San Perdro Prison in Bolivia is one of the most controversial and unique prison facilities in the world. The unique aspect is that the prison is guarded only from the outside. Inside, there are no guards, and the 2000+ inmates are left on their own.
Prisoners need to pay a fee to enter the prison, and they also buy the cells in which they sleep. The “Mayor” or some of his “real estate agents” lease the apartments and cells.
Inmates even have their own society, and they have established a system of functioning. The prisoners choose eight representatives that govern certain aspects of the prison.
To make matters even more unique, some of the inmates live in the prison with their families. There are almost 200 children in the prison. Attacking a child is punishable.
Another aspect in which the prison is different from other facilities it that the “poor cells” can accommodate up to four prisoners. In the luxury part of the prison, drug dealers and other rich criminals have their own cell, their own kitchen, bathroom, and cable TV. Staying in the luxury part costs between $1000 and $5000.
The prison has its own economy, with the inmates working as salesmen, carpenters, chefs, and much more. Since the 90s, tours to the facility are allowed. This video documentary is filmed during one of those tours.
