PARAMARIBO – The police put down an uprising by detainees in the cell house of the Uitvlugt police station on Sunday morning before it got out of hand. According to police spokesman Michael Elskamp, a conscious attempt had been made by some detainees to force an outbreak under the guise of complaints about detention conditions.
The riot broke out around 10am. Detainees indicated that they were dissatisfied with the food they received from the state. They also objected to the rules that apply during visiting days, including the ban on certain goods. In particular, not allowing quick-prepared noodle soups would have caused dissatisfaction.
According to Elskamp, the situation then got out of hand. Detainees have taken doors off their hinges, barricaded the entrance door to the cell house and caused destruction within the complex. The rebellious detainees also threw “water and junk” at police officers present.
However, the police state that the complaints made were only a reason. According to the spokesperson, research has shown that some detainees, who are considered instigators, have deliberately fueled the unrest. The Public Prosecution Service recently demanded significant prison sentences against these people.
The rioters who are regarded as instigators intended to create such a situation that they could break out. “This attempt has therefore been thwarted,” said Elskamp. The Arrest Team and RBT-Paramaribo provided assistance to nip the uprising in the bud.
As a result of the disturbances, the police decided to evacuate the cell house immediately. The alleged instigators have been transferred to the House of Detention, while the other detainees have been distributed among other cell houses.
The police emphasize that the supplier of the meals also supplies other detention centers with food and that no complaints have been reported there about the quality of the food provided.
