Colombia plans prison ships at sea for ‘highly dangerous’ criminals

Bogotá, on August 27 — Colombia's newly appointed right-wing government is considering the use of prison ships located at sea to house individuals deemed highly dangerous criminals, according to a defence ministry source speaking to AFP. President Abelardo de la Espriella assumed office recently, pledging to take a firm stance against armed groups in Colombia, which is the world's leading cocaine producer.

The US-backed millionaire had campaigned on promises to target guerrillas and construct large-scale prisons, similar to those led by El Salvador's current leader, Nayib Bukele. During a security council meeting, the president sought to make the proposal for prison ships a reality, as per an AFP source. The Colombian Navy is responsible for executing the project, the source further explained, without divulging more specifics.

Supporters of this approach argue that prison ships prevent escape and limit interaction between inmates and the outside world. However, humanitarian organizations are concerned that this method of confinement violates human rights. In 2007, former Colombian leader Alvaro Uribe had previously sent drug leaders to prison ships in the Atlantic and Pacific before their extradition to the United States.

De la Espriella also aims to strengthen relations with the United States and Israel to fulfill his security objectives. On August 12, Colombia authorized joint US airstrikes within its own territory as part of its intensified campaign against drug trafficking.