Panama to build maximum-security prison to isolate jailed crime leaders
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said the country will build a maximum-security prison and tighten jail rules to counter crimes directed from behind bars. The government says the plan would fully isolate gang leaders it accuses of still running extortion and killings from their cells. The move follows growing security concerns.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has announced that the country will build a new maximum-security prison and tighten jail rules. According to Mulino, the step aims to stop crimes being run from inside prison cells.
Described by the government as a "force majeure plan," the measure would fully isolate gang leaders the government says are still directing extortion and killings from their cells. Officials argue the current prison system has failed to cut off these leaders' communication with the outside.
The plan comes amid growing concerns over organized crime and security in the country. The government has not shared details on the construction timeline or cost, and how it will be implemented in terms of human rights and prison conditions will remain under watch.
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