On Thursday April 11, the Comoros witnessed a massive escape from Moroni prison. Thirty-eight detainees escaped. The authorities confirmed that this escape was facilitated by failures in the security system.
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With our correspondent in Moroni, Abdallah Mzembaba
The mastermind of the escape, authorities say, is a military detainee accused of shooting dead a young fan during a national soccer team match in November 2023. No injuries were reported during the escape , and no break-in was noted. Astonishment and questions remain regarding this escape without injuries or break-ins.
According to the statements of the public prosecutor, Ali Mohamed Djounaid, a security agent did not ensure that his colleagues had already settled in their posts and allowed himself to open the common cells of the detainees. The prisoners took the opportunity to leave through the main door of the prison. Please note that it is a private company which is in charge of monitoring the premises. On the government side, its spokesperson, Houmed Msaidie, speaks of a premeditated operation.
An investigation is opened to elucidate the exact circumstances of this escape and to determine the responsibility of each security agent involved. Research is also underway to apprehend the escapees and return them to the prison.
At Moroni Prison, escapes are occasional. In November 2022, twenty-three prisoners also escaped there. According to the government spokesperson, the majority of the 38 escapees yesterday are common law prisoners.