Paraguay's Prisons Struggle with Overcrowding Amid Gang Control Efforts

Paraguay's prison system is facing severe overcrowding, with a population exceeding 17,600 inmates in facilities designed for nearly 10,000. This situation has persisted despite recent government efforts to address various issues, including gang control. The country, which has 18 prisons, is grappling with the influence of drug trafficking, contributing to the challenges within its correctional facilities. A recent visit by an Associated Press photographer revealed the dire conditions in several prisons, particularly in Tacumbú, the largest facility, where cells meant for five inmates often house over 15. Inmates struggle for privacy and basic comforts, with many sleeping on thin mattresses on the floor. The conditions in male prisons starkly contrast with those in the female facility, El Buen Pastor, which appears cleaner and less crowded. Inmates engage in various activities to pass the time, including sports and religious ceremonies, but the lack of dining areas forces them to eat in their cells or hallways. The situation is exacerbated by lengthy wait times for trials, as illustrated by the case of Atiliano Cuyer, who has been detained for ten months without resolution. The systemic issues within Paraguay's justice system highlight the broader challenges faced by the country, where access to justice is often contingent on financial resources. The ongoing overcrowding crisis underscores the urgent need for reform in the prison system and the judicial process.