Prisoners hold hostages in Peru prison riot
- 12 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
STORY: Prisoners in a Peruvian facility took four prison officials hostage on Monday after authorities raided the building to seize television sets and DVD players.
According to reports, the director of the facility, Alberto Caetano Choque, the sub-director Fernando Surco Arostegui, and two officers from the National Penitentiary Institute are being held by the rioting prisoners.
Authorities say the prisoners have taken over the D and E block of the penitentiary in Arequipa, where the most dangerous criminals are kept.
Rioters are demanding better conditions and a change to the prison's administration.
From the prison roof, Angel Lopez, one of the hostages, pleaded with authorities to back off and not to use violence.
"Don't test the inmates with the anti riot police. Send them away for the sake of our physical integrity. Violence generates violence and the inmates are ready for anything," he said.
The Socabaya Penitentiary had similar riots in 2000 and 2001 with inmates demanding better conditions.
STORY: Prisoners in a Peruvian facility took four prison officials hostage on Monday after authorities raided the building to seize television sets and DVD players.
According to reports, the director of the facility, Alberto Caetano Choque, the sub-director Fernando Surco Arostegui, and two officers from the National Penitentiary Institute are being held by the rioting prisoners.
Authorities say the prisoners have taken over the D and E block of the penitentiary in Arequipa, where the most dangerous criminals are kept.
Rioters are demanding better conditions and a change to the prison's administration.
From the prison roof, Angel Lopez, one of the hostages, pleaded with authorities to back off and not to use violence.
"Don't test the inmates with the anti riot police. Send them away for the sake of our physical integrity. Violence generates violence and the inmates are ready for anything," he said.
The Socabaya Penitentiary had similar riots in 2000 and 2001 with inmates demanding better conditions.