Three prisoners killed in Papua New Guinea escape attempt

Three inmates died and five others sustained critical injuries during an attempted escape from Baisu Prison in Papua New Guinea's Western Highlands Province on Sunday. The prisoners scaled the prison fence, leading to the fatal shooting of three and the critical wounding of five others. Two escapees remain at large.

Papua New Guinea Correctional Service deputy commissioner David Suagu stated that attempted prison breaks are a recurring issue, particularly toward the end of the year. "It's almost the same across the country ... it happens randomly," he said. "We expect a high rate of escape, especially towards the later part of the year, and that is something that we are working towards addressing."

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It's almost the same across the country ... it happens randomly. We expect a high rate of escape, especially towards the later part of the year, and that is something that we are working towards adrressing.

Suagu attributed the successful escape attempt to the "deteriorating state" of the Baisu Correctional Institution's infrastructure. "It's in a deteriorating state, so consequently [they went] straight over the fence," he explained. Reports indicate that the prison's perimeter fencing has been compromised by rust, cracking concrete, unstable soil, and waterlogging, with replacement efforts underway with Australian assistance.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges with prison infrastructure in the country. Papua New Guinea's prison population stood at 5,373 as of mid-2023, according to the World Prison Brief.

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It's in a deteriorating state, so consequently [they went] straight over the fence.