Seven inmates die in Torit’s prison

Lina Claudio, a nurse attending to the 14 inmates who were admitted in the Torit civil hospital, said most of those who died where diagnosed for malaria and typhoid as well as Tuberculosis, but said that would have not killed them if their immunity was strong.

“They brought the prisoners with lost weight,” she said. State prison authorities say most of the prison inmates suffer from contagious diseases and malnutrition.

Col. William Amareng, Director of Administration at Torit State Prison, which has nearly 300 inmates, said the bad conditions prevailing could be the cause for many diseases and death.

Prisons in South Sudan are notoriously overcrowded – and the food supplies have likely deteriorated as rampant inflation due to fighting has pushed up the costs of basic goods.

Amareng appealed for food assistance from both state government authorities and other humanitarian partners. He said there are plans to release those who committed minor offences to the farms to give space at the facility.

The condition of the Torit State Prison has drawn attention of the state officials. Eddy William is the Torit Municipal Town Mayor, he says the issue of the prison lacking food was tabled before his office this morning, but says the prison is not under his area of control.

“They should write to the State Minister of Health and he can address the issue of medicine but the issue of food yes the state can answer that because it is a state prison,” he said.