Prison fire incident sparks concerns

La Altagracia.- Yesterday, a fire broke out during a disturbance at the preventive prison in Higüey, located in La Altagracia province. The swift response of the Higüey Fire Department quickly brought the situation under control.

Videos circulating on social media depict the fire and the unrest, fortunately without any reported casualties. However, some footage shows inmates attempting to flee from the flames, with several covering their faces with shirts and towels.

This incident comes just weeks after a fatal fire at the La Victoria prison, reigniting concerns about the security of Dominican prisons. Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte, the bishop of the Diocese of La Altagracia, has urged authorities to address the issues within the country’s prison system.

He emphasized the importance of implementing measures to ensure the safety and order of these facilities. In a social media post, the bishop stated, “The attempted fire and disturbance by inmates at the Higüey preventive prison, in the heart of the city, echoing the events at the La Victoria prison, underscore the vulnerabilities of our nation’s prison system. It is imperative to restore law and order.”

The origins of the incidents leading to these tragedies trace back to a confrontation on March 6, 2005, when opposing factions engaged in a violent clash over control of a flag known as Vietnam.