Related Article: Guatemalan prison guards held hostage by rioting inmates freed after 3 days - cbsnews.com - Saturday, August 16, 2025, 6:21:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: Guatemalan Ministry of the Interior, President of Guatemala, and National Prison Authorities
Goal: We call on the Guatemalan government and relevant authorities to implement humane prison reforms, prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, and end the use of solitary confinement.
The recent riots and hostage situations in Guatemalan prisons are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broken system. The transfer of gang leaders to solitary confinement, overcrowded facilities, and lack of access to basic services have fueled unrest and violence. Solitary confinement is internationally recognized as a form of torture when used for extended periods, causing severe psychological harm.
Instead of perpetuating cycles of violence and repression, Guatemala must address the root causes of gang activity and prison unrest: poverty, lack of rehabilitation programs, and inhumane conditions. True public safety can only be achieved by respecting the human rights of all individuals, including those incarcerated.
We urge the Guatemalan authorities to take immediate action to reform the prison system, end the use of solitary confinement, and invest in restorative justice and rehabilitation initiatives.