Indonesian Police Forces End Bali Prison Takeover

Posted February 22nd, 2012 at 1:10 am (UTC-5)
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Indonesian security forces have regained control of a prison on the resort island of Bali several hours after rioting prisoners seized control of the facility.

Heavily armed soldiers and riot police stormed the Kerobokan prison early Wednesday and quickly ended the takeover. Authorities say three prisoners were shot and wounded by rubber bullets during the raid.

The unrest began late Tuesday when the prisoners began setting fire to the facility and throwing rocks at the guards, forcing them to abandon the overcrowded facility. Officials say a knife fight between two inmates last week led to reprisals that led to the riot.

About 1,000 inmates are housed at Kerobokan prison. Among them are convicted Australian drug smugglers Schappelle Corby and the so-called “Bali Nine.”