Eight inmates killed in Venezuela prison riot

Wednesday 05 May 2010 09:00 BST

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A riot at one of Venezuela's most violent prisons left eight inmates dead and three injured.

Venezuela's top prison authority said the violence at the Santa Ana Prison in the western state of Tachira began after rival gangs fought for control of cell blocks.

Consuelo Cerrada told Venezuelan state television that National Guard troops retook control of the prison after yesterday's riot.

Violence is common in Venezuela's overcrowded prisons, where rival gangs often fight for control of cell blocks or the sale of illegal drugs. Some corrupt guards sell weapons to inmates.

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Eight inmates killed in Venezuela prison riot

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