Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

Newsflash

Several prison riots have taken place across Argentina that were sparked by the poor conditions they are living in amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The two biggest riots took place in the cities of Florencio Varela in the eastern Argentine province of Buenos Aires and in the city of Coronda in the north-eastern province of Santa Fe, according to reports.

The first clip shows a building on fire at the Unidad Penitenciaria No.1 in the city of Coronda as prisoners climb on the roof in a bid to escape.

According to local media, guards managed to stop the attempted prison break by firing warning shots from the control towers.

Newsflash

However, one prisoner was reportedly stabbed to death during the riot and the incident is being investigated by the authorities.

Another video shows a riot at the Unidad No.54 prison in the city of Florencio Varela where several prisoners reportedly got out of their cells and took control of corridors.

According to reports, the local authorities have so far been unable to control the riot at Unidad No.54.

Local media said that the prison authorities recently imposed measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the temporary suspension of family visits.

Newsflash

However, a prisoner named Juan from Bouwer prison in the province of Cordoba said on social media: “I sleep with eight men in a cell where there is room for four.

“Prison workers do not wear masks or gloves. We are demanding toiletries and food we normally don’t get or is only half-cooked.”

Newsflash

Prison official Walter Galvez told local media: “Packages of food and hygiene products will arrive at the prisons between Wednesday and Friday.”

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