Prisoners mutiny in Senegal

Prisoners mutiny in Senegal

Posted at 13:03

BBC

Dakar Reubeus prison is the oldest and largest in Senegal

A mutiny last night in Senegal's biggest prison has resulted in at least one person being killed and several wounded, the BBC French service reports.
Prisoners mutinied after being on hunger strike for five days in the hope that the authorities will address their grievances - including detention without trial for lengthy periods, better treatment for high-prominent convicts, overcrowding and unhealthy food.
The BBC's Birahima Toure in the capital, Dakarr, says prison officers detonated asphyxiating explosives to break up the mutiny. 
A prisoner died in a stampede which ensued.
The detainees also complained  that white-collar criminals were given preferential treatment. 
In a telephone interview with a local radio station shortly before the mutiny, a detainee said: 

We are victims of a double standard justice system. On the one hand, we have high profile convicts who walk out almost immediately; and on the other hand, there are inmates like ourselves.

We can't bear it any more. You only need to pop in here and you would understand what we are living through."

The mutiny took place in the Dakar Reubeus prison, the oldest and largest in Senegal.
Officials have not yet commented on the mutiny. 
BBC