VZCZCXRO3230
OO RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHMV #0977 3361725
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 011725Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0575
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS MONROVIA 000977 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: ASEC CASC PHUM PGOV LI
SUBJECT:  JAILBREAK AT MONROVIA CENTRAL PRISON 
 
¶1.  A reported 135 prisoners escaped from the Monrovia Central 
Prison (MCP) December 1.  Liberia National Police (LNP) immediately 
set up roadblocks and searched neighborhoods around the MCP and up 
to 68 prisoners have reportedly been recaptured.  The LNP Emergency 
Response Unit has been deployed as well.  The MCP is located less 
than one mile from the Embassy compound. 
 
¶2.  There is no immediate threat towards the Embassy or the resident 
Amcit population.  RSO sent out a message advising Mission personnel 
avoid the area surrounding the MCP, Barclay Training Center, and UN 
Drive in the vicinity of Gurley and Center Streets.  RSO also 
requested that the LNP detachment at the Embassy be increased.  The 
consular section has sent out a warden message with similar 
information.  The Embassy does not plan to take any other steps at 
this time, but will monitor the situation closely. 
 
¶3.  According to several UNMIL sources, a disturbance began when 
prisoners began protesting not receiving speedy court dates. The 
prisoners then pushed through the Nepalese Formed Police Unit (FPU) 
guarding the prison gate to escape.  According to the sources, the 
FPU used teargas and fired warning shots. 
 
¶4.  Comment:  The MCP is severely overcrowded, holding four times 
its capacity.  About 800 prisoners are held there, with 93% of those 
in pre-trial detention. 
 
THOMAS-GREENFIELD