known for its extreme violence and poor conditions, with inmates living in cramped and unsanitary conditions. The harsh conditions and violence have led to a high rate of death among prisoners, with estimates ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 deaths since the camp’s establishment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 most dangerous prisons in the world in 2023 are notorious for their harsh living conditions and high levels of violence. Black Dolphin Prison in Russia, Carandiru Penitentiary in Brazil, and Alcatraz Island Prison in the United States are some of the most famous and notorious prisons on the list.
These prisons are known for their extreme violence, overcrowding, and poor living conditions. The inmates who live in these prisons face constant danger and brutality from other inmates and prison guards alike.
While some efforts have been made to improve the conditions in these prisons, much work remains to be done to ensure that they are safe and humane places of confinement.