Haitian inmates are dying of thirst and starvation in severely overcrowded jails

Haitians are dying of thirst and starvation in severely overcrowded jails

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The emaciated inmate in black shorts lay on a thin mat in Haiti’s most notorious prison, isolated from other prisoners at Port-au-Prince’s National Penitentiary because of drug-resistant tuberculosis. He slowly sat up to talk to a visiting reporter and more than 70 fellow tuberculosis patients gathered at the door of the neighboring cell to complain about their suffering while detained, many on minor charges like th…

Haitians are dying of thirst and starvation in severely overcrowded jails

The United Nations says 185 inmates died in Haiti last year – many of malnutrition-related diseases.

The United Nations says 185 inmates died last year, many of them from diseases related to malnutrition, and more than 20 have died so far this year.

Haitians dying of thirst, starvation in overcrowded jails

Haitian law allows people to be held legally without charge for only 48 hours. But in Haiti, the law often isn’t followed.

Haitian inmates are dying of thirst and starvation in severely overcrowded jails

Haitian inmates are thirsty, starving and sleeping standing up because they don't have enough room to lie down. The United Nations says 185 inmates died in Haiti last year -- many of malnutrition-related diseases. This year, more than 20 have died so far.

Haitians are dying of thirst and starvation in severely overcrowded jails

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The emaciated inmate in black shorts lay on a thin mat in Haiti’s most notorious prison, isolated from other prisoners at Port-au-Prince’s National Penitentiary because of drug-resistant tuberculosis. He slowly sat up to talk to a visiting reporter and more than 70 fellow tuberculosis patients gathered at the door of the neighboring cell to complain about their suffering while detained, many on minor charges like the…