Top 10 Most Violent Prisons in the World
The only place more dangerous to live than prison is the world outside of it. A quick look at the evening news will convince any viewer that the world is a dangerous place to live. One violent crime is followed by another, and it becomes apparent that human nature has some serious flaws in it. Of course, not everybody feels the need to physically harm another person, but there are too many people who not only feel the compulsion, but embrace it willingly. Because the outside world is dangerous, criminal justice becomes vitally important to a healthy society. Prisons are designed to house criminals, and some prisons are designed specifically for the world’s most dangerous criminals. These are the criminals who pose the greatest threat to society.
While the hope of any criminal justice system is the reformation of a criminal’s character, housing the world’s most dangerous criminals together in a prison seems to make a prison’s violent atmosphere an inevitability. Added to that are the cruel conditions often created by some of the prisons’ staffs. The world’s most violent prisons are places where criminals fight daily either for their sanity or for their very survival. Following is a list of the top 10 most violent prisons in the world.
10. San Quentin Prison
San Quentin Prison was established in 1852 and is the oldest prison in the state of California. Although the prison has a gas chamber, the only executions performed there are by lethal injection. Violence is a continual issue at San Quentin even with a large staff of guards. A particular incident occurred in February 2006 when some racially motivated attacks resulted in the injuries of 100 inmates. Additionally, two inmates were killed. The prison is known for its poor conditions, and a 2005 report stated that “it is our opinion that it is dangerous to house people there.”
San Quentin Prison was established in 1852 and is the oldest prison in the state of California. Although the prison has a gas chamber, the only executions performed there are by lethal injection. Violence is a continual issue at San Quentin even with a large staff of guards. A particular incident occurred in February 2006 when some racially motivated attacks resulted in the injuries of 100 inmates. Additionally, two inmates were killed. The prison is known for its poor conditions, and a 2005 report stated that “it is our opinion that it is dangerous to house people there.”
9. Bang Kwang Prison
Bang Kwang Prison is located in Bangkok, Thailand and is nicknamed “the Bangkok Hilton.” However, it is far from being a place that anyone would want to stay. The prison is known for routine torture of its inmates. Inmates are crammed into small cells, and death row inmates are often given as little as two hours notice before they are dragged off to their execution.
Bang Kwang Prison is located in Bangkok, Thailand and is nicknamed “the Bangkok Hilton.” However, it is far from being a place that anyone would want to stay. The prison is known for routine torture of its inmates. Inmates are crammed into small cells, and death row inmates are often given as little as two hours notice before they are dragged off to their execution.
8. Rikers Island Prison
Rikers Island Prison in New York has a legacy of prisoner violence. A man named John Reyes, who was a guard at the prison in 1991, mentioned being daily afraid because of the beatings and murders he witnessed there. Because of the prison’s history of violence, it is now one of the strictest prisons in the world. Several reform actions at the prison have helped reduce the number of stabbings a year down from 1,000 to 70.
Rikers Island Prison in New York has a legacy of prisoner violence. A man named John Reyes, who was a guard at the prison in 1991, mentioned being daily afraid because of the beatings and murders he witnessed there. Because of the prison’s history of violence, it is now one of the strictest prisons in the world. Several reform actions at the prison have helped reduce the number of stabbings a year down from 1,000 to 70.
7. Alcatraz Island Prison
Although Alcatraz Island Prison, located on Alctraz Island off the coast of San Francisco, California, has been shut down for many years, it housed some of the most dangerous criminals in history. One of its most famous prisoners was Al “Scarface” Capone. The prison was known for its violent escape attempts, the most notorious being the escape attempt known as the “Battle of Alcatraz” in May 1946. Alcatraz was forced to close its doors on March 21, 1963 because of its poor reputation and the high cost of maintaining the prison.
Although Alcatraz Island Prison, located on Alctraz Island off the coast of San Francisco, California, has been shut down for many years, it housed some of the most dangerous criminals in history. One of its most famous prisoners was Al “Scarface” Capone. The prison was known for its violent escape attempts, the most notorious being the escape attempt known as the “Battle of Alcatraz” in May 1946. Alcatraz was forced to close its doors on March 21, 1963 because of its poor reputation and the high cost of maintaining the prison.
6. ADX-Florence Supermax Facility
ADX-Florence in Colorado is designed to hold the worst prisoners, many in near round-the-clock solitary confinement. A lawsuit was filed in June 2012 by several inmates. The lawsuit charges that the conditions of the prison create an environment for inmate abuse and torture.
ADX-Florence in Colorado is designed to hold the worst prisoners, many in near round-the-clock solitary confinement. A lawsuit was filed in June 2012 by several inmates. The lawsuit charges that the conditions of the prison create an environment for inmate abuse and torture.
5. La Sante Prison
Paris, France is the home of La Sante Prison. The prison is known as such a brutal place that many prisoners have taken their own lives over serving their sentence there. 1999 saw the suicides of 124 prisoners. The violence in the prison is so pervasive that the prisoners are only out of their cells four hours out of the day. The prison’s system also creates a hierarchical structure that makes some prisoners more powerful than others and the conditions worse for the weaker prisoners.
Paris, France is the home of La Sante Prison. The prison is known as such a brutal place that many prisoners have taken their own lives over serving their sentence there. 1999 saw the suicides of 124 prisoners. The violence in the prison is so pervasive that the prisoners are only out of their cells four hours out of the day. The prison’s system also creates a hierarchical structure that makes some prisoners more powerful than others and the conditions worse for the weaker prisoners.
4. Diyarbakir Prison
The conditions at Diyarbakir Prison in Diyarbakir, Turkey have been notoriously inhumane. One of the dark spots of the prison’s past for which it has been known is incarcerating children for lifelong sentences. The violent nature of the prison seems to be more from the side of the prison guards than the prisoners themselves. In 1996, an incident occurred where guards and police beat prisoners severely. This incident resulted the death of 10 prisoners and the injuries of 23.
The conditions at Diyarbakir Prison in Diyarbakir, Turkey have been notoriously inhumane. One of the dark spots of the prison’s past for which it has been known is incarcerating children for lifelong sentences. The violent nature of the prison seems to be more from the side of the prison guards than the prisoners themselves. In 1996, an incident occurred where guards and police beat prisoners severely. This incident resulted the death of 10 prisoners and the injuries of 23.
3. La Sabaneta Prison
La Sabaneta Prison is located in Venezuela, South America. The facilities of the prison are designed to house 15,000 prisoners, but actually houses 25,000. The prison is greatly understaffed, with approximately 1 guard for every 150 inmates. The prison is known for its violent incidents. A violent gun battle in 1994 resulted in the death of 108 prisoners. Additionally, 196 prisoners were killed and 624 wounded because of jail violence in 1995.
La Sabaneta Prison is located in Venezuela, South America. The facilities of the prison are designed to house 15,000 prisoners, but actually houses 25,000. The prison is greatly understaffed, with approximately 1 guard for every 150 inmates. The prison is known for its violent incidents. A violent gun battle in 1994 resulted in the death of 108 prisoners. Additionally, 196 prisoners were killed and 624 wounded because of jail violence in 1995.
2. Tadmor Prison
Tadmor Military Prison in Palmyra, Syria is known as one of the most oppressive prisons for a prisoner to serve time in the world. Amnesty International has stated that “every aspect of it was designed to dehumanize its inhabitants.” The most notorious event in the prison’s history was in June 1980. President Hafez al-Assad survived an attack on his life by the Muslim Brotherhood. It was reported that he orders soldiers to execute every prisoner in sight in retaliation for the attack. Tadmor was closed down in 2001, but reopened in 2011. It is no less brutal today.
Tadmor Military Prison in Palmyra, Syria is known as one of the most oppressive prisons for a prisoner to serve time in the world. Amnesty International has stated that “every aspect of it was designed to dehumanize its inhabitants.” The most notorious event in the prison’s history was in June 1980. President Hafez al-Assad survived an attack on his life by the Muslim Brotherhood. It was reported that he orders soldiers to execute every prisoner in sight in retaliation for the attack. Tadmor was closed down in 2001, but reopened in 2011. It is no less brutal today.
1. Carandiru Penitentiary
Carandiru Penitentiary in Brazil, South America is arguably the most violent and deadly prison in the world. In 1992, a violent prison massacre occurred when 102 inmates were shot dead. The prison is also known for terrible health problems. In the prison’s health wing, nearly one in five inmates has been diagnosed with HIV.
Carandiru Penitentiary in Brazil, South America is arguably the most violent and deadly prison in the world. In 1992, a violent prison massacre occurred when 102 inmates were shot dead. The prison is also known for terrible health problems. In the prison’s health wing, nearly one in five inmates has been diagnosed with HIV.
Though the world outside is itself a dangerous place, prisons are undoubtedly some of the most violent places in the world. Prisons take the most dangerous elements in the world and isolate them in small places. Though there are many violent prisons in the world, these ten serve as some of the most notorious
Top 10 Most Beautiful Prisons in the World
A Guide to the World’s Most Beautiful Prisons: The Top 10
From California to Norway, from New Hampshire to Russia, the world boasts of an array of spectacular architecture from mystical places to prisons, which are not usually associated with beauty. Sometimes, mystery and power do go hand-in-hand, however, and these gorgeously strange and yet dark places can be a way to appreciate the beauty woven into the world itself, which is not perfect and which has the presence of uncomfortable energies like war or strife, the challenge of survival itself, which gets played out all the way down to the animal and plant kingdoms but which remind us, like the movie, “American Beauty,” that often there is so much beauty in the world.
Alcatraz Prison
Alcatraz Island was a jail until 1963 and remains the most famous prison in the world, with San Francisco Bay serving as home. The jail is set on 22 acres of the 47-acre island, with mystery and romance being the themes of being sent into exile from the human world here, where stunning geographic views of water and sky may be comfort and relief from the idea that escape can come only through the justice system. Today, the jail operates as a National Park and offers daily tours as a sightseeing destination.
Alcatraz Island was a jail until 1963 and remains the most famous prison in the world, with San Francisco Bay serving as home. The jail is set on 22 acres of the 47-acre island, with mystery and romance being the themes of being sent into exile from the human world here, where stunning geographic views of water and sky may be comfort and relief from the idea that escape can come only through the justice system. Today, the jail operates as a National Park and offers daily tours as a sightseeing destination.
Lakes Region Facility
A functioning prison along Lake Winnisquam exists inside the small city of Laconia, NH, where a prestigious neighborhood borders an old State School, used to house, educate, and support the mentally challenged until 1991 when it became a state prison. Located on a hillside across the street from a small lake known as Lake Opechee, the state-operated minimum-facility prison offers an incredible view and runs adjacent to forested walking trails alongside a spectacular 16-mile lake. At its height, the prison housed 600 mentally challenged residents who used the walking trails and swimming areas that just against its borders.
A functioning prison along Lake Winnisquam exists inside the small city of Laconia, NH, where a prestigious neighborhood borders an old State School, used to house, educate, and support the mentally challenged until 1991 when it became a state prison. Located on a hillside across the street from a small lake known as Lake Opechee, the state-operated minimum-facility prison offers an incredible view and runs adjacent to forested walking trails alongside a spectacular 16-mile lake. At its height, the prison housed 600 mentally challenged residents who used the walking trails and swimming areas that just against its borders.
Sark Prison
Sark Prison on Sark Island in Guernsey is known as the world’s smallest prison and, made of stone and without windows, is still operating for jailbirds to be held overnight or for brief stays, say for a drunken disorderly arrest. Waking up inside the monument-like atmosphere must be damp and dark, as ventilation is not the name of the game for this tiny postage stamp sized jail, surrounded by the vast sea. This juxtaposition of water, sky, and the island atmosphere make this an unusual but stunning location for this quaint 1856-era jail.
Sark Prison on Sark Island in Guernsey is known as the world’s smallest prison and, made of stone and without windows, is still operating for jailbirds to be held overnight or for brief stays, say for a drunken disorderly arrest. Waking up inside the monument-like atmosphere must be damp and dark, as ventilation is not the name of the game for this tiny postage stamp sized jail, surrounded by the vast sea. This juxtaposition of water, sky, and the island atmosphere make this an unusual but stunning location for this quaint 1856-era jail.
Kresty Prison
Located in St. Petersburg, Russia, this jail, which houses 10,000 prisoners, is announced to be closed soon, made over into a hotel complex, with an upscale edge because of overcrowding, but its architecture is more reminiscent of the Medici palaces in Florence, Italy, than a jail. Gorgeously constructed, it seems almost fairy-tale like from the outside. Inside, conditions are cramped, with the jail three times more occupied than it should be. Plans are to move the prisoners to a new St. Petersburg jail when construction is complete.
Located in St. Petersburg, Russia, this jail, which houses 10,000 prisoners, is announced to be closed soon, made over into a hotel complex, with an upscale edge because of overcrowding, but its architecture is more reminiscent of the Medici palaces in Florence, Italy, than a jail. Gorgeously constructed, it seems almost fairy-tale like from the outside. Inside, conditions are cramped, with the jail three times more occupied than it should be. Plans are to move the prisoners to a new St. Petersburg jail when construction is complete.
Halden Prison
Modernized and listed as the most humane prison on earth, Norway is home to Halden, a facility that also aims to be humane and interesting. Of the facility, Time Magazine writes, “To ease the psychological burdens of imprisonment, the planners at Halden spent roughly $1 million on paintings, photography and light installations. According to a prison informational pamphlet, this mural by Norwegian graffiti artist Dolk “brings a touch of humor to a rather controlled space.” Officials hope the art — along with creative outlets like drawing classes and wood workshops — will give inmates “a sense of being taken seriously.” For photographs see the source of the above quote. The site continues that, “at Halden, rooms include en-suite bathrooms with ceramic tiles, mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs.” It is a high-security prison, however, despite the modern architecture, art, and television.
Modernized and listed as the most humane prison on earth, Norway is home to Halden, a facility that also aims to be humane and interesting. Of the facility, Time Magazine writes, “To ease the psychological burdens of imprisonment, the planners at Halden spent roughly $1 million on paintings, photography and light installations. According to a prison informational pamphlet, this mural by Norwegian graffiti artist Dolk “brings a touch of humor to a rather controlled space.” Officials hope the art — along with creative outlets like drawing classes and wood workshops — will give inmates “a sense of being taken seriously.” For photographs see the source of the above quote. The site continues that, “at Halden, rooms include en-suite bathrooms with ceramic tiles, mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs.” It is a high-security prison, however, despite the modern architecture, art, and television.
Justice Center Leoben
Located in Leoben, in Styria, Austria, you’ll find Justice Center Leoben. Since the philosophy is that jail itself is like a psychological nightmare, a mental prison without end, restricting your environment and possibilities in all of life, some like Halden [see above] and this jail in Austria are experimenting with tiny luxury spaces that are architecturally attractive with furniture that is real and modern, almost like IKEA. The idea is that prison itself creates psychological hell, so it would be interesting and worth studying the effects of making the insides of jails more tolerable. This Austrian jail houses minimum and moderate prisoners.
Located in Leoben, in Styria, Austria, you’ll find Justice Center Leoben. Since the philosophy is that jail itself is like a psychological nightmare, a mental prison without end, restricting your environment and possibilities in all of life, some like Halden [see above] and this jail in Austria are experimenting with tiny luxury spaces that are architecturally attractive with furniture that is real and modern, almost like IKEA. The idea is that prison itself creates psychological hell, so it would be interesting and worth studying the effects of making the insides of jails more tolerable. This Austrian jail houses minimum and moderate prisoners.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Long corridors and dynamic ceilings make for an industrial yet poignant setting for a prison that can be toured because of its architectural merit. At one time, about 75,000 people called the prison home. Now, the penitentiary is considered one of the most haunted prisons in the world, with reports of ghost sightings and other supernatural phenomena. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also home to plenty of historical sight seeing from around the American Revolution.
Long corridors and dynamic ceilings make for an industrial yet poignant setting for a prison that can be toured because of its architectural merit. At one time, about 75,000 people called the prison home. Now, the penitentiary is considered one of the most haunted prisons in the world, with reports of ghost sightings and other supernatural phenomena. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also home to plenty of historical sight seeing from around the American Revolution.
Chillon Castle
This castle in Switzerland, in the Lake Geneva area, has served many functions, with its dramatic face set against a stormy sky. Gorgeous architecturally, especially from a distance, this castle has served as a medieval fort, military enforcement station, and prison. It also has served as a private residence as well, serving summer needs and is set right amidst the Alps. This attraction even boasts a moat; a visit here is well worth it, but don’t forget the camera.
This castle in Switzerland, in the Lake Geneva area, has served many functions, with its dramatic face set against a stormy sky. Gorgeous architecturally, especially from a distance, this castle has served as a medieval fort, military enforcement station, and prison. It also has served as a private residence as well, serving summer needs and is set right amidst the Alps. This attraction even boasts a moat; a visit here is well worth it, but don’t forget the camera.
Château d’If
This stunning yet strange compound, with its silo-like buildings and historic value as it is cited as the setting for the writer, Alexandre Dumas’s, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the only real way to visit or photograph this gem is via boat at the Vieux Port in Marseille, France. The island, itself, is named If, and the compound offers a striking testament to its past as a prison, which was extreme in terms of environment, with the winds kicking in off the ocean with rabid and vicious strengths and effects. Many held here historically did go insane.
This stunning yet strange compound, with its silo-like buildings and historic value as it is cited as the setting for the writer, Alexandre Dumas’s, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the only real way to visit or photograph this gem is via boat at the Vieux Port in Marseille, France. The island, itself, is named If, and the compound offers a striking testament to its past as a prison, which was extreme in terms of environment, with the winds kicking in off the ocean with rabid and vicious strengths and effects. Many held here historically did go insane.
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison, in Western Australia, ironically, once depended on the work of the prison camp to create limestone aquifers, which supplied the prison with a good water supply that later was sent locally abroad via ship. The aquifers now sit empty, ghosts of another time, manifesting as tunnels void of water. The prison took its first prisoners in 1860 and was open until 1991. Harsh conditions abounded, with solitary confinement cells, whipping posts, and gallows where executions were routinely held for the condemned.
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