Icon: enlarge
Security forces near Mahara Prison on the outskirts of Colombo
Photo: CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock
At least eight people died and more than 50 were injured in a revolt in a maximum security prison in Sri Lanka.
After a corona outbreak in the prison, the inmates demanded improved conditions such as greater distances from one another and regular corona tests, said an official who is responsible for the country's prisons.
The situation escalated on Sunday: prisoners attacked security forces, tried to flee, set fire to buildings and documents, and temporarily took two guards hostage.
Relatives of the prisoners had also gathered in front of the prison, which made the situation even more tense.
The police opened fire, the officer said.
Six of the injured are prison guards.
The situation was brought back under control on Monday night.
More than 1100 prisoners infected with corona
"We can't say for sure, but most deaths and injuries appear to have resulted from gunfire," said Ajith Rohana, a senior police officer.
Many of the injured are in "critical condition," said Shelton Perera, director of Ragama Hospital, where inmates of the prison are treated.
Recently there were also protests in other - usually overcrowded - prisons in Sri Lanka, in which inmates demanded more protection from corona infections.
According to official information, more than 1,100 prisoners are currently infected with Corona in the country.
Icon: The mirror
wit / dpa / Reuters