San Pedro – a unique Bolivian prison without guards

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Bolivian prison San Pedro is located in the center of the city of La Paz. In this prison a unique system of self-sufficiency is operated. There is no protection at all. If you wonder why, read our story.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

The prison of San Pedro is a commune, enclosed from the city by wall. There is no reception, so precise statistics on prisoners are not conducted. The prison lives the life of an ordinary city.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

The number of “residents”. According to different information from 1300 to 1500 people permanently live there. Only two-thirds of them are awaiting trial. 80% people appeared there on charges that are associated with drugs and trafficking.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Prisoners. Most prisoners are there because of drugs and theft. There are no murderers.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Location. At the first sight the prison is no different from any urban area of La Paz. It is located right in the heart of the city within the fortress. Guards are guarded only the walls, inside there are no them.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Infrastructure. Cocaine is produced there almost openly – there are factories for the production of narcotics. Also inside the prison there are 2 kindergartens for about 200 children who came there with their parents.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Prisoners’ life is varied. Some people make drugs, fresh juices or grilled chicken. Others rest, play checkers, billiards and other games. There is also a swimming pool, a temple, a hairdresser and even a gym.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Holidays are also celebrated magnificently. Just look at the Christmas tree, set in the heart of the prison. Nothing reminds us of the limitation of freedom, except the high walls.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

The area of the prison is just about one hectare. This area was designed for 400 prisoners, but in fact there are at least 1,300 people. There are no surveillance cameras: ordinary life of an ordinary area.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

San Pedro Prison is divided into eight sectors. Each of these sectors has a name. Also, there are some leaders. Official city authorities do not interfere in the internal life. So corruption and local authorities completely reign there.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Sectors have different prestige and even own football teams. By the way, another local earnings is football betting. It is said that the prison bookmakers earn more than 20 thousand dollars in a month.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Accommodation Fees. Surprisingly, the prisoners pay for their accommodation there. Depending on the material possibilities everyone can choose their accommodation.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Visit. The relatives can visit the prisoners, and even can move there. A living there is much cheaper than in the city.

San Pedro - a unique Bolivian prison without guards

Children. There are legends about children’s life there. In 2013 there was a huge scandal when the 13-year-old girl was raped by a group of men, including her father, and became pregnant.