Saint-Marc, Haiti (Clarity Times) August 17, 2024:- An attempted prison escape at the Saint-Marc Civil Prison resulted in the deaths of 15 inmates, with one successfully escaping and six others hospitalized. At the time of the incident, the facility held 534 detainees—477 men and 17 women—compared to 550 reported on August 15. A source within the penitentiary administration confirmed the information to Haitian radio station Métronome FM. According to our source, authorities have since regained control, and all inmates are now back in their cells.
Prison escapes have become increasingly common in Haiti since the beginning of 2024, reflecting deepening security challenges. A massive breakout at the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince just months earlier left the country reeling. Leading up to that incident, sporadic gunfire was reported near the prison, and warnings circulated online as gangs openly discussed plans to attack the facility.
On March 2, 2024, amidst heavy gunfire, the attackers succeeded in breaching the prison, leading to one of the most significant prison breaks in Haiti’s history. Thousands of detainees escaped, with reports later revealing that many security personnel were absent or had retreated due to the intensity of the assault. Despite prior knowledge of the attack, authorities failed to provide adequate reinforcements, raising concerns about collusion within the system.
These events highlight the worsening state of Haiti’s prison system, where coordinated attacks and frequent escapes have become a distressing trend. The recent Saint-Marc escape attempt is just the latest chapter in this ongoing crisis.
