WILLEMSTAD - Seven undocumented Venezuelans fled yesterday from the foreigners' barracks on the premises of the Curaçao prison (SDKK). Shortly after the escape, the police arrested five of these undocumented migrants. Two were still on the run until last night.
This is the second escape in just seven days. The men fled through the roof after fighting with the guards. All means were used to take the escaped men into custody. For example, the Coast Guard helicopter was used to spot the Venezuelans from the air. Police and prison staff searched the mondi (bushes) in the area.
Due to the suspension of humanitarian flights to Caracas, 33 Venezuelan migrants are imprisoned in the foreigners’ barracks.
The Venezuelans say they are being held in inhumane conditions in a place full of criminals who have committed serious crimes. They also have health problems because of the unsanitary situation.
The Venezuelan government decided to suspend humanitarian flights scheduled for December 21 and 22. Nearly 300 Venezuelans have been unable to return to their country of origin due to the decision in Caracas. To assist the stranded passengers, the Venezuelan consulate has activated the shelter on the Isla refinery site, but it can accommodate only 80 people temporarily.