In unit 31 of the Federal Penitentiary Service, Martín Ruiz Onorio, a detainee and former SIDE agent suffering from cancer, passed away. His death was caused by a heart attack due to lack of proper attention, as well as the absence of a defibrillator and an ambulance for his transfer.
It is important to mention that penitentiary units are not equipped to provide medical care for elderly individuals. For this reason, prisoners are released and sent home when they reach 70 years old or earlier in case they have a serious illness. However, in the case of those who were judged for actions related to terrorism in the 70s, this measure does not apply. As a result, many of them die from various diseases without receiving the necessary care.
There are even cases of prisoners with senile dementia who remain detained in their cells without adequate assistance, highlighting the lack of resources and protocols to care for this vulnerable population within the penitentiary system.
This situation underscores the urgent need to address medical care and support for elderly or unwell inmates, ensuring that they receive the necessary treatment and are not exposed to avoidable risks within penitentiary institutions.
