Medan Prisoners Conduct Dialogue With Minister

Medan, North Sumatra, July 12 (Antara) - Eight convicts of Tanjung Gusta prison, Medan city, here on Friday conducted a dialogue with Minister of Law and Human Rights Amir Syamsuddin following a riot in the prison last Thursday (July 11). At least 150 out of 2,600 inmates were running away during the Thursday riot which was said to have began after shortage in water supply as a result of electricity problem in the prison. Five people were killed after the incident. Up till now the dialogue is still on progress. Police spokesman Ins. Gen. Ronny F Sompie said "The dead victims included two prison guards and three prisoners who had been treated specially for good conduct and helped the prison guards," The bodies of the dead victims have been sent to the state hospital of Pringadi in Medan, Ronny said. "The situation is now under control. The fire has been put out," he said. Around 500 police and 300 military officers still stand guard around the correctional institution , he added. "Police have rearrested 55 escapees and they have been brought to police offices in Binjai, Langkat and Belawan," he said.