La Joyita Prison

La Joyita Prison, located in Pacora, Panama, is notorious for its overcrowding and reports of systematic abuses. The facility has faced significant challenges, including limited access to water and violent incidents, such as a deadly gunfight in December 2019 that resulted in the deaths of 15 inmates. This prison is part of a complex that has been criticized for deteriorating conditions, resembling a concentration camp. In early 2020, a high-profile escape added to its notoriety, highlighting ongoing issues within Panama's prison system. For tourists and researchers, La Joyita serves as a stark example of the challenges faced by correctional facilities in the region.