Prison Break in Haiti Leaves 12 Dead

A violent prison break in Saint-Marc, Haiti, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 to 12 inmates, amid ongoing protests over dire living conditions, including insufficient food and health care. The chaos erupted on August 16, as inmates staged a protest while prison guards were reportedly on strike, which some officials fear could signify complicity in the breakout. Eyewitness accounts and unverified social media footage captured the turmoil, showing inmates climbing over walls amidst explosions and dense smoke. Local officials confirmed that the prison, housing around 540 inmates, is now under control, but significant destruction occurred, including the burning of dormitories and archives. This incident marks the third such prison break in recent months, reflecting Haiti's broader humanitarian crisis and escalating gang violence, despite international security efforts. The situation underscores the challenges facing the Haitian government and the urgent need for reform in its prison system.