Colombia's Justice Minister‑designate Cancino pushes prison reform plan

Designated Justice Minister Iván Cancino, appointed by President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella, said the upcoming justice reform will prioritize the prison system. He highlighted that Colombian prisons operate at over 21 % beyond capacity and announced a program to build "mega‑prisons" to relieve overcrowding.

Cancino emphasized that the new facilities are intended to improve conditions – health, food, family visits – and to prevent criminal organizations from operating inside prisons, not to increase the number of inmates. The reform will also expand prison capacity, strengthen administration, and include a criminal policy aimed at dismantling gang influence within detention centers.