New prison director announces inmate reclassification: 'Inmates will not run the system'

Chanan Singh, the newly appointed Director General of Panama's Penitentiary System, has announced a significant initiative to reclassify all inmates, a process set to begin this Wednesday. This move is part of a broader strategy to restore order within the nation's correctional facilities and to segregate prisoners according to the gravity of their offenses.

The reclassification process, which had reportedly fallen out of use, will initially be implemented at the Tinajitas penitentiary center before being extended to other facilities. Singh explained that inmates will be categorized into three groups: low, medium, and high-level offenders. This classification will consider the severity of the crime and the corresponding sentence, regardless of whether the individual has been convicted or is awaiting trial. The objective is to isolate those involved in more dangerous crimes and organized crime networks.

Singh issued a direct warning against the current state of inmate control within some prisons, stating, "Inmates are not going to run the system. The State and the penitentiary system will assume their responsibility. The control of inmates within the penitentiary system is over." This declaration comes in the wake of a recent mass escape from the La Joya, La Joyita, and La Nueva Joya prison complex. To prevent future escapes, Singh confirmed that perimeter security measures will be enhanced, including repairing fences and implementing anti-drone systems. The National Police will secure external perimeters, while internal prison guards will manage the pavilions.

Investigations into the recent escape are ongoing, with Singh promising that the identities of those responsible, both internal and external, will be revealed soon. Furthermore, the director confirmed plans for a new mega-prison, to be constructed through a public-private partnership, although its location is still under review. Additional penitentiary projects are also planned for Penonomé and Veraguas.

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Los privados de libertad no van a mandar en el sistema. El Estado y el sistema penitenciario van a asumir su responsabilidad. Se acabó el control de los privados de libertad dentro del sistema penitenciario.