Pius IkeThe worst prisons in the world are places where nobody wants to go. These are some of the hardest dens of criminals; and also places of intense suffering and neglect.
These prisons are so hostile that many of the inmates die or suffer grievous injuries. Those who survive are often further hardened by their experiences in those prisons, which brings up the question of whether or not these prisons actually have any value.
The humanitarian situation of these prisons is another angle that is yet to be addressed; regardless of their status as criminals, the inmates are still humans, and still deserve to be treated as such.
Top 50 Worst Prisons In The World
1. La Sabaneta Prison – Venezuela
La Sabaneta is notorious for extreme overcrowding, rampant gang violence, and a lack of basic resources. Guards are often outnumbered and underpaid, leading to corruption and neglect. Inmates live in fear of sudden riots and brutal attacks. Medical care is nearly nonexistent, and disease spreads rapidly. The prison’s infrastructure is crumbling, and survival often depends on gang affiliation. It’s a place where lawlessness reigns and human rights are routinely violated.
2. Black Dolphin Prison – Russia
Located near the Kazakhstan border, Black Dolphin houses Russia’s most violent criminals. Inmates are blindfolded during transport and kept in near-total isolation. Cells are under 24/7 surveillance, and prisoners must stand facing the wall when guards enter. Reports of psychological torment and physical abuse are common. Rehabilitation is nonexistent. The prison’s brutal regime and intense security measures make it one of the harshest penal institutions in the world.
3. Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp – Cuba
Guantanamo Bay is infamous for indefinite detention without trial, harsh interrogation techniques, and allegations of torture. Many detainees have been held for years without formal charges. The facility operates outside standard legal frameworks, raising global human rights concerns. Psychological trauma is widespread due to isolation and uncertainty. Despite international pressure, transparency remains limited. Guantanamo symbolizes the dark side of counterterrorism and remains a controversial fixture in global prison discourse.
4. Ciudad Barrios Prison – El Salvador
This prison is effectively run by gangs, particularly MS-13 and Barrio 18. Guards have limited control, and violence is constant. Overcrowding exacerbates tensions, with inmates packed into tiny cells. Weapons and drugs are common, smuggled in through corrupt channels. Rehabilitation is nonexistent, and survival depends on gang loyalty. Ciudad Barrios reflects El Salvador’s broader struggle with organized crime and systemic corruption within its justice system.
5. Camp 14 – North Korea
Camp 14 is a political prison camp where inmates face forced labor, torture, and execution. Entire families are imprisoned for generations due to “guilt by association.” Conditions are inhumane—prisoners work in mines and fields under brutal supervision. Escape is nearly impossible, and those who try are executed or tortured. The camp is shrouded in secrecy, but defectors’ testimonies reveal a horrifying reality of starvation, abuse, and psychological torment.
6. Diyarbakır Prison – Turkey
Diyarbakır gained notoriety during the 1980s for its brutal treatment of political prisoners. Torture, beatings, and psychological abuse were routine. Though reforms have been attempted, reports of mistreatment persist. Overcrowding and poor sanitation remain issues. The prison symbolizes Turkey’s troubled history with dissent and human rights violations. Inmates often face long pre-trial detentions and limited access to legal representation, making justice elusive within its walls.
7. Butyrka Prison – Russia
One of Russia’s oldest prisons, Butyrka is plagued by overcrowding, disease, and abuse. Cells designed for 10 often hold 100. Tuberculosis and HIV are rampant due to poor medical care. Guards are known for brutality, and corruption is widespread. Inmates suffer from malnutrition and psychological stress. The prison’s grim conditions and lack of oversight make it a breeding ground for despair and violence, with little hope for rehabilitation.
8. Gldani Prison – Georgia
Gldani became infamous after leaked videos showed guards torturing inmates. Abuse is systemic, with beatings, sexual violence, and psychological torment common. Overcrowding and poor hygiene worsen the situation. Despite public outcry, reforms have been slow. The prison reflects Georgia’s struggle with accountability and justice. Inmates live in constant fear, and rehabilitation programs are virtually nonexistent. Gldani remains a symbol of unchecked power and institutional cruelty.
9. Bang Kwang Central Prison – Thailand
Nicknamed the “Bangkok Hilton,” Bang Kwang houses Thailand’s most dangerous criminals. Inmates are shackled for months and live in overcrowded, sweltering cells. Food is minimal, and medical care is scarce. Foreign prisoners often face language barriers and isolation. The prison’s harsh regime includes long sentences and limited legal recourse. Violence among inmates is common, and mental health deteriorates rapidly. Bang Kwang is a place of suffering and despair.
10. Kamiti Maximum Security Prison – Kenya
Kamiti is notorious for brutality, poor sanitation, and overcrowding. Inmates live in filthy conditions with limited access to clean water and medical care. Guards are accused of extortion and abuse. Riots and violence are frequent, and corruption undermines justice. Rehabilitation efforts are minimal, and prisoners often leave more damaged than when they arrived. Kamiti reflects Kenya’s broader challenges in prison reform and human rights enforcement.
Dangerous Prisons Ranked 11–50
| Rank | Prison Name | Country | Key Danger Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | ADX Florence | USA | Solitary confinement, psychological trauma |
| 12 | Mendoza Prison | Argentina | Gang violence, overcrowding |
| 13 | Black Beach Prison | Equatorial Guinea | Torture, political repression |
| 14 | La Modelo | Colombia | Gang warfare, corruption |
| 15 | Vladimir Central Prison | Russia | Torture, medical neglect |
| 16 | Red Onion State Prison | USA | Isolation, abuse |
| 17 | La Santé Prison | France | Suicide rates, poor conditions |
| 18 | Mumbai Central Jail | India | Overcrowding, poor sanitation |
| 19 | Penitentiary of New Mexico | USA | Riot history, brutality |
| 20 | HM Prison Belmarsh | UK | Terror suspects, isolation |
| 21 | Tihar Jail | India | Overcrowding, corruption |
| 22 | San Pedro Prison | Bolivia | Inmate-run, drug trade |
| 23 | Kresty Prison | Russia | Disease, overcrowding |
| 24 | Petak Island Prison | Russia | Isolation, harsh regime |
| 25 | Rikers Island | USA | Violence, mismanagement |
| 26 | Pollsmoor Prison | South Africa | Gang control, overcrowding |
| 27 | Qincheng Prison | China | Political prisoners, secrecy |
| 28 | Evin Prison | Iran | Torture, repression |
| 29 | Chikurubi Prison | Zimbabwe | Disease, brutality |
| 30 | Tadmor Prison | Syria | Mass executions, torture |
| 31 | Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary | USA (historic) | Isolation, escape-proof |
| 32 | Klong Prem Central Prison | Thailand | Shackling, overcrowding |
| 33 | Luzira Maximum Security Prison | Uganda | Poor conditions, violence |
| 34 | Fleury-Mérogis Prison | France | Overcrowding, unrest |
| 35 | El Hongo Prison | Mexico | Cartel violence, corruption |
| 36 | San Quentin State Prison | USA | Death row, gang violence |
| 37 | Fuchu Prison | Japan | Isolation, strict discipline |
| 38 | Changi Prison | Singapore | Harsh punishment, isolation |
| 39 | Hohenasperg Prison | Germany | Psychological pressure |
| 40 | Porto Azzurro Prison | Italy | Abuse, overcrowding |
| 41 | Korydallos Prison | Greece | Riots, poor conditions |
| 42 | Palmasola Prison | Bolivia | Inmate control, violence |
| 43 | Kerobokan Prison | Indonesia | Drug-related executions |
| 44 | El Buen Pastor Prison | Costa Rica | Overcrowding, abuse |
| 45 | Pavoncito Prison | Guatemala | Gang violence, poor sanitation |
| 46 | Tacumbú Prison | Paraguay | Overcrowding, corruption |
| 47 | El Rodeo Prison | Venezuela | Riots, gang control |
| 48 | Islas Marias Federal Prison | Mexico | Isolation, harsh labor |
| 49 | Qala-i-Jangi Prison | Afghanistan | War crimes, torture |
| 50 | Muhanga Correctional Facility | Rwanda | Overcrowding, poor conditions |
Closing
How to have a holiday in any of these prisons? The easiest route seems to be committing murder. Other equally heinous crimes that can land a person in these prison include robbery, assault, and a lot more. Many of these inmates are repeat offenders, and many of them have affiliations with gangs.