Woman dies in women's prison, sparking protests in Colón
A woman died this Sunday at the Women's Prison in Unit No. 5 of the National Rehabilitation Institute (INR), located in Colón. The inmate was identified as Katherine Maidana, 30, who was scheduled for release in April 2025.
After the news broke out, a protest erupted inside the facility, with mattresses and flags being burned. The disorder forced the intervention of the GEO Group and the Republican Guard, who entered to support the INR officers. According to police sources, no one was injured, although tear gas was used to disperse the inmates on the second and third floors.
Protests and demands after a woman died in the Women's Prison
Maidana's attorney, Lorena Mercurio, said the news shocked both the defense and the family. "We learned from insiders that she allegedly took her own life in the early hours of the morning. She was six months away from being released and was actively studying and working," she said.
Mercurio noted that the young woman had attempted suicide a few days earlier and questioned why she had been transferred to a sector with lesser oversight. "We want clarification on whether there was a lack of action or an omission by the prison authorities," he stated.
A friend of the inmate also expressed doubts about what happened. Speaking to Telenoche, she said the young woman had plans to continue studying and get a job to support herself and her younger sister. "It's surprising that, despite regular visits, the family wasn't informed of the previous attempt, nor was a suicide protocol activated," she stated.
Official investigation and debate on the prison system
INR authorities confirmed that they are investigating how the woman died in the Women's Prison and the subsequent disturbances within the unit. They are also analyzing whether prevention protocols were followed and whether there were any failures in the supervision of inmates on the upper floors.
Maidana's death not only sparked unrest at the facility, but also opened a broader debate about prison conditions in Uruguay. According to figures from the National Human Rights , the Women's Prison is operating with overcrowding exceeding 120%, which complicates monitoring and surveillance of inmates with mental health conditions.
Social organizations recalled that in 2023, at least six women deprived of their liberty attempted suicide in various facilities across the country. In most cases, defense attorneys denounced the lack of specific protocols and a lack of specialized psychological care personnel. The fact that a woman died in the Women's Prison months after being released reinforces criticism of the prevention system.
Colón residents reported that every time an episode of violence occurs inside the prison, the tension spills over into the neighborhood. “We hear screams, sirens, and we see columns of smoke rising from burning mattresses. For the people who live here, it's a scary situation,” one resident told a local media outlet.
unions are also demanding better working conditions . INR officials maintain that they often work extended shifts with insufficient staff to guard entire wards. “If an inmate has a history of self-harm, she should be under closer surveillance, but the reality is that there aren't enough human resources to do so,” commented one union representative.
The Ministry of the Interior reported that the investigation will be "thorough and exhaustive" to determine responsibility. Authorities announced that suicide prevention protocols in all prisons will be reviewed, with the possibility of implementing new electronic monitoring measures and enhanced psychological support.
The case brought the mental health situation in prison settings to the forefront. Psychologists consulted noted that many inmates carry a history of gender-based violence , problematic drug use, and social vulnerability. Without constant support, confinement can deepen these wounds and lead to acute crises.
The episode also generated political repercussions. Opposition legislators requested that the Minister of the Interior appear before Parliament to explain her actions. Meanwhile, the ruling party is considering increasing the budget allocated to mental health programs in prisons.
For Maidana's family, their request is clear: to know how and why the death occurred, and whether it could have been prevented. "This is not an isolated case; it's a reflection of the shortcomings of the prison system," their lawyer emphasized.
