The event that occurred in Brazil has shocked the world. Inmates in Sao Paulo staged a revolt regarding the crackdown on coronavirus and tens of thousands escaped from prison. The uprising followed the cancellation of the temporary release of 34,000 inmates from a semi-open regime due to concerns about the spread of the virus. The chaos resulted in numerous inmates fleeing from various prisons in different cities.
A video captured the chaotic scene in the coastal city of Mongaguá, showing a large number of men running out of a prison that had a capacity of around 2,800 inmates. In a backdrop, a voice could be heard telling the escaping inmates to return on Monday.
According to reports, 400 prisoners managed to escape from the Centro de Progressão Penitenciária (CPP) Dr Rubens Aleixo Sendin in Mongaguá, while a rebellion was reported in another prison in Porto Feliz. A significant number of inmates also fled from locations in Tremembé and Mirandópolis.
The Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (SAP) issued a statement acknowledging the acts of insubordination that occurred in different penitentiary centers. The statement emphasized the necessity of the disruption and highlighted the potential health risks posed by the return of a large number of inmates to the vulnerable prison population amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Following the revolt, nine prison guards were taken hostage but later released. Some of the escaped prisoners have been recaptured, with reports suggesting that over 1,000 inmates might still be at large. Sao Paulo state, known for being the base of the powerful prison gang First Capital Command, is currently facing the challenges posed by the ongoing situation.