Inmates Escape from Aquin Prison in Southern Haiti
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
02/13/2019 (Haiti) - According to international media sources, all 78 inmates of Aquin prison in southern Haiti escaped on Tuesday, 12 February, utilising the fact police were distracted by anti-government protests nearby. The prisoners reportedly refused to return to their cells as a demonstration occurred in front of the adjoining police station, and took advantage of the security forces involvement in quelling demonstrators to stage their escape. Barricades set up by protesters also blocked police reinforcements from arriving from Les Cayes, a town around 34 miles (55km) away. There have been no reports of any of the prisoners being re-apprehended.
Members are advised to exercise a heightened level of vigilance in the aforementioned areas at this time. All protests and large-scale gatherings should be avoided in Haiti, as even peaceful demonstrations can transform into violent episodes of unrest which can potentially prompt heavy-handed police crowd dispersal measures. Members are further advised to closely monitor local media sources for any further instructions from authorities and news regarding unrest in their area.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.