Bertoua: Inmates force prison administration to cancel visitor’s permit

The commissioner of the Bertoua Central Prison has lifted the 1000 FCFA visitor’s permit on December 27 since its initiation on December 25.

Everything returned to calm after talks with the support of the Inspector General of the governor’s office, Ngang Joh Lamya Mama.

This measure was the first taken after the crisis meeting held inside the prison last Sunday evening, following the strike that shook the prison throughout the day.

Inmates started a strike on Sunday, December 27 to rebel against the establishment of a visitor’s permit of 1,000 FCFA for each member of their family or friends. This situation prevented the prisoners from being visited by their families who also bring them food, since December 25.

The Regional Delegate of Penitentiary Administration of the East had to be accompanied by a squad of the Special Team of Rapid Intervention (STRI) of the police, fire brigade and a detachment of the elements of the Bertoua gendarmerie to calm the situation.

The prosecutor was also present, and the Advocate General, the Co-legion and the Regional Delegate of National Security.

According to the daily newspaper Mutations on Tuesday, December 29, after the lifting of the visitor’s permit, prisoners were entitled to their December 25 meal which had not been prepared under the pretext that the gifts of the sisters of the Catholic Church had been distributed to prisoners.

Prisoners also demanded the improvement of their living conditions, health and nutrition. According to them, the level of degradation is the source of several deaths in recent years. In response, the inspector of the governor services of the Eastern region promised to immediately pass the information on to his superiors.