Five Inmates Break Out of High-Security Prison Near Lisbon
Five prisoners, including foreign nationals, escaped from Vale de Judeus prison near Lisbon using external assistance. The incident has sparked criticism over security measures and investment in the facility.
On September 7, 2024, a group of five inmates successfully escaped from Vale de Judeus, a high-security correctional facility located approximately 30 kilometers north of Lisbon. The escapees included individuals from Britain, Argentina, Georgia, and two Portuguese nationals, ranging in age from 33 to 61 years old.
According to prison authorities, the escape occurred at 10 a.m. local time (0900 GMT). The inmates utilized external assistance in the form of a ladder, which enabled them to scale the prison wall and access the outside world. Law enforcement agencies were promptly notified and deployed to apprehend the fugitives.
The two Portuguese escapees were serving 25-year sentences for a variety of serious offenses, including narcotics trafficking, participation in criminal organizations, larceny, armed robbery, and abduction. The other three foreign nationals had been incarcerated for crimes such as theft, kidnapping, and robbery.
Frederico Morais, president of the prison guards union, expressed strong criticism following the incident. He stated, "What failed here is the Portuguese state, due to the lack of guards and investment. Security is at stake." This statement highlights ongoing concerns about resource allocation and safety measures within the country's correctional system.
Vale de Judeus, established in 1953, has a capacity to house 560 inmates. The facility, originally designed to detain political prisoners during the Estado Novo regime, has a complex history. In 1978, it witnessed a significant escape attempt involving 124 prisoners. Over the years, the prison has undergone multiple renovations to enhance its security protocols.
Despite its high-security status, Vale de Judeus has faced challenges, including overcrowding and allegations of human rights violations. The prison implements various rehabilitation programs and includes workshops and educational spaces for inmate activities. However, this recent escape has brought renewed attention to the ongoing issues within the Portuguese prison system.
As of the time of reporting, the Justice Ministry, which oversees the prison system, had not provided an immediate comment on the situation. The search for the escaped inmates continues, with authorities working to ensure public safety and rectify the security breach at Vale de Judeus.
"What failed here is the Portuguese state, due to the lack of guards and investment. Security is at stake."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities worldwide, balancing rehabilitation efforts with the need for stringent security measures to protect public safety.
