Prison systems across the globe vary drastically in conditions, treatment of inmates, and overall goals—ranging from rehabilitation to punishment.
While some facilities prioritise humane treatment and reintegration, others have earned notoriety for their inhumane conditions, systemic abuse, and lack of basic necessities.
These prisons often reflect deeper societal challenges, including corruption, underfunding, and institutional neglect.
Within their walls, inmates frequently endure severe overcrowding, unsanitary environments, insufficient medical care, and rampant violence at the hands of both guards and fellow prisoners.
This article explores twenty of the most infamous prisons in the world, shedding light on the daily realities faced by those incarcerated within them.
From the psychological trauma of solitary confinement to the physical agony of forced labour, each facility exemplifies the extreme conditions that can exist within modern penal institutions.
15. Vladimir Central Prison, Russia
A centuries-old institution, Vladimir Central is notorious for overcrowding, systemic abuse, and medical neglect.
Inmates report physical torture and fear-inducing treatment from guards.
Healthcare services are minimal, and the bleak atmosphere is compounded by a lack of rehabilitative infrastructure.
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The prison’s historical and ongoing abuses make it a glaring example of the Russian penal system’s deficiencies.
14. La Modelo, Colombia
Located in Bogotá, La Modelo is marred by extreme violence, overcrowding, and rampant corruption.
Gangs wield significant influence within the facility, and deadly clashes are frequent.
With inadequate access to healthcare, food, and clean water, inmates suffer in squalid conditions.
Corrupt practices among staff further endanger prisoner safety and well-being.
13. Black Dolphin Prison, Russia
Near the Kazakhstan border, Black Dolphin houses Russia’s most dangerous criminals.
Inmates are blindfolded during transport and live in near-total isolation.
Reports of physical abuse and psychological torment are common.
With minimal rehabilitative opportunities and intense security, the facility is among the world’s most severe penal institutions.
12. Black Beach Prison, Equatorial Guinea
Inmates are often detained arbitrarily and kept in poor, unsanitary conditions.
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Torture and prolonged isolation are common, and the lack of transparency in prison operations further amplifies human rights concerns.
11. Mendoza Prison, Argentina
In Mendoza, inmates live in dangerously overcrowded conditions, often in cells far beyond capacity.
Violent confrontations are frequent, driven by gang activity and poor oversight.
Corruption among staff, coupled with insufficient food, medical care, and rehabilitation, results in a dangerously unstable environment.
10. ADX Florence, United States
Often referred to as the most secure prison in America, ADX Florence in Colorado houses high-profile inmates in extreme isolation.
Most prisoners spend 23 hours daily in solitary confinement, with limited human contact.
This practice has been widely condemned for its detrimental impact on mental health.
Despite its security, the facility faces ongoing scrutiny over its treatment of inmates.
9. Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Kenya
Originally designed for 1,400 inmates, Kamiti often holds over 3,000. Cramped, unsanitary conditions lead to disease and malnutrition.
Abuse by guards and rampant corruption worsen the environment, while a lack of medical care and rehabilitative services deepens the crisis.
8. Bang Kwang Central Prison, Thailand
Nicknamed the “Bangkok Hilton”, this facility is infamous for its harsh treatment of inmates.
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Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of medical care are routine.
Long-term shackling and physical abuse are common, especially among death row inmates, contributing to severe physical and psychological trauma.
7. Gldani Prison, Georgia
Known internationally for a 2012 scandal involving video evidence of torture and sexual abuse by guards, Gldani has a history of extreme human rights abuses.
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a culture of violence persist despite public outcry and government reforms.
6. Butyrka Prison, Russia
Moscow’s Butyrka Prison is overwhelmed by overcrowding and health crises, particularly tuberculosis.
Conditions are unsanitary and dangerous, with reports of torture by guards.
The prison’s long-standing reputation for brutality makes it one of the most feared in the country.
5. Camp 14, North Korea
Officially known as Kwan-li-so No. 14, this prison camp is reserved for political prisoners and their families.
Inmates endure forced labour, extreme malnutrition, and public executions.
Medical care is virtually nonexistent, and the level of psychological and physical abuse is staggering.
4. Diyarbakır Prison, Turkey
A symbol of state repression, particularly against Kurdish prisoners, Diyarbakır became infamous during the 1980s for its use of torture and abuse.
Though some reforms have occurred, the prison still suffers from overcrowding, lack of medical care, and harsh treatment of detainees.
3. Ciudad Barrios Prison, El Salvador
This gang-controlled prison houses far more inmates than it was designed for, leading to extreme overcrowding and chaos.
Violence is rampant, and the government exerts little control inside the facility.
Health conditions are dire, and inmates are often left to fend for themselves in lawless conditions.
2. Muhanga Correctional Facility, Rwanda
Severely overcrowded and under-resourced, Muhanga holds multiple times its intended capacity.
Inmates suffer from poor sanitation, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate food and water.
Reports of physical abuse and rights violations further compound the prison’s already dire conditions, cementing its place as one of the worst globally.
1. Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, Cuba
Operated by the U.S., Guantanamo Bay has long faced global condemnation for indefinite detention without trial and the use of torture.
Conditions include extreme isolation, sleep deprivation, and physical coercion.
Despite calls for closure, the camp remains a symbol of controversial anti-terrorism policies.
