Carcel Distrital, Bogotá, Colombia, Part 2

The Carcel Distrital is located in one of the most dangerous quarters of Bogotá. Nearly 950 men and 50 women are imprisoned here. Most are still awaiting their final judgment. Their long wait may last for years: Justice in Columbia works slowly. Very slowly.

This leads to great frustration. Many frustrated people in one place will always lead to great problems.

Disputes, fights, and riots are everyday occurrences.

The 170 staff members have their hands full with unannounced raids, inspections of the inmates, and fights for power with the prisoners.

The prisoners fight back. They play by their own rules – illegal ones. Even in prison, they continue to take drugs, carry weapons, and continue their illegal transactions. One is always involved: the boss of the gang! He has people around him to do his jobs, such as acquiring drugs and weapons.

If caught, they will be in trouble; the sanctions are solitary confinement, an extension of the sentence, or visiting bans.

Support and help from family are important for the inmates. On visiting days, they have two hours to pretend everything is ok, hold their children and their loved ones. After precisely two hours, they have to say farewell, not knowing when they will meet again.

The bleak life in prison continues with its daily fights.

All of the inmates share two wishes in common: They want out as quickly as possible, and they hope to never return! But they must fight for that: against both the slow course of justice and their criminal selves.