Informe sobre la situación de las cárceles en Bolivia: avances marginales y desafíos importantes

La reforma penitenciaria introducida por el Gobierno del MAS en Bolivia se enfrenta a obstáculos importantes, pero ha demostrado que está resuelta a enfrentar los problemas instituciones en los organismos judiciales, la policía y los sistemas carcelarios a través de diversas iniciativas. Más información, en inglés, está disponible abajo.

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by Linda Farthing for the Andean Information Network

Chronic overcrowding, largely created by an overuse of preventive detention, is endemic in Bolivia’s prison system. Most Bolivians support locking up those accused of crimes until their trials take place, believing that it serves to reduce delinquency .[1] The U.S. imposed Drug Law 1008 further exacerbates the congested conditions.

Institutional weakness of the police and judiciary further violate the rights of incarcerated populations, especially the most vulnerable: indigenous peoples, women and juveniles. Efforts by the current government (MAS – Movimiento al Socialismo) at reform have led to declines in pre-trial detention, female incarceration, and drug-related sentences. Nonetheless, police and judicial corruption, insufficient funding, and continuing public opposition to alternatives to incarceration continue to impede any improvement.

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