7 Restricted Prisons That You Should Never Visit

The CIA’s warning — Why you should never visit these prohibited prisons.

If you’re looking for a travel destination off the beaten path, you should think twice before visiting any of the 7 prohibited prisons around the world warned against by the Central Intelligence Agency.

From Guantanamo Bay to La Sante Prison in France, these restricted prisons are off-limits to civilians and tourists due to their extreme security protocols and the potential danger that comes with entering them.

Keep reading to discover 7 restricted prisons around the world that you should never visit, according to the CIA.

7- Shepton Mallet Prison — Military Base To Infamous Jail

Located in the rural town of Shepton Mallet, England, this former military prison has a dark past.

Operating for over 300 years, the prison was known for its harsh conditions and severe punishments.

In its long history, it has held some of Britain’s most notorious criminals, such as pirate William Kidd and members of the IRA.

The prison closed down in 2013 after being deemed too outdated and dangerous to operate.

Though it is now abandoned, it still holds secrets that many believe should remain hidden forever.

6- Ohio State Reformatory — A Tour Through Time

This once notorious prison is located in Mansfield, Ohio, and has been in existence since 1896.

It has a long history of violence and death and has been known as one of the most dangerous prisons in the country.

In 1990, a judge ordered the facility to be closed due to overcrowding and various human rights violations.

The prison was made famous by the 1994 movie ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ starring Morgan Freeman.

The facility has a haunted reputation and many people have reported sightings of ghosts inside the walls. It is said that the souls of those who have died within its walls still wander the prison grounds.

Visitors are warned to stay away from this prison as it is not safe to enter. It is one of the prisons the CIA has warned you to never visit.

5- Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary — America’s Most Notorious Prison

Located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary has a long and infamous history.

It was opened in 1934 and served as a federal prison for nearly 30 years, with some of the most dangerous criminals in American history being incarcerated there.

It is perhaps most famously known for its escape attempts by inmates, which have become legendary.

Alcatraz was closed in 1963 due to its high costs of maintenance and its remote location but has since become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States.

Visitors can tour the grounds and learn about the island’s rich history and its impact on the American prison system.

4- Bang Kwang Central Prison — Overcrowding On Inmates

Situated in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Bang Kwang Central Prison is infamous for its inhumane conditions. The prison is known for its overcrowded cells and lack of proper medical facilities.

Over 8,000 prisoners are housed in the prison, a building that was only meant to house around 2,500 inmates. Most of the prisoners here are serving life sentences for drug-related offenses.

The prison conditions are so poor that many inmates end up falling ill. Inmates are often subjected to beatings from other inmates and guards.

There is also no air conditioning, meaning temperatures inside the cells can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. This extreme heat has resulted in the death of several prisoners due to dehydration and heat exhaustion.

In addition to its abysmal living conditions, Bang Kwang Central Prison also has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs.

Any prisoner caught with drugs is immediately put in solitary confinement, a punishment that can last up to two years.

Many prisoners have been known to commit suicide while in solitary confinement due to the inhumane conditions.

For these reasons, it’s clear why the CIA has warned against visiting this prison. The combination of overcrowding, extreme heat, and lack of medical care makes Bang Kwang Central Prison one of the most dangerous prisons in the world.

3- Carandiru Penitentiary — A Dark Moment In Brazilian History

Located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Carandiru Penitentiary is one of the most notorious prisons in the world.

It was built in 1920 to house the city’s prisoners, but it quickly became known for its harsh conditions.

The prison was overcrowded and violence was rampant. In 1992, a riot broke out at Carandiru, resulting in 111 inmates killed by police officers.

The incident sparked outrage and led to a massive investigation.

The prison was shut down in 2002, and all inmates were relocated. Today, the facility has been demolished and is no longer operational.

While it may be gone, the legacy of Carandiru Penitentiary remains a dark stain on the history of Brazilian law enforcement.

2- La Sabaneta Prison — Life Behind Bars

Located in Venezuela, La Sabaneta Prison is one of the most feared and restrictive prisons on Earth.

Inmates are subjected to a harsh regime that includes overcrowding, torture, and inhumane treatment.

The prison has a long history of violence and abuse, and it was even listed as one of the ten worst prisons in the world by the CIA.

The prison is notorious for its gang culture and lack of security, with riots and murders being common occurrences. Conditions are said to be so dire that prisoners are often forced to eat their excrement to survive.

With poor hygiene, a shortage of medical supplies, and little access to basic human rights, La Sabaneta Prison is a place no one should ever visit.

1- Holmesburg Prison — A Tale Of Chaos And Violence

Located in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Holmesburg Prison has a checkered past.

Built-in 1896 and still in operation today, the facility is notorious for its experiments and mistreatment of inmates.

From 1963 to 1971, prisoners were subjected to medical tests as part of a joint venture between the University of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Army.

During this time, inmates were exposed to a variety of potentially harmful substances, including LSD and radiation, often without their knowledge or consent.

In addition, Holmesburg was known for its overcrowded cells and unsanitary conditions.

While the prison is no longer used for medical experiments, it remains a harsh place to serve time and one that the CIA has warned people to stay away from.

Points To Ponder

In conclusion, visiting any of these seven prisons is strictly prohibited due to their sinister reputation.

From the tales of escape attempts and harsh conditions to the stories of unimaginable brutality and injustice, each of these sites should be avoided at all costs.

For those who may be curious to explore further, it’s best to observe these places from a distance or learn more about them through educational materials.

Exploring any of these prisons could lead to serious consequences, so it’s best to heed the warnings from the CIA and stay away from these dangerous places.

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