Riots break out at prison in Lebanon

Riots break out at prison in Lebanon

2011-04-03 03:17:28 GMT+7 (ICT)

BEIRUT, LEBANON (BNO NEWS) -- A riot broke out on Saturday in Lebanon's main prison of Roumieh located east of Beirut, the country's interior ministry said.

According to NOW Lebanon, prisoners began protesting cell searches after guards discovered that some prisoners possessed forbidden items. Reinforcements were sent to the prison after inmates broke down doors and set mattresses ablaze.

"The ministry is boldly assuming its responsibilities and calls on all [authorities] to follow its lead," the interior ministry statement said, as cited by NOW Lebanon.

The statement added that the Interior Ministry is following up on the issue and is "extremely keen on preserving the safety of the inmates."

An investigation was launched following the incident.

Roumieh prison, which houses more than 5,000 inmates, has witnessed several clashes before over poor conditions.

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