At least 2 dead after Lebanese forces storm prison riot

[News_Editor]

At least 2 dead after Lebanese forces storm prison riot

2011-04-06 20:51:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

BEIRUT, LEBANON (BNO NEWS) -- At least two inmates died after Lebanese security forces stormed a prison to put an end to several days of rioting and free four guards that were being held hostage, officials said Wednesday.

According to Naharnet, officials said one of the inmates died after picking up a stun grenade that had been thrown by security forces, which then exploded in the inmate's hand. The second inmate reportedly died of a heart attack. At least six others were injured during the incidents.

Roumieh prison inmates had been rioting since Saturday to demand better conditions, as the prison was originally constructed to hold 1,500 inmates. However, over the years, the prison has held up to 4,000 prisoners.

Reports also indicate that only 721 of the 3,700 inmates currently held in the Roumieh prison complex have been tried, while the rest of the inmates have been waiting months and even years to be tried or convicted.

During Wednesday's incidents, inmates' family members and friends protested outside the prison, throwing stones and bottles at security forces in support of the inmates' demands of improved conditions.

Roumieh is located just northeast of the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

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