Survival Behind Bars: The Untold Story of Combita Prison
Where 276 Men Build Hope From Nothing
In the highlands of Boyacá, Colombia, sits Combita High Security Prison. While its walls tell one story, inside Patio 2, a community of 276 inmates tells another – one of resilience, mutual support, and survival against stark odds.
From London to Colombia: Boris’s Journey
Cristian Camilo Gonzales Rodríguez, known as Boris, was born in Armenia, Quindio, in Colombia’s coffee region. At age three, he was taken to the United Kingdom, where he grew up in Grenfell Tower, West London. After serving 39 months in various UK youth offender institutions, he was deported to Colombia in December 2010.
Returning to a country he barely knew, Boris found himself in Ciudad Bolivar, Bogotá’s 19th locality. His path eventually led him to Medellín, where circumstances resulted in his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Life in Combita
Since 7th September 2014, Boris has been incarcerated, first spending two years in La Modelo prison in Bogotá before being transferred to Combita. The situation in Combita took a dramatic turn in 2020, as documented by VICE, when the prison began operating differently from others in the country.
Current Conditions
For the past four years, inmates have faced:
- No state-provided healthcare
- Absence of regular food supplies
- Lack of basic state assistance
Community Response
In response to these challenges, the inmates of Patio 2 have developed their own support system:
- Self-organised food distribution
- Community-run kitchen initiatives
- Collaborative economic activities to sustain supplies
The prisoners work together to stretch resources, operating a small restaurant/kitchen that serves both their patio and others. This initiative not only provides food but also creates work opportunities for inmates involved in cooking and distribution.
Immediate Needs
Currently, the community faces a critical challenge with their refrigeration system. The loss of their fridge has severely impacted their ability to store food and maintain their kitchen operations, threatening the sustainability of their food security system.
The Broader Context
While Patio 2 houses 276 people, it represents just one of eight patios in Combita. The situation highlights broader issues within Colombia’s prison system and raises questions about state responsibility for incarcerated individuals’ basic needs.
How to Help
The community in Patio 2 operates on principles of voluntary cooperation and mutual support. They never pressure individuals to contribute, understanding that every small contribution helps maintain their collective survival.
For those interested in supporting this community:
- Donations help purchase raw food products
- Contributions support the community kitchen
- Funds assist with essential medical supplies
- Support helps maintain work opportunities within the prison
Donations can be made here:
Anika María Alexandra MONTANEZ
Acount Number 53225437
Sort Code 20-96-60 (Barclays bank)
And here:
Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated by the inmates!
‘Due to the unique situation of the prison and situation, Boris’s sister currently sends funds to Colombia, where they are used to purchase supplies needed for the prison and then distributed to the inmates!
Links to Documentaries:
Watch the Vice Documentary from 2020 Here!
Behind the Bars TV Documentary from 2024 Here!
https://youtu.be/DPqejWvlkmQ?si=V_9K87r7uiP3xeS4
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Sophie.lewis.1992@hotmail.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/share/aW8e95jujHz5oiXX/
