“Rancho, ranch!”: Palmasola inmates protest for three months without property owners

A protest shakes the Palmasola prison. Since noon this Tuesday, hundreds of prisoners rioted, demanding payment of property owners.

With signs in hand and shouting “Rancho! Ranch!”the inmates reported that they have not received food for almost a week due to a three-month debt maintained by the Government of Santa Cruz.

“We are asking for what is due to us. We haven’t eaten for two weeks as it should. Here there are elderly people and young people with health problems, who are also suffering from this situation,” said an inmate interviewed by television.

According to the national director of the Penitentiary Regime, Juan Carlos Pinturas, more than 11,000 prisoners in the department are affected.

“We have already sent the corresponding notes to the Government so that they comply with this payment. They are Bs 8 per intern, But we have not received the necessary resources for three months,” he explained.

At the site, the inmates showed empty pots and banners as a symbol of desperation due to the lack of food. Meanwhile, the mutiny continues, awaiting a solution.

Mario Aguilera, acting governor, admitted the debt, but justified the delay in the lack of resources.

“We are doing financial reengineering to comply with these obligations.”but it is important to remember that property management is a competence delegated by the national government, and this also affects other areas such as health and education,” Aguilera said.