more complex than you imagine

I agree with jon minter," its difficult to measure standards without knowing the structure of the culture outside/whats the standard of living for the local folk". Have a look in this prison in Austria http://ahboon.net/2007/04/05/a-5-star-prison-in-austria/ Some comments some people are saying here is same as some austrian fellow shocked if he compares with an aussie prison. Brazilian society is extremely complex, not just differents ethnics (european,black,asian,etc) but...

Brazilian Hell Hole

The conditions of the prisons are obviously not a deterrent. I was emotional distraught watching, I understand these men have commited bad acts, but it does not mean that we should committ the same bad acts upon them,like animals, makes their wardens no better than they are. I'am absoulutely appauled and ashamed we so called 21st cenutry intelligent people are still treating fellow humans like dogs, its another stain on the earth that's been ignored too long...

family

Yes , is cruel but how about the inocent people and the hard workers when often see one of this " criminals" come inside our house ( rape, kill, robbery) your family, your dignity, get shot for couples small change...that's is the true....if they are there ...is because one only resaon they deserve.

Let them suffer means public security is in threat

There is no life sentence in Brazil. Maximum sentence is 35 years. But nobody never stays that long. Most prisoners are poor people and not educated people. If the prisons are like this, when the criminals leave it, worse than when they got in before as they had no rehabilitation, the public security outside, our security, will be compromised. We will be in prison in our own homes. So do you still think they have to suffer instead of been educated?

Terrible but...

This was shocking and terrible and I agree that human rights are for everyone. However, one inmate was filmed saying that prisoners were released to make room and Theyre Back!!! Why would they commit crimes to be put BACK in there?! Those prisoners are gluttons for punishment and I agree with an earlier post: if I knew the prison was like that, I would not break the law!

Let Them SUFFER!!!

Criminals should be locked up for much longer than they are currently. Criminals are scum, and, they don't deserve any consideration. If criminals don't like the conditions inside prisons, they should stop committing crimes. Let criminals SUFFER!!!

To Philip: Answering about the hand gestures

Hi Philip, the hand gestures mean "it is crowd, full here, no space". Cheers

Basic Human rights

Every human has the right to have access to clean water, sanitation, food, medicines and shelter no matter what crimes these people have commited. They are being reduced to bare life by the State. I wanted to cry when I saw this piece last night, it made me sick to my stomach. How can anyone ever have faith in their system if this is was they are being subjected to. It is quite obvious that the State of Brazil have no regard for these peoples lives.