International Law

Prisoners riot at jail in Tijuana, Mexico

By John Hirst

Prisoners angered by the alleged deaths of inmates at the hands of guards rioted at a state penitentiary in Tijuana, Mexico, injuring at least four prisoners
Picture: REUTERS

The four suffered bullet wounds and were evacuated for treatment, Red Cross official Fernando Esquer said. It was unclear who shot them
Picture: REUTERS

The riot began Sunday afternoon and quickly escalated
Picture: REUTERS

A fire raged on the patio as evening fell, and inmates hung messages and shouted slogans from the prison's roof and windows
Picture: AP

Some also waved Mexican flags
Picture: REUTERS

Several messages claimed that prison guards had killed at least two prisoners, beating one man to death on Saturday and killing the other last week
Picture: AP

"We want better treatment by the authorities" one banner read. "The guards are assassins" said another
Picture: AP

Prisoners also said that four people had been killed in the riot and they were holding several guards hostage, but officials refused to comment
Picture: AP

The rioting prisoners said they want longer visiting hours and the ability to see people who aren't direct family
Picture: AP

Soldiers and police surrounded the building, and a helicopter clattered overhead
Picture: AP

Local police as well as soldiers were sent in to help restore order
Picture: AP

Family members trying to find out information on those inside gathered at police cordons and clashed at least twice with security officials
Picture: AP

The riot began during visiting hours, and prisoners said several visitors were in the prison compound but were not being held hostage and had been fed
Picture: AP

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on September 15, 2008 (boomark / email).