PRESS RELEASE

 

 

Nš 6/05

 

 

THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS DEPRIVED OF FREEDOM OF THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES ITS PROFOUND CONCERN AT THE VIOLENT EVENTS AT THE HIGUEY PRISON IN

 THE DOMINCAN REPUBLIC

 

 

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Freedom of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expresses its profound concern at the violent events at the prison in Higuey, in the Dominican Republic, on March 6 and 7, 2005.

 

According to reports, there was a violent clash among the inmates of the Higuey prison, as a result of which over 100 people were killed and several dozen wounded.

 

The IACHR considers these events extremely serious and urges the Dominican state to take the necessary measures to guarantee the life and safety of the inmates at the Higuey prison and in all other detention centers in the country.  These measures should focus on preventing the recurrence of such clashes, violence, and loss of human life. 

 

 

Washington, D.C., March 7, 2005