SAO LUIS, Brazil, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Two days of rioting at a prison in northern Brazil left at least 18 inmates dead, officials said Tuesday.
CNN reported at least 15 prisoners were killed Monday and three more Tuesday at the Pedrinhas Penitentiary in Sao Luis.
An official said five prison officials were held hostage for a time but were free unharmed, the U.S. news network said.
The prisoners apparently rioted over at least three issues: They seek the replacement of the prison's director, Luis Henrique Pena de Freitas; they want inmate lawsuits to be heard more quickly; and they want the prison's water system upgraded.
UPI
