880 prisoners riot in Brazil

The Secretariat for Human Rights and the Penitentiary System of Brazil has confirmed that 26 hostages have been taken by the 880 prisoners who have rioted at prison Bangu III, a maximum security prison in the western part of Rio de Janeiro.

The rioting prisoners are armed with machine guns, grenades, pistols and knives. The reason for the riot was a foiled escape attempt on November 22nd.

Some of the hostages are prison guards, social service workers and teachers who worked in the prison.

The spokesperson for the Secretariat for Human Rights and the Penitentiary System of Brazil, Joao Luiz Pinaud, is negotiating with the prisoners, who have threatened to kill the hostages.

Marcia MIRANDA PRAVDA.Ru BRAZIL