Discover one of the most peculiar and dangerous prisons in the world, where inmates control everything, from cell sales to punishments
In the heart of La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is the prison of Saint Peter, one of the most unusual and dangerous prisons in the world. Unlike conventional prisons, where security is maintained by guards and prison officers, in Saint Peter are the inmates themselves who dictate the rules and organize the daily life of the place. The prison operates as a microcity, with neighborhoods, commerce, social inequality and even schools, according to the video on the Conhecimento Global channel.
The origin of the São Pedro prison and the control of prisoners
Built in 1895, the São Pedro penitentiary was originally based on the panoptic model, a concept developed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham, which allowed prisoners to be monitored from a central tower. However, over the years, this structure has lost its function, and the prisoners took control of the prison, especially after the 1980s, when Bolivia implemented a strict anti-drug law, Law 1008, which led to the arrest of several dangerous drug traffickers, including the famous “King of Cocaine”, Rafael Suares Gomes.
With the financial power and the political connections of these new inmates, corruption spread throughout the prison. Guards began to withdraw, limiting themselves to watching only the external perimeter, while the internal ones transformed San Pedro into an autonomous system.
Social division and internal prison trade in Bolivia
Today, the prison in Bolivia houses more than 3.600 inmates, although it was designed for only 300. The prison is divided into nine wings, which function as neighborhoods, and reflect the social inequality that can also be seen outside.
- The richest prisoners live in the “La Posta” wing, where luxury cells can cost between 5.000 and 20.000 bolivianos (approximately R$3.000 to R$12.000).
- The poorest prisoners are forced to live in degraded areas or rent beds in collective cells for around R$800 per month.
This prison “real estate market” is administered by the prisoners themselves, who annually elect delegates and treasurers to manage each ward. These “leaders” charge entrance fees and even guarantee the “safety” of new prisoners, as long as they receive adequate payment. For those who cannot afford a cell, they have to sleep in corridors, under stairs or even near the garbage.
Prison: clothing stores, salons, restaurants. A community apart!
Within the walls of St. Peter's, life resembles that of a small urban neighborhood. Internal trade includes clothing stores, hair salons, restaurants and even pool tables. Furthermore, for many years, relatives of prisoners lived inside the prison, creating a complete community. In 2013, it is estimated that there were about 40 families living there. However, in 2019, the Bolivian Public Defender's Office managed to remove 197 children who were still living in prison with their parents.
In a curious twist, São Pedro prison has also become a tourist attraction. Since 1996, international tourists started paying to visit the prison, guided by a British prisoner named Thomas McFadden, who organized tours of the different sectors of the penitentiary. For years, the tour of São Pedro was a popular attraction, even recommended in the city's tourist guides. However, in 2009, after reports that some of the tourists' money was being used to bribe guards, visits were terminated.