A recent prison riot in Veracruz, Mexico, resulted in the tragic deaths of seven inmates and left 11 others injured. This outbreak of violence occurred as inmates protested their treatment, claiming mistreatment from a criminal group known as “Grupo Sombra.”
Authorities reported that the unrest began on Saturday afternoon and lasted into the night. Inmates managed to take control of the prison for a full 12 hours.
To restore order, Veracruz officials coordinated with military forces, successfully regaining control of the facility. A statement from the state security ministry confirmed the fatalities and injuries, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The injured inmates are currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals. Additionally, three inmates were transferred to another facility following the riot.
The unrest escalated when prisoners demanded that human rights activists and members of the press be allowed into the prison, alleging that the “Grupo Sombra” was engaging in abusive and extortionate practices against them.
This prison, which housed 778 inmates as of June, was over its designed capacity of 735, reflecting ongoing issues within the Mexican prison system. Veracruz is noted for its high levels of violence, further complicating the safety situation for both inmates and staff.
