Brazil jails: Hundreds of inmates use Christmas release to escape
3rd January 2024, 11:06 CST
Davi de Carvalho (left), failed to return after he left to celebrate Brazil's national Children's Day in October last year. Saulo Cristiano Oliveira Dias (middle) and Paulo Sérgio Gomes da Silva (right) are among those who failed to return in December following their Christmas break.
By Sofia Ferreira Santos & Leonardo Rocha
BBC News
Police in Rio de Janeiro are searching for more than 250 prisoners who failed to return to jail after being allowed to spend Christmas with their families.
The inmates had been released on Christmas Eve, and were expected to report back by 22:00 local time on 30 December.
While most of the 1,785 prisoners granted leave returned to jail, more than 250 did not.
Those who failed to report back are now considered fugitives.
Local media say that among those who absconded are at least two infamous gang leaders.
Under Brazilian law, some prisoners are allowed to spend the most important public holidays at home.
To be eligible for temporary leave, inmates need to have demonstrated good behaviour, meet certain criteria and have their application approved by a judge.
More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67871776