Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised. This story contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some readers discretion advised.
imagine being sentenced to prison but instead of the cold harsh reality…
you’d expect you find yourself living in a suite that rivals a five -star hotel your cell comes with aprivate chef.
luxurious furnishings…
and perhaps even a jacuzzi
this isn’t a plot of a crime thriller it’s the reality for some of the world’s wealthiest criminals.
take for instance the infamous La catedral in colombia.
where drug lord pablo escobar turns his prsion sentence into a lavish retreat.
complete with a a nightclub and even a waterfall while other inmates suffered in squalor escobar lived like a king .
orchestrating his empire with more freedom than one might imagine .
but escobar’s prison wasn’t the only one one to cater to the ultra rich.
around the world from the justice center leoben , austria.
to la picota prison ,bogotá ,colombia
certain prisons have been become symbols of luxury for those who can afford it.
offering amenities that starkly contrast the grim conditions faced by the less fortunate inmates.
we’ll take you inside thsee luxury prisons and explore how justice is served or sometimes bough when the ultra rich are behind bars….
starting with la picota prison bogota colombia.
nestled in the heart of bogotá colombia la picota prison is a place where Iron barns meet glided walls.
espcecially for those who can afford it .this maximum security facility has housed some of colombia’s most notorious criminals.
yet better known for the scandalous privilieges granted to its wealthier inmates the infamous parapolitics wing stands as a glaring symbol of luxury behind bars.where tales of opulence rival those of the outside world
in 2015 colombia’s national penitentiary and prison institute conducted a raid on the parapolitics wing unearthing a scene
that could easily have been mistaken for a high- end resort rather then prison.
refrigerators stocked wih liquor
cells with new flooring and painting walls and even hot water showers and TVs were part of the inmates everday reality .
if that wasn’t enough agents were met with locked doors that he prisoners who had their own keys refused to open.it took smashed windows and locksmith to finally reveal the extent of this luxurious facade.
despite the crackdown not al indulgences were stripped away , the prison’s hairdresses and massage parlors were remained operational justified therapeutic benefits.
imagine a place where even in supposed captivity one can enjoy a spa day,this is the world of the wealthy at la picota.
but is this really punishment?
or just a new setting for the elite to continue their lives of excess.
take for example juan carlos martines , former senator convicted of drug trafficking and paramilitary ties
his incarceration was less about confinement and more of an extendedorbe it slightly restricted holiday.
martinez time at la picota was marked by scandalous extravagance including a 2-day birthday bash attended by 34 guests .
if that wasn’t outrageous enough he knocked down a wall to expand his cell into a luxury suite .can you imagine an ordinary inmate pulling off such a stunt?
it’s a reminder of how money can bend even the strictest of rules , martine’s transfer out of la picota in 2012 was supposed to mark the end of such indulgences.
the prison head claimed that a certain laxity had been corrected but it wasn’t long before new storiesof luxury emerged .
enter ivan moreno -the disgraced former mayor of bogota and ex senator who allegedly smuggled in domestic help .
and tranformed the corridor outside his ccell into a reception area. and game room for the children.
the saga of wealth and privilege within la picota continued unabated the luxurious lifestyle afforded to wealthy inmates estends far beyond material comforts.
private medical care ,gourmet meals and even conjugal visits are all part of the packag if you can pay for it.
this raises the question is la picota a prison or a private club with a very exlusive membership list.
the public outrage over these revelations has been fierce with critics condemning the clear double standard
in a system where money buys privilege, what happens to the ideals of equality and justice despite efforts toclamp down on these luxuries
the deep rooted corruption within colombia’s prison system ensures that the wealthy continue comfortably even behind bars.
the impact of these revelations isn’t confined to the prison walls.
the echo throughout colombian society eroding public trust in the justice system and fueling perceptions of inequality and corruption.
la picota with its glided cages for the rich serves a powerful metaphor for a country grappling with the rule of law versus the rule of money .
so what does justice really mean when a prison becomes a playground for the privileged?
well you may be tempted to think that la picota’s indulgence was extravagant.
however with the next prison you’ll have to imagine a prison where luxury and comfort are part of the official design.
justice center leoben , austria.imagine a prison so luxurious that it could easily be misstaken for a high- end retreat.
welcome to justice center leoben ,austria, a futuristic facility in austria designe by renowned architect josef hohensinn.
opened in 2006 this prison shatters every preconceived notion of what a correctional facility should be instead of the cold gray and oppressive atmosphere that typically defines prisons.
Justice center leoben offers a bright airy and opened environment where rehabilitation is the guiding principle.
from the moment you lay eyes on the justice center the leoben ,it’s clear that this is no ordinary prison.
the architecture is a masterpiece, of modern designe.characterized by sleek lines expansive window and a flood of natural light .
the building itself is a testament to hohensinn’s vision of a facility that promotes mental well-being throughtful designe
the large windows are not just a stylistic choice ,they allow inmates to stay connected to the outside.
bathing the interior in sunlight and creating a calm therapeutic environment.
as you step inside the impression of lucury only deepens, the corridors are wide and well lift far from the claustrophobic halls typical of most prisons.
the common areas resemble lounges more than holding cells .
inviting social interaction and fostering a sense of community on the inmates , it’s a place where every details has been considered to ensure that those inside feel respected and dignified .
but the real suprise comes when you see the cells.each inmate enjoys a single occupancy room that could easily be mistaken for a hotel suite.these cells come equipped with underfloor heating to ward off the austrian winters.
private bathrooms complete with modern fixtures and even a kitchenet where inmates can prepare their own meals
imagine being able to cook your own food and watch television in a prison it’s almost almost unbelievable , right ? yet this is reality at justice center leoben.
and if that isn’t enough each cell has a full -size window offering a view of the world outside.a luxury unheard of in most prisons
why all this luxury ,what’s the end game?
the philosophy behind justice center leoben is simple yet revolutionary treat inmates with dignity and they aare more likely to rehabilitate and reintegrate into to society successfully.
also successfully austrian government along with hohensinn believed that by creating an environment that feels more like a home and less like a punishment.
inmates would be more inclined to reflect on their actions and work towards personal growth.
the prison’s amenities don’t stop at the individual cells
the recreational facilities are equally impressive there’s a basketball court and an outdoor gym
and plenty open space for walking and socializing these are not just for exercise but are intendend to promote a sense of well -being and community.
the prison also boasts a library a music room filled with instruments and a theater for cultural events,imagine attending a theater performance or a music concert while serving time .
these activities are designed to keep inmates engaged mentally stimulated and connected to the world beyond the prison walls.
now you might be wondering , is this realy a prison or some sort of rehabilitation resort
the answer lies in the intention behind the creation.justice center leoben is reserved fro non- violent offenders.
people who have committedrelatively minor crimes, the idea is to provide them with an environment where they can genuinely rehabilitate and emerge as better individuals
so what’s the verdict i s this luxurious approach the future of incarceration
only time will tell but one thing is certain ,justice center leoben is challenging the status quo showing the world that even those who have aired deserve a chance to heal and grow in an enviroment that respects their humanity
and honestly who wouldn’t serve time in a place that feels more like a luxur retreat than a prison?
and now if justice center leoben’s luxurious atmosphere impresses you wait until you hear about aranjuez prison spain.
aranjuez prison just 25 miles south of madrid might be the larged place you’d expect to finda palace yet once upon a time this fortress of confinement was indeed a royal residence .
imagine if you will a place where inmates now live in what were once luxurious palace rooms complete with ornate furnishings high ceilingsand a history rich enough to rival any castle in europe
and this isn’t just any prison its a place where inmates can takea dip in the swimingpool ,play tennis or stroll through well -tended gardens.
but what truly sets arques apart is its groundbreaking approach to incarceration
the speciel family cells.
these family cells are nothing short of extraordinary , they are designed to allow incarcerated parents to live with their children and in some times cases is theur spouses picture, this cribs with soft bedding walls adorned with disney characters and access to a playground.all within the confines of a prison
these five-star cells aim to provide a semblance of normaly for the youngest and most innocent residents. those who are still too young to understand the reality of their situation.bright colors and playful decorations creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, making these
cells feel more like cozy home than a cold steril prison .
the primary goal of these family cells is to maintain family unity a bond often severed by the harsh realities of incarceration .
in many instances both parents are behind bars.but the family cells allow them to live together and raise their children within prison wall.
take for example the story of carmen garcia and victor lozano
carmen convicted of murder. and victor lozano a drug trafficker met while serving their sentence at aranjuez.
their love story unfolded behind barsleading to marriage and the birth of their son victor manuel. for victor prison is the only wolrd he knows and the the family cell offers him a sense of stability a continuity that most other children in his situation could only dream of .
but is this really a fairy tale ending . the family cells at aranjuez prison do provide a unique opportunity for inmates to maintaine close relationship with their children and spouses offering emotional support and motivation for rehabilitation
the presence of children in this environment encourages parents to adopt more positive behaviors
after all who wants to be a bad influence in front of their kids?
it also fosters a more harmonious and cooperative atmospherewhitin the prison ,however as with any tory there’s a Twist.
the prison psychology maria yela acknowledges that while these cells offer valuable bonding time they aren’t a perfect solution .
the children despite living in what seems like a more comfortable environment are still confined within prison walls they miss out on crucial experiences like playing parks seeing animals and just being kids.
frances crook director of the london- based howard league for penal reform argues that prisons are no place for choldren without accesss to the natural world.their emotional and psychological well -beingcould suffer in the long term
is it really fair to trade one kind of freedom for another ?
despite these concerns aranjuez prison has largely succeeded in its mission to keep families together.
the prison authorities believe that the benefits maintaining family bonds providing hope and fostering a sense of purpose far outweigh the potential drawbacks.
for many inmates the chance to live with their children and spouses is a beacon of hope a reason to believe in a better future.
now you might be wondering is this really a prison or some rehabilitation resort wait until you learn about the next prison in this entry – you’ll be suprised….
La catedral, colombia ( Pablo escobar’s prison)
1991 pablo escobar- the notorious drug lord struck a deal with the colombian government that defied all logic and reason
instead of facing the harsh realities of a typical prison escobar was allowed to build his own but this wasn’t just any prison it was a fortress meticulously designe to his exact specifications .
a place where he could continue his reign with a view to die for ,perched on a hill overlooking medellín. la catedral was more a luxurious retreat than a penitentiary.
the location wasn’t chosen at random, oh no – escobar’s genius for strategic thinking shone through the steep terrain and constant fog made it mearly impossible for anyone rival cartels or the military to launch an effective assault .the message was clear la catedral wasn’t meant to escobar in it was designe to keep his enemies out.
inside la catedral boasted amenities that would mke a five-starhotel blush.
imagine this, sockker field for a friendly game , a bull ring for entertaiment a bar stocked with the finest liquors and even a jacuzzi for those moments when the kingpin needed to unwind… yes a jacuzzi in a prison . a giant dollhouse built for his daughter
blending the bizarre mix of family life and criminal empire that defined escobar’s world. it was almost as if he was saying
” why let a little thing like incarceration ruin the comforts of home”
and if you think that’s extravagant wait until you hear aboit the telescope so he could gaze down at medellín and his family’s residence.
it wasn’t just a prison ,it was his personal throne where he could watch over his kingdom even in supposed captivity but escobar didn’t just relax behind those walls -he thrived.
the catedral quickly earned nicknames like” hotel escobar ” and ” club medellín”
why? because life inside was anything but typical.
the prison became a hub of activities where escobar hosted lavish parties with high profile guests including te colombian fotball team .the events were as decadent as they come withgourmet food caviar and salmon
served alongside the ofbeauty queens and sex workers , it was a hedonistic playground that made a mockery of the concept of imprisonment yet for all its luxury la catedral was still a prison or at least it was supposed to be .
escobar continued to run his drug empire with impunity making the prison walls little more than a suggestion .
the colombian government turned a blind eye to his activities until rumors spread that escobar had brutally tortured and murdered four of his own. suddenly the deal seemed less like a clever compromise and more like a monumental mistake
on july 22nd 1992 the colombian government decided it was time to move escobar to a standard prison but you didn’t think escobar would go quietly did you , of course not.
with the national army surrounding la catedral escobar made his escape a plan he had set in motion long before the government knew hit them a hidden escape route cleverly integrated into the construction alowed him to flee into the country side. evading capture and setting the stage for one of the largest manhunts in history .
today la catedral stands as a reminder of escobar’s audacity.but the legacy of la catedral is the luxury prison built by one of the world’s most infamous criminals lingers a bizarre chapter in the annals of crime that still leaves us shaking our head in disbelief
however , if you thought la catedral was the epitome of prison luxury prepare to be amazed by halden prison in norway.located in the tranquil forests southestern norway, halden prson might be the last place you’d expect to find a prison, yet this facility opened i 2010.
is no ordernary prison it’s a revolutionary concept that challenges the traditional viewof incarceration with a focus on rehabilitaton and human treatment.Halden is transforming lives in ways few could have imagined but what exactly makes this prison so unique
At holden prison is the desing of the cells or should we call the rooms. each inmates resides in a privat space that looks more like a college dorm than a prison cell .large unbarred windows offer stunning views of the surrounding floddingthe rooms with natural light
imagine waking up tothe sight of trees and the sound of birds instead of bars andsteel doors can something simple as a view really make a difference .
Halden prison believes it canand the results seem to agreee , the emphasis on openness and freedom extendsbeyond the cells common areas are designed to promote community and cooperation among inmates.with comfortable furniture televisions and gaming consoles.
these spaces resemble a shared living room more than a prison lounge inmates can relaxe and socialize and engage in recreational activities.reducing tension anf fostering positive interactions .
could this be the key to reducing violenceand fostering rehabilitation
educationis another cornerstone of holden , approach the prsion offers a wide range of educational opportunities from basic literacy classes to advancedcourses.
inmates can earn certificates and diplomas with the skills they need to reintgrate into society successfully .
but here’s the real question ,how many other prisons can say they offer the tools to build abetter future rather than just pubish the past .
therapy plays a crucal role in the in the halden’s inmates whether it’s individual sessions or group therapy -the goal is to adress the issues that led to incarceration.
with a team of psychologists and counselors on hand inmate receive personlized treatment plans that aime to heal the mindand spirit.but therapy at halden isn’t just about talking it’s about transforming lives
and there’s the recordingstudio. yes you read that right. halden prison boasts a state- of -the -art recording studio.
where inmates can explore their passion for music imagine being able to record a track while serving time , music therapy has been shown to reduce stress and inprove mood but in a prison setting it does even more it gives inmates a voice and a sense of accomplishment who would have thought a prison could also be a place to nurture creativity
even the walls of halden tell a story of rehabilitation in 2010 the prison paid a renowned graffiti artist are whopping 1 million to create a mural within its walls.
this isn’t just art for art’s sake , it’s a dealy reminder to inmates that beauty and potential exist within everyone.
even within a prison how many prisons canclaim to inspire through ART?
life skills are also a priority at halden prison ,communal kitchens allow inmates to cook and share meals together fostering a sense ofcommunity and responsiblility .
cooking classes teach bvaluable skills that inmates can use upon release sharing a meal might seem simple but in thiscontext it’s a powerful tool for buildingbonds and creating a supportive environment.
physical fitness is another essential aspect of life at holden prison .
with fully equipped gym and outdoors facilities inmates are enourgaged to stay active and healty whether it’s weightlifting or yoga the focus on physical well-being complements the mental and emotional rehabilitation efforts.
but was truly sets halden prison apart is its staff trained to interact with inmates respectfully and supprtively the staff play a critical role in maintaining the prison’s unicke environment.
this mutual resxpect creates a positive and productive atmosphere where intmates are more than just persons they’re individuals on the path to rehabilitation .
the results of Halden prison ‘s approach are undeniable with one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world. the prsion isnot just a place of punishment but a beacon of hope.
halden prison prove that treating inmates with dignity and providing them with the tools they need to succeed can lead to abrighter future for everyone.
so the next time someone ask can a prison really change live . halden prison standsas aresounding yes
the next prison may be the complete opposite of halden,however prisoners jailed there have over time adapted and proven that they can bring heaven on earth in other words they have built their haven spots within the the maximum prison.
in cipinang prison jakarta indonesia the world prison takes on a whole new meaning if you’re wealthy enought.
imagine walking into a cell expecting grim walls iron bars and a cold hard floor only to find yoursel in what feels like a luxury hotel suite
welcome to the wolrd of cipinang
where cashcan turn confinement into comfort and justice is served with a side of lobster.
take for instance tommy suharto the son of indonesia’s former dictator convicted oforchestrating the murder of a supreme court judge. tommy was sentenced to 15 years
but did he really serve time ?
while ordinary inmates endured the harsh realities of prisons life.
tommy lived like a king.
his cell if you could call it that was a plush space with air conditioning , a privat bathroom and a 21 -in television. it even had a badminton court because why not for tommy prison life seemed more like an extended station but tommy wasn’t the only one enoying such perks.
cipingang offers luxury blocks to those who can afford them these aren’t your average prison cells they comes with air conditioned rooms private bathroom and even access to a swimming pool in gym
felling peckish inmates could order gourmet meals from a amenut that includes steak and lobster it’s almost as if the prsion is runing a five -star room service.
and then there ‘s Artalyta Suryani
a business worman convicted of bribery her prison life included a private room with a widescreen televsion a bathroom and even a karaoke setup . maids caterered to her every day.
accesss to beatuy treatments a palace in a jail ,the local press called it it’s almost as if these wealthy inmates are living a parallel reality where prison bars are just a backdrop for their luxury’s life
but the extravagance doesn’t stop there …..
freddy buddiman aconvicted drugtrafficker reportedly had a love chamber in cipinang .
yes you read that right.
freddy was visited regularly by his girlfriend with whom he indulged in drugs and intimate enounters in a room convineniently located next to prison chefsoffice when prison life incluudes a personal love nest one has towonder is this punishment or privilege the corruption that allows such luxcuries is no no secret.
inmates with deep pockets can bride guards for anything from better cellsto time outside prison walls
Gayus Tambunan a tax fraud convict was famously photographed at an international tennis tourment while supposedly serving sentence
it begs the question how many more prisoners are out there enjoying freedom in the guise of incarceratin .
indonesian law minister yasonna laoly wow to crack down on corrupt guards sounds promising , he declared
“i’m not playing around anymore if you disgeace our profession and embarrass us all itäs incredibly shameful it’s not enough to just fire you , i will jail you”
but is this enough to break the cycle of corruption that has seeoed so deep into the system
luxurious treatment isn’t limited ton sipingang sukamiskin prison bandong offers similar privileges.
prisoners can renovate their rooms order food from their favorite resturants and even hold parties with popular singers it seems prsion in in indonesia is just for the rich and powerful singers it seems prison in indonesia is just another playground for the rich and powerful.
so what’s next?
government has started demolishing special cells and moving guards suspected of accepting bribes
but let’s be real can a system so deeply entrenched in corruption truly change or will cipinang continued to be a place where money buys not just comfort but freedom even in the unlikeliest od places
and so if you think that prison like cipinang and justice center leober already psuhing the envekope on luxury let’s take a trip to norway again and see how bastoy prison norway takes opulenc to a whole new level .
At bastoy the typical notion of prison is turned on its head . here inmates are entrusted with a level of freedom that might seem unimaginable in most correctional facilities.
they rise each day not to the sound of clanging doors but to the call of nature literally.
the prison operates a fully functional farm where inmates care for sheep ,cows and chickens and cultivate an array of fruits and vegetables picture this , hardened criminals turns farmers their hands once accustomed to far different tasks , now nurturing life from the soil .
it’s not just feeding the prison it.s about sewing the seeds of responsibility and self worth.
but let’s not romanticize to much . bastoy is still a prison and there are guards though fewer then you’d expect
70 staff members ,35 of tham uniformed guards keep things in check yet their main job isn’t to keep the inmates in line but to make sure everything runs smothly.
the prisoners live in small brightly painted wooden bungalows , almost like a holliday village.
each man has his own room and they share communal kitchen and other facilities.fostering a sense of normaly and community that prepares them for life beyond the island.
and then there’s the minisupermarket.yes you heard that right -inmates earn equivalent 6 pound a day and receive a montlhy food allowance of around 70 pounds.they yous this to cooking their own breakfasts and dinners only lunch is provided in the dining hall.
imagine a prisoner fretting over whether to buy organic or not could this be the real punishment?
or is it a subtle lesson in independence, the daily grind at bastoy isn’t about sitting in cells or breaking rocks it’s about meaningful work and education.inmates participate in various training programs whether it’s learning to fix bicycles managing stables or even master the art of timber work.
from 8:30 in the morning the island hums with activities inmates engage in productive labor their days filled with purpose .
it’s a stark contrast to the idle dehumanizing routines in more conventional prisons.
but why all this freedom and responsiblity?
isn’t prison supposed to be about punishment ,perhaps but as one guards puts it:
” if we treat people like animals when they are in prson they are likely to behave like animals bastoy operates on a diffrent phiosophy treat inmates as human beings ,give them a chance to prove their worth and they might just rise to the occasion .”
this philosophy extend beyond work but bastoy offers educational and recreational facilities from a chuch and a school to a library and even a music scene.
bastoy blues band composed of inmates ones perfomed at a music festival headline by zz top.not your typical prison gig
and yet the story from bastoy are far from typical , take the inmate who after serving years for revenge killing now tends to to horses and dreams of starting a family .
or the man sentenced four double manslaughter who once wished for the death penalty but now studies philosophy finding solace in the teatchings of nature.
these aren’t just prisoners they’ re people on a journey of redemption shaped by the island unique approach
bastoy prison challenges our wery ideas of justice and rehabilitation it’s a place where responsibility is the key to freedom -where inmates are given a second chance to rebuild their lives .
and with the lowest reoffending rate in europe it might just be the proof we need- that little humanity can go a long way.