Deadly riots erupt at Indonesian prison

{{At least five people have been killed in violent riots at a jail in western Indonesia during which about 200 prisoners escaped, police have said.}}

The dead were killed in chaos after fires were lit by inmates rioting in the overcrowded facility in Medan city on Sumatra island on Friday.

“Three are prisoners, two are prison staff,” said Heru Prakoso, North Sumatra province police spokesman.

Media reported that 15 of the escaped prisoners were convicted of “terrorism” offenses and two of them were recaptured, according to police resources. In total, 60 inmates have already been recaptured.

Its also reported that thousands of security forces from neighbouring provinces have been deployed to help out with the search operations.

“There are about 500 inmates who still refuse to give up rioting. The latest we have heard is that Indonesian military have entered the building” she said.

Meanwhile Indonesian justice and human rights minister is meeting seven inmates, who were escorted out of the prison earlier on Friday morning.

The inmates had demanded a meeting with the minister.

{aljazeera}