LONDON, U.K. – The world’s worst prisons are a terrifying reminder of the inhumane conditions that countless inmates endure. These prisons span the globe, from Camp 14 Kaechon in North Korea to Gldani Prison in Georgia, with stories of abuse, overcrowding, and violations of human rights. The list of the top 10 worst prisons, compiled by HowStuffWorks, sheds light on some of the world’s most horrific penal facilities, offering a glimpse into the harrowing experiences of the prisoners within their walls.
In the U.K., notorious prisons like Wormwood Scrubs, Durham, and Frankland have come under intense scrutiny for their inhumane conditions, housing some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, including serial killers, terrorists, and other violent offenders. The overcrowding in these facilities has only exacerbated the already dire living conditions, further endangering the well-being of the inmates.
Further afield, prisons like Black Dolphin in Russia, Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Kenya, and Terre Haute in the U.S. have equally disturbing stories. The Black Dolphin Prison, also known as penal colony No.6, houses some of Russia’s most notorious criminals, including serial killers, cannibals, and terrorists, and is renowned for its brutal and oppressive environment.
Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Kenya, originally built by the British in 1954, is notorious for its squalid conditions and rampant diseases, including HIV, AIDS, and tuberculosis. The prison, which once housed political prisoners and carried out executions, now stands as a symbol of the inhumane treatment of its inmates.
Meanwhile, Terre Haute in the U.S. has been dubbed ‘Guantanamo North’ and is where the federal government’s execution chamber is located. The prison’s harsh and inadequate conditions have drawn criticism from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, further highlighting the harsh realities faced by inmates within its walls.
The stories of these and other prisons around the world shed a stark light on the deplorable conditions that persist in various penal institutions, exposing the urgent need for prison reform and greater attention to the well-being of those incarcerated. The fight for justice and humane treatment for all prisoners remains a pressing concern in the global conversation on human rights and criminal justice.