Honduras has announced plans to construct a “megaprison” to address its soaring crime rates, following the example set by El Salvador’s controversial but seemingly effective approach to combating gang violence. The new facility is designed to house up to 20,000 inmates and will be located in an unpopulated area between the areas of Morocelí and Gracias a Dios. This move comes as Honduras seeks to tackle issues such as drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, arms trafficking, illicit association, and money laundering. The decision has sparked debate, with some praising the potential reduction in crime, mirroring El Salvador’s success, while others are concerned about human rights implications.
Honduras announces the construction of a megaprison capable of holding up to 20,000 inmates to combat a surge in crime.
The prison is to be built in an unpopulated area between Morocelí and Gracias a Dios, with current inmates from across 30 Honduran prisons to be immediately transferred there.
The initiative is inspired by El Salvador’s approach under President Nayib Bukele, which has significantly reduced homicide rates despite criticism from human rights groups.
Human rights organizations have criticized the model for suspending basic liberties, due process, and other human rights violations.
Despite the decrease in the intentional homicide rate in 2023 to 31 per 100,000 inhabitants, Honduras still has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro has emphasized the urgency of addressing high levels of crime through interventions in the most affected municipalities.
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