Life behind bars in Brazil's overcrowded prison system
With over 830,000 inmates, Brazil has the third-largest prison population in the world, behind only the US and China. According to data from the National Secretariat for Penal Policy, there are almost 166,000 more prisoners than there are places currently available in the country's jails. In some penitentiaries, such as in the state of Rio de Janeiro, prison overcrowding can reach 190 percent. Brazilian prisons are also regularly the scene of rebellions and massacres.
With over 830,000 inmates, Brazil has the third-largest prison population in the world, behind only the US and China. According to data from the National Secretariat for Penal Policy, there are almost 166,000 more prisoners than there are places currently available in the country's jails. In some penitentiaries, such as in the state of Rio de Janeiro, prison overcrowding can reach 190 percent. Brazilian prisons are also regularly the scene of rebellions and massacres.
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