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Prisoners end deadly riot in Guyana's capital

Friday, 04 March 2016 6:58 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 04 March 2016 6:58 PM ]

Police stand guard outside Georgetown Prison after a riot and fire at the facility in Georgetown, Guyana, March 3, 2016. (AP photo)

Prisoners in the capital of Guyana ended their deadly rioting on Friday after the government agreed to improve conditions in the detention facility.

Inmates at the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown agreed to end disturbances after three days of unrest in the detention center, which included a deadly fire outbreak.

Dozens of prisoners met with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and State Minister Joseph Harmon, urging officials for basic improvements in the prison.

The prisoners said officials agreed to improve the quality of food while the prisoners will be allowed to have more telephone calls with their families. Promises were also made to prisoners that the judiciary would accelerate hearing their cases, especially those who wait years.

In return, the inmates agreed to stand down and end rioting, setting fire to beds, and hurling rocks and objects at guards in the facility.

"We have agreed to keep our end of the bargain and they have agreed to keep theirs," Harmon said after meeting with prisoners, which lasted for more than an hour. "A prison is not a five-star hotel but we have to have some minimum standards."

The move came two days after a fire broke out in the facility in the heart of Georgetown. At least 17 prisoners died and seven more were injured. The government said it set up a board of inquiry to look into the circumstances of the fire.

According to other officials, the prison unrest began on March 2, when guards seized drugs, cellphones and other items from the prisoners, prompting inmates to set fire during a riot. Five more police officers and guards were hospitalized Friday after clashes with the prisoners.

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