Tense situation at Matara prison: Officers fire warning shots
A tense situation erupted at the Matara Prison this afternoon (22), when prison officials attempted to transfer several inmates to another facility.
According to prison sources, the unrest began as a group of inmates protested the transfer of fellow prisoners. The situation escalated when inmates from one ward moved out and began acting in a disorderly manner and clashing with some other prisoners.
In an effort to control the situation, prison officers fired warning shots into the air. Prison authorities say the situation has now been brought under partial control.
Special Task Force (STF) and police personnel have been deployed to the prison to ensure security and prevent further unrest. (Newswire)
