…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Urgent Appeal from the Catholic Church in Honduras: Investigation into the Tragic Death of Women Inmates
The Catholic Church in Honduras has issued a plea to authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 48 women inmates on June 20 at the Women’s Center for Social Readaptation (CEFAS) in Tamara, near the capital city of Tegucigalpa.
Tragic Incident:
Local authorities reported that a confrontation between rival gangs inside CEFAS resulted in a fire, as well as shootings and stabbings.
The exact number of women who perished is yet to be determined.
The public prosecutor’s office initially stated that 41 women had died, while the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Honduras (OHCHR) reported 46 fatalities.
Some sources, including Bishop Ángel Garachana Pérez, claim that the number may be even higher.
Call for Investigation and Answers:
Bishop Garachana Pérez, the bishop emeritus of San Pedro Sula, expressed his grief and questioned when a comprehensive transformation of the corrupt and failed prison system would be undertaken.
He emphasized the need to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and called for answers to be provided.
Demand for Prison Security Reinforcement:
The Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa’s prison ministry demanded that the authorities shed light on the incident and insisted on the reinforcement of security measures within prisons.
They expressed concern about how firearms were able to enter the facility despite existing security procedures.
Appeal for Sensitivity and Action:
Father Juan Ángel López, spokesman for the Honduran Bishops’ Conference, expressed his lamentation over the cold statistics that fail to capture the real pain and make society insensitive to the tragedy.
He called for an end to excuses and urged prompt action to address the underlying issues.
Conclusion:
The tragic incident at CEFAS prison in Honduras has prompted a strong response from the Catholic Church, demanding a thorough investigation and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The call for a comprehensive transformation of the prison system underscores the urgent need for reform to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.
The Church’s demand for transparency and accountability is crucial in addressing the systemic challenges that contribute to such tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, it is vital that the authorities provide timely and accurate information to the public.
Efforts should be made to address the underlying issues within the prison system, including security measures and the prevention of illicit items entering the facilities.
It is through these actions that steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the lives of inmates.
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