Prison facilities in Bolivia and Argentina face capacity and security challenges

Prison systems in Bolivia and Argentina are addressing different challenges regarding high-profile detainees and facility capacity.

In Bolivia, the Santo Domingo de Cantumarca Productive Readaptation Center in Potosí is facing extreme overcrowding. Originally designed in 2001 to hold 250 inmates, the population has tripled to over 800. The facility houses high-risk prisoners and is expected to soon accommodate former State Attorney General Roger Mariaca, who faces charges including organized crime and drug trafficking.

In Argentina, officials and United Nations representatives recently inspected the construction of a new high-profile prison in Piñero, Santa Fe. Known as ‘El Infierno’, the facility is designed to hold 1,152 inmates in specialized pavilions to enhance isolation, security, and control. The visit included prosecutors from various provinces and UN representatives, who signed an agreement with the local prosecution office during the inspection.