Prison Break Shakes Portugal as British Inmate Makes Daring Escape

Details of the Escape

A prison break occurred today at Vale de Judeus Prison in Alcoentre, Lisbon, as Mark Roscaleer, a 39-year-old British inmate, successfully escaped.

Roscaleer was one of five inmates who reportedly used a ladder to ascend over the six-meter-high wall earlier this morning. This escape mirrors past attempts by Roscaleer to evade law enforcement, demonstrating a pattern of daring behavior.

Profile of the Inmates Involved

• Mark Roscaleer: Jailed for kidnap and robbery, previously attempted escapes.
• Fernando Ribeiro Ferreira: 61 years old; sentenced for drug trafficking and robbery.
• Rodolfo José Lohrmann: 59 years old; involved in criminal association and theft.
• Shergili Farjiani: 40 years old; committed theft and violence-related crimes.
• Fábio Fernandes Santos Loureiro: 33 years old; sentenced for extortion and more.

The Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has initiated an investigation following this incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.

Concerns Over Security Lapses

The escape has highlighted significant issues within the prison system, particularly concerning staffing. Only 120 guards manage over 500 inmates, raising alarms about the effectiveness of surveillance and control.

As authorities continue to search for the escapees and analyze the security failures, this prison break serves as a wake-up call regarding the need for thorough reform in Portugal's correctional facilities.