According to African News Network (ANN), the riot which took place on Wednesday left five inmates and two guards dead.
ADVERTISEMENT
Riot in coronavirus-hit prison leaves about 7 people dead
At least seven people have died and several others are injured in a prison riot in the Pademba Road Prison in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown.
Prison
The police a part of the prison where 2000 inmates live was set on fire by the prisoners.
The media believes the riot broke out after the Chief Justice said an inmate at Pademba prison had tested positive for coronavirus and been transferred out of the facility for treatment.
The inmates after hearing the news tried to escape since they feared they mat contract the disease.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, the government said it believed the unrest had nothing to do with the pandemic but was rather caused by a failed prison break.
The information ministry said authorities were still collecting information about injuries and damage to the facility.
This is not the first riot recorded in the prison. The prison has recorded a number of riots due to overcrowding and poor conditions.
Its numbers have risen in recent days following the transfer of inmates from a reintegration centre to the prison due to the pandemic.
According to a U.S. State Department human rights report, the prison was built to house 324 inmates but held over 2,000 in 2019. A condition the organization described as harsh and life-threatening.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sierra Leonne has so far recorded 104 cases of coronavirus and 5 deaths.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
![Abena Korkor and Shatta Wale share kiss at Medikal's album listening [VIDEO]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'243'%20height%3D'139'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Abena Korkor and Shatta Wale share kiss at Medikal's album listening [VIDEO]")
Abena Korkor and Shatta Wale share kiss at Medikal's album listening [VIDEO]
Why some people refrigerate their condoms before use
WAEC threatens to delay marking of BECE, WASSCE over unpaid GH33 million
3 things you shouldn't do for a woman you are not married to
5 things to expect when committing to someone with a child
Why masturbation can be harmful for you
Prophet Nigel is being smart, who is Sherif Black? - Arnold Baidoo quizes
Dog attacks Kenya’s Kimutai Ngeno during marathon as he drops from 1st to 3rd
Top 10 most rewarding African countries to do business in 2023
Trending
Why some people refrigerate their condoms before use
3 things you shouldn't do for a woman you are not married to
Top 10 most rewarding African countries to do business in 2023
Kofi Kinaata's mum melts hearts as she sings rapper's 'Thy Grace' word for word
Africa’s food insecurity to be non-existent in the next 5 years - AfDB
Abena Korkor and Shatta Wale share kiss at Medikal's album listening [VIDEO]
Shatta Wale accepts ‘big brother’ Sammy Flex’s advice to cancel his Freedom Wave Concert
WAEC threatens to delay marking of BECE, WASSCE over unpaid GH33 million