Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Carcel Distrital is located in one of the most dangerous quarters of Bogotá. Nearly 950 men and 50 women are imprisoned here. Most are still awaiting their final judgment. Their long wait may last for years: Justice in Columbia works slowly. Very slowly.
This leads to great frustration. Many frustrated people in one place will always lead to great problems.
Disputes, fights and riots are everyday occurrences.
The 170 staff members have their hands full with unannounced raids, inspections of the inmates and fights for power with the prisoners.
The prisoners fight back. They play by their own rules – illegal ones. Even in prison they continue to take drugs, carry weapons and continue their illegal transactions. One is always involved: the boss of the gang! He has people around him to do his jobs, such as acquiring drugs and weapons.
If caught, they will be in trouble; the sanctions are solitary confinement, extension of the sentence or visiting bans.
Support and help from family is important for the inmates. On visiting days, they have two hours to pretend everything is ok, hold their children and their loved ones. After precisely two hours, they have to say farewell, not knowing when they will meet gain.
The bleak life in prison continues with its daily fights.
All inmates share one thing: They want out as quickly as they can, and never return behind bars! But they must fight for that: against the slow course of justice and against their criminal selves.
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The Carcel Distrital is located in one of the most dangerous quarters of Bogotá. Nearly 950 men and 50 women are imprisoned here. Most are still awaiting their final judgment. Their long wait may last for years: Justice in Columbia works slowly. Very slowly.
This leads to great frustration. Many frustrated people in one place will always lead to great problems.
Disputes, fights and riots are everyday occurrences.
The 170 staff members have their hands full with unannounced raids, inspections of the inmates and fights for power with the prisoners.
The prisoners fight back. They play by their own rules – illegal ones. Even in prison they continue to take drugs, carry weapons and continue their illegal transactions. One is always involved: the boss of the gang! He has people around him to do his jobs, such as acquiring drugs and weapons.
If caught, they will be in trouble; the sanctions are solitary confinement, extension of the sentence or visiting bans.
Support and help from family is important for the inmates. On visiting days, they have two hours to pretend everything is ok, hold their children and their loved ones. After precisely two hours, they have to say farewell, not knowing when they will meet gain.
The bleak life in prison continues with its daily fights.
All inmates share one thing: They want out as quickly as they can, and never return behind bars! But they must fight for that: against the slow course of justice and against their criminal selves.
---
SUBSCRIBE for more amazing stories, including free FULL documentaries. On Java Discover we have an incredible library of award-winning documentaries: from world-leading investigations to true crime and history, we have something for everyone!
Click the SUBSCRIBE button and make sure to set NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated with all new content!
Follow us on TikTok, Facebook & Instagram: https://linktr.ee/javadiscover
