Inmates riot in Lebanese prison over living conditions

Inmates in Lebanon’s largest prison have rioted to protest against poor conditions, days after videos were leaked online depicting Lebanese prison guards beating prisoners.

Scores rioted inside Roumieh prison on Tuesday demanding concessions and better living conditions, damaging several cells and injuring fellow inmates in the process.

The riot erupted in Cell Block A, which holds convicted prisoners, and the Internal Security Forces dispatched its Panther Unit – an elite unit – to prevent the situation from deteriorating. Security forces were able to quell the riot after several hours.

Nuhad Mashnuq, the Lebanese interior minister, dispatched his advisor for prison affairs to hear the demands of the prisoners.

According to local media reports, the prisoners rioted against newly-introduced stricter regulation prohibiting the smuggling in of contraband.