Misiones prison intervened after two inmates escape; director removed

Authorities have intervened in the Misiones Regional Penitentiary in Paraguay and removed its director, Francisco Benítez, after two high-risk inmates escaped last week. The fugitives, Ignacio Cubilla and Pascual Benítez, were serving sentences for drug trafficking and homicide, respectively.

The intervention by the Ministry of Justice aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the escape. Arnaldo Maidana has been appointed as the interventor. Director Francisco Benítez, who had been in his role since April 1, 2025, was dismissed as part of the investigation. The escape occurred around 2:30 AM when the inmates forced open a cell bar in the admission ward. They then crossed the inner courtyard and cut through three perimeter fences to reach the outside.

Further investigation is focusing on security protocols at the time of the escape. Prosecutor Mirtha Valle noted that a guard post located near the escape point, about 20 meters from the main entrance, was unmanned. The guard reportedly left to assist a sick inmate in another part of the facility. Additionally, the guard post at the main entrance also lacked personnel coverage due to staff shortages. These security lapses are a key focus of the ongoing investigation into how the inmates managed to flee the facility.