Behind Bars The Worlds Toughest Prisons
Imagine prisons so tough that even the hardest gang bosses and killers learn the meaning of fear. This series is an intimate portrait of crime and punishment that goes beyond the gates, walls, and cells of the world's toughest maximum security prisons.
Tent City Jail, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Old army tents left over from the Korean War house prisoners instead of cells. The Sheriff is a hard man who refuses to spend any more than he has to on his prisoners. Harassment and humiliation is a part of everyday life at Tent City.
Antanimora Prison, Madagascar
Desperate overcrowding, rats, and disease come standard in Antanimora Prison. Surrounded by the capital Antananarivo, it's bursting at the seams. It was originally built for 800 prisoners, but now it contains more than 3,000 prisoners.
San Pedro Prison, La Paz, Bolivia
Imagine a prison so fierce that guards stay outside for fear of their lives. Inside, the prisoners are in control: murderers, violent offenders, drug bosses. The inmate's rule and anarchy prevail. Only the strongest survive this lawless place.
Dallas County Jail, Dallas. Texas, USA
The Dallas County Jail in Texas - a supersized facility with beds for 7,100 inmates. The biggest threat in the prison? Turf wars. With the surplus of inmates, there is less space to divide up between them, leading to relentless gang warfare.
Sofia Central Prison, Sofia, Bulgaria
With a crumbling foundation fit for demolition, Sofia Central prison is inhospitable for anyone, including criminals. With multiple prisoner cells, bunks stacked 3 high and horrid isolation cells, prisoners live idly behind bars for 23 hours a day.
Miami, Dade County Jail Boot Camp, Miami, Florida, USA
The toughest divisions of the Miami Dade: Boot Camp gives minor offenders a chance to escape the prison through unforgiving drills and rules. To many, it is a better alternative to The M-D County Jail where murderers and rapists have their own rules.
