A deadly prison riot in Mexico has left at least seven inmates dead after violence erupted early on December 19.
The chaos unfolded at the Tabasco State Social Reintegration Centre (CRESET) in Villahermosa, southeast of Mexico City, where prisoners set fires and destroyed property in a night of turmoil that forced a military response.
The riot began in the early hours, with inmates burning mattresses and igniting multiple fires within the facility.
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Gunfire and explosions echoed from inside the prison, alarming residents nearby.
In response, the Mexican Army and National Guard were deployed to restore order, but their intervention quickly became a source of controversy.
Videos recorded by inmates during the unrest accused the security forces of excessive violence.
One prisoner, speaking on camera, alleged: “We are in CRESET in Villahermosa, we are being attacked by the National Guard; they are shooting at us.”
Another inmate claimed: “They are killing us here in the prison.
Families, come help us.
The government of May [referring to Tabasco Governor Javier May Rodríguez] and Víctor Hugo Chávez [head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection] are killing people in the prison.”
Outside the prison walls, worried relatives gathered, demanding answers.
One family member expressed frustration, saying: “They don’t want to come out to face us.
If there are ambulances here, something is going on inside.
There are wounded people, dead people too.”
The unrest spilled into other parts of Villahermosa, with reports of arson and vandalism in the city.
An Oxxo convenience store was set ablaze, and several vehicles were torched.
Distraught relatives blocked the main highway leading to the prison in protest, pressing authorities to provide information on their loved ones’ safety.
State prosecutor José Barajas Mejía confirmed the deaths of seven inmates, identified as Jorge Francisco ‘N,’ Marcelo ‘N,’ Mario de Jesús ‘N,’ Alejandro ‘N,’ Iván ‘N,’ Cristhian ‘N,’ and Antonio ‘N.’
Barajas suggested that gang rivalries may have fueled the outbreak of violence, noting that certain individuals wield significant influence inside the prison.
“Violent individuals have maintained control, even while inside the prison,” he remarked.
Authorities have since regained control of the facility, but investigations into the causes and handling of the riot are ongoing.
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