Five Inmates Escape High-Security Prison in Portugal

Five prisoners, including a Briton, an Argentinian, and a Georgian, escaped from Vale de Judeus high-security prison in Portugal, aided by an external ladder. The escape has sparked criticism over security measures and lack of investment. Police are actively searching for the escapees.

Five inmates, including a Briton, an Argentinian, and a Georgian, escaped from the Vale de Judeus high-security prison located 30 km north of Lisbon, authorities reported on Saturday.

The Portuguese prison service stated that the men, aged between 33 and 61, managed to escape at 10 a.m. (0900 GMT) with external assistance. A ladder was used to scale the wall, providing access to the outside.

Police were immediately deployed to recapture the escapees. Authorities noted that the two Portuguese inmates were serving 25-year sentences for serious offenses like drug trafficking and kidnapping. The Justice Ministry, responsible for prison oversight, was unavailable for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)