Police agree deal to break hostage crisis at prison

Urso Branco is considered one of the most violent jails in Brazil. Picture / Reuters

SAO PAULO - Police said yesterday they have reached an agreement with inmates leading a riot at a remote prison in Brazil's Amazon and were awaiting the release of nearly 200 hostages who had been visiting relatives and friends on Christmas Day.

Inmates at the Urso Branco penitentiary in Rondonia state were due to release the hostages - mostly women - and end a rebellion soon, after getting promises authorities would meet some of their demands, police spokesman Lenilson Guebes said.

The gang leading the uprising demanded the return of its leader, Ednildo Paula Souza, to the prison. He escaped two weeks ago but was caught and moved to another jail.

"Souza will be returned to the prison and the penitentiary has agreed to treat the prisoners' family and visitors with more dignity," said Captain Luiz Cesar of the state police.

Prisoners have also demanded that a prosecutor they dislike is relieved of his duties. Officials did not say if they planned to grant that request.

Officials said firefighters and emergency medical teams were waiting on the scene to assist any hostages, guards and inmates.

It was not clear if there were serious injuries or deaths. A report by the local news agency Agencia Estado, which cited leaders of the rebellion as sources, said 17 inmates had been killed in the riot. Police could not confirm the reports.

Urso Branco is considered one of the most violent jails in Brazil, which has a long history of bloody uprisings. It holds 950 inmates in a space meant for about half that many.

In April 2004, about 15 people were killed in an uprising at Urso Branco that lasted about a week.

Gruesome video and photos captured a band of inmates brandishing and tossing body parts and heads from the top of prison towers.

About 200 police were standing guard outside the prison, 3070km from Sao Paulo.

- REUTERS