Thousands of prisoners escaped from prison in Mozambique on Christmas Day.

(CLO) Mozambique's police chief, Bernardino Rafael, has confirmed that thousands of prisoners have escaped from a high-security prison in the capital Maputo amid widespread riots and violence related to post-election disputes across the country.

In a violent clash with security forces, 33 prisoners were killed and 15 others were injured, Rafael announced. The escape occurred at Maputo Central Prison, about 14 kilometers southwest of the capital, at midday on December 25.

According to Rafael, the chaos began with "incitement" by a group of anti-government protesters near the prison. During the chaos, the prisoners seized weapons from the guards and began freeing other inmates.

Prisoners escaped from Maputo Central Prison. Screenshot from prison surveillance camera footage .

Videos circulating on social media show prisoners rushing out of the prison, while security personnel and military officers try to recapture them. Some prisoners escaped into nearby houses but were later discovered and returned to the prison.

In another video, a prisoner, still handcuffed on his right hand, recounts that he was held in the prison's disciplinary area before being freed by other inmates.

The prison break took place against the backdrop of Mozambique being engulfed in a wave of violence following the Constitutional Council's confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the October 9th elections.

At least 21 people, including two police officers, were killed in the riots. According to Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda, the protests and looting began immediately after the election results were announced, mainly due to supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, compared to 65% for Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo.

Police Chief Rafael expressed his concern: "One worrying aspect is that among the escaped prisoners, 29 are convicted terrorists. This poses a significant threat to national security."

Rafael also emphasized that the protesters had "exerted pressure to release prisoners serving sentences in the prison." He called on the escaped prisoners to surrender voluntarily and asked the public to provide information about the fugitives.

Hong Hanh (according to Newsweek, Repubblica)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hang-nghin-tu-nhan-vuot-nguc-o-mozambique-vao-ngay-giang-sinh-post327743.html