INMATES that were killed during a prison riot in Colombia’s capital earlier this year were shot down intentionally, a report by Human Rights Watch revealed today.

New evidence found that most of the 24 inmates killed during the uprising over fears that crowded, unhygienic conditions would fuel a virus outbreak were shot to death on purpose, according to the organisation. 

Autopsy reports that Human Rights Watch commissioned from the Independent Forensic Expert Group and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims concluded that “most of the gunshot wounds described in the autopsy reports are consistent with having been produced with the objective of killing.

The report does not say who fired during the March 21 uprising in La Modela prison, but it raises new questions about Colombia’s compliance with international human rights law and the importance of a thorough investigation.

Human Rights Watch Americas director Jose Miguel Vivanco said: “This new report is based on official documentation pointing to the intentional killing of detainees, yet there is little sign of progress in the investigation.”

Advocates for the prisoners said that the inmates organised a nationwide protest to draw attention to their dire conditions.

The complaints include the fact that they are being housed six to a cell, sleeping in the hallways, with no effort to isolate inmates with conditions that made them especially vulnerable to Covid-19.

Prisoners said that it was intended to be a peaceful action, and video footage shows inmates yelling from their cells before gunfire is heard.

Justice Minister Margarita Cabello initially described the events as an attempted prison escape, but this claim was refuted by activists. 

She will become Colombia’s new inspector general in January, a move that Human Rights Watch says raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest in ensuring a thorough probe.

The niece of a 30-year-old man with mental health issues, who was shot in the arm and has permanently lost the use of his limb, said that it took her family several days to find him. 

Andrea Benitez said that while they have been working with an attorney, they have not received answers. 

She is not hopeful that anyone will be held accountable, adding: “Here in Colombia it’s difficult. That’s a waste of time.”

The Colombian attorney general’s office did not immediately comment on the report.