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Almost 8,000 Hostage in Brazil Jail
Rioting prisoners in Latin America's largest jail took nearly 8,000 visitors and guards hostage Sunday in a protest that spread to 22 jails throughout southeastern Sao Paulo state. At least five prisoners were killed.
The rioters were protesting the transfer from Carandiru of 10 prison leaders who belong to a jail branch of a major Rio de Janeiro crime group that specializes in arms and drug trafficking. The group apparently exerts considerable influence within Carandiru, which is in northern Sao Paulo.
Some 72 prison guards and more than 7,900 visitors �� including 1,700 children �� were inside when the rebellion started, said Police Capt. Monica Bondezan. It wasn't clear how many prisoners were rioting at the jail, which has about 10,000 inmates.
Similar revolts spread to 22 other prisons across Sao Paulo state. Late Sunday night, the press office of the Sao Paulo state government said in a note that 19 jails had been brought back under control. Negotiations at Carandiru and the others were expected to resume Monday morning.
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