At Least 60 People Killed, Some Decapitated, in Brazil Prison Riot Sparked by Rival Gangs: Officials

CNN Wire

8 years ago

A 17-hour uprising at a prison in Brazil claimed the lives of at least 60 people over the weekend, state-run media reported Monday.

Relatives of inmates gather at the main gate of the Anisio Jobim Penitentiary Complex to ask for information after a riot at the prison left at least 60 people killed and several injured, in Manaus, Amazonia state, Brazil on Jan. 2, 2017. (Credit: Marcio Silva/AFP/Getty Images)

The revolt started Sunday afternoon as part of a rivalry between two criminal organizations at the Anísio Jobim Prison Complex in the city of Manaus, Agencia Brasil reported, citing Sergio Fontes, the public safety secretary for the state of Amazonas.

Among the hostages were 74 prisoners and an unknown number of prison guards, Fontes said. Bodies were thrown over the wall of the complex, and at least six people were decapitated, the news agency reported.

Authorities said they did not know how many prisoners might have escaped.

Developing story – more to come

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