23 killed in Colombia prison unrest over coronavirus

At least 23 people have died in one of Bogotá's largest jails after what the authorities are calling a mass breakout attempt amid rising tensions over coronavirus.

Colombia's Justice Minister Margarita Cabello said 83 inmates were injured during a riot at La Modelo prison.

Inmates at prisons across the country held protests on Sunday against overcrowding and poor health services during the coronavirus outbreak.

Ms Cabello said 32 prisoners and seven guards were in hospital. Two guards are in a critical condition.

She said the violence was a coordinated plan with disturbances reported across 13 of the country's prisons.

 

Dhaka/Mukul