Uruguay investigates detention center staff after youth escapes and riots

Uruguay's National Institute for Adolescent Social Inclusion (Inisa) has launched internal investigations targeting five officials amid a series of escapes and riots that have plagued youth detention centers this year. The latest incident involved a 17-year-old who escaped in late May from a center where he was serving a sentence for his alleged involvement in the homicide of a police officer.

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There are ongoing investigations into officials, and investigations have also occurred. There has been coordination with the Police and especially with the Ministry of the Interior to try to reinforce the external guards of the centers.

Sources indicate that suspicions of staff involvement with the detainees, some of whom have ties to organized crime, prompted the investigations. The situation has prompted Inisa authorities to appear before the Chamber of Representatives' Commission on Population and Development to address the ongoing security concerns. Conrado Rodríguez, a legislator who requested the appearance, described the recent escape as a "matter of considerable gravity."

Inisa officials reported that investigations into staff members are underway, alongside efforts to reinforce external security at the centers in coordination with the Police and the Ministry of the Interior. The discussions also addressed the management of inmates who are members of criminal gangs and the potential for classifying detainees to prevent conflicts. "We spoke about professionalism, and that many of the officials obviously keep this in mind when determining where each inmate goes," Rodríguez added.

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We spoke about professionalism, and that many of the officials obviously keep this in mind when determining where each inmate goes.

Jaime Saavedra, president of Inisa, affirmed the board's actions have received "resounding support." He highlighted ongoing protocol adjustments and consultations with advisors. "I detailed all the work we are doing together with the Ministry of the Interior to prepare for what we face today and especially for what is coming. The profile of some of the kids we are working with is increasingly challenging," Saavedra stated. The commission also heard from authorities from the Prosecutor's Office and the National Public Education Administration regarding the case of Jonathan Correa, a teenager killed by his father earlier this year.

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There is resounding support for the board's actions... I detailed all the work we are doing together with the Ministry of the Interior to prepare for what we face today and especially for what is coming. The profile of some of the kids we are working with is increasingly challenging.