Palmasola facts for kids

Centro de Rehabilitación Santa Cruz "Palmasola" is a very large correctional facility located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It is the biggest facility of its kind in Bolivia, holding around 3,500 people. Unlike typical prisons, Palmasola is sometimes called a "prison town" because the guards mainly focus on keeping the outside secure. Inside, the people living there have created their own group called the Disciplina Interna to help manage some daily activities.

A unique situation in Bolivia is that children under six years old can live with a parent in a correctional facility. Because of this, some children live at Palmasola. The United Nations has expressed concerns about this policy. Many people held at Palmasola are waiting for their court cases to begin.

Pope Francis visited Palmasola on July 10, 2015. This visit was part of his trip to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Understanding Palmasola

Palmasola is not just a building; it's a complex place with many people. It's important to understand how such a large facility operates.

Life Inside Palmasola

Because of its size, Palmasola has some unique features. People inside have formed groups to help organize daily life. This helps manage things like living spaces and activities.

Children in the Facility

As mentioned, young children can live with their parents here. This is allowed under Bolivian law for kids under six. Organizations like the United Nations watch this situation closely. They want to make sure children are safe and have good living conditions.

Important Events at Palmasola

Over the years, Palmasola has been part of some significant events. These events often highlight the challenges faced by large correctional facilities.

The 2013 Incident

On August 23, 2013, an unfortunate event happened at Palmasola. It involved a conflict between groups in different parts of the facility. People used various items, and some propane tanks were involved. This conflict was about who would lead certain areas inside.

Sadly, 31 people lost their lives during this event. This included an 18-month-old child who was living there. Many others were injured, and hundreds had to be moved to safety. This was the most serious incident of its kind in Bolivia's history. After the event, leaders and community members called for improvements. They wanted changes in how correctional facilities and the justice system work.

See also

In Spanish: Palmasola (Bolivia) para niños

• San Pedro prison, another notable facility in Bolivia