Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil.

Officers neutralized the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said.

Elite police teams entered the facility, supported by soldiers and a military tank, according to video released by the force.

Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said.

The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500 -&nbsp;60 percent more than capacity.

On Saturday, at least 118 inmates were killed, six of them beheaded, as rival gangs armed with guns and grenades went to war at the prison.

Another 86 wounded were wounded, six critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority.

It was the latest in a string of bloody clashes in Ecuador's broken prison system, with 237 inmates killed so far this year -&nbsp;up from 103 in 2020.

Ecuador on Friday deployed thousands of police and soldiers to secure its prisons, in an attempt to prevent further clashes.

The prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but houses 39,000.

The country has about 1,500 guards -&nbsp;a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts.

At a neighboring prison on Saturday, inmates climbed up to the rooftops to wave white clothing and display signs calling for peace, AFP saw.

The inmates held up signs that read "We want peace" and "The law is killing us."

They have asked not to be transferred to other prisons because "there are no problems" in their current institution.

Authorities are planning to relocate some of the Guayaquil prisoners after the riot, as relatives of the inmates continue to gather outside the complex, begging for information about their family members.

So far, 101 bodies have been identified, 44 of which have been given to their families, police said.

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot. Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil. Officers neutralized the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said. Elite police teams entered the facility, supported by soldiers and a military tank, according to video released by the force. Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500 - 60 percent more than capacity. On Saturday, at least 118 inmates were killed, six of them beheaded, as rival gangs armed with guns and grenades went to war at the prison. Another 86 wounded were wounded, six critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority. It was the latest in a string of bloody clashes in Ecuador's broken prison system, with 237 inmates killed so far this year - up from 103 in 2020. Ecuador on Friday deployed thousands of police and soldiers to secure its prisons, in an attempt to prevent further clashes. The prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but houses 39,000. The country has about 1,500 guards - a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts. At a neighboring prison on Saturday, inmates climbed up to the rooftops to wave white clothing and display signs calling for peace, AFP saw. The inmates held up signs that read "We want peace" and "The law is killing us." They have asked not to be transferred to other prisons because "there are no problems" in their current institution. Authorities are planning to relocate some of the Guayaquil prisoners after the riot, as relatives of the inmates continue to gather outside the complex, begging for information about their family members. So far, 101 bodies have been identified, 44 of which have been given to their families, police said.

Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison

Nearly 30 prisoners were killed in a battle between inmates equipped with firearms and grenades at a prison in Ecuador's largest city Tuesday, officials said.

It was the latest in a series of deadly prison clashes between rival drug gangs that have killed over 100 inmates this year.

Ecuador's attorney general's office said on Twitter it was investigating the deaths of 29 convicts at the Litoral Penitentiary in the city of Guayaquil, including six who were beheaded.

Officials gave conflicting statements on how many inmates were wounded, with the attorney general's office saying 42 while the national prison bureau earlier put that number at 48.

President Guillermo Lasso retweeted an announcement from the prison bureau saying order "has been restored at the Littoral Penitentiary after the Tuesday incidents."

Ecuador's prison system has become a battleground between prisoners linked to Mexican drug gangs -- mainly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.

Guayaquil, Ecuador's main port city, is a major hub for shipping South American cocaine north, especially to the United States.

Last week police confiscated two pistols, a revolver, some 500 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, several knives, two sticks of dynamite and homemade explosives at one of the city's prisons.

Two weeks ago, Guayaquil's Prison Number 4 was attacked by drones, part of "a war between international cartels," prison authorities said. There were no casualties in the attack.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates, but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

The country's human rights ombudsman said there were 103 killings in prisons in 2020.

27 inmates died in prison riots in two jails in July, in an incident that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

Nearly 30 prisoners were killed in a battle between inmates equipped with firearms and grenades at a prison in Ecuador's largest city Tuesday, officials said. It was the latest in a series of deadly prison clashes between rival drug gangs that have killed over 100 inmates this year.

Nearly 30 prisoners were killed in a battle between inmates equipped with firearms and grenades at a prison in Ecuador's largest city Tuesday, officials said. It was the latest in a series of deadly prison clashes between rival drug gangs that have killed over 100 inmates this year. Ecuador's attorney general's office said on Twitter it was investigating the deaths of 29 convicts at the Litoral Penitentiary in the city of Guayaquil, including six who were beheaded. Officials gave conflicting statements on how many inmates were wounded, with the attorney general's office saying 42 while the national prison bureau earlier put that number at 48. President Guillermo Lasso retweeted an announcement from the prison bureau saying order "has been restored at the Littoral Penitentiary after the Tuesday incidents." Ecuador's prison system has become a battleground between prisoners linked to Mexican drug gangs -- mainly the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. Guayaquil, Ecuador's main port city, is a major hub for shipping South American cocaine north, especially to the United States. Last week police confiscated two pistols, a revolver, some 500 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, several knives, two sticks of dynamite and homemade explosives at one of the city's prisons. Two weeks ago, Guayaquil's Prison Number 4 was attacked by drones, part of "a war between international cartels," prison authorities said. There were no casualties in the attack. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates, but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. The country's human rights ombudsman said there were 103 killings in prisons in 2020. 27 inmates died in prison riots in two jails in July, in an incident that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

29 dead in Ecuador's latest prison violence: officials

A former&nbsp;Rwandan&nbsp;army colonel who was accused of masterminding the slaughter of 800,000 people during the 1994&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;has died in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in&nbsp;Mali,&nbsp;Malian officials said on Saturday.

Theoneste&nbsp;Bagosora&nbsp;was serving a 35-year sentence after being found guilty of crimes against humanity by the then International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). His sentence had been reduced from life in&nbsp;prison.

"It is confirmed. He was over 80 years old, he was seriously ill, with heart troubles. He was hospitalised several times and had three surgeries. He died today in a clinic," a source in&nbsp;Mali's&nbsp;prison&nbsp;administration who sought anonymity told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lavrov-says-mali-asked-private-russian-military-company-for-help-416082">Also read |&nbsp;Lavrov says Mali asked private Russian military company for help</a>

A second source at Bamako's Court of Appeal confirmed the death.

Prosecutors accused&nbsp;Bagosora, then cabinet director in the defence ministry, of taking control of military and political affairs in the central African country after President Juvenal Habyarimana was killed when his plane was shot down in 1994.

The Tanzania-based tribunal accused&nbsp;Bagosora&nbsp;of being in charge of the troops and Interahamwe Hutu militia who killed some 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 100 days.

Canadian General Romeo Dallaire, head of United Nations peacekeepers during the&nbsp;genocide, described&nbsp;Bagosora&nbsp;as the "kingpin" behind the killings and said the former colonel had threatened to kill him.

A former Rwandan army colonel who was accused of masterminding the slaughter of 800,000 people during the 1994 genocide has died in prison in Mali, Malian officials said on Saturday.

A former Rwandan army colonel who was accused of masterminding the slaughter of 800,000 people during the 1994 genocide has died in prison in Mali, Malian officials said on Saturday. Theoneste Bagosora was serving a 35-year sentence after being found guilty of crimes against humanity by the then International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). His sentence had been reduced from life in prison. "It is confirmed. He was over 80 years old, he was seriously ill, with heart troubles. He was hospitalised several times and had three surgeries. He died today in a clinic," a source in Mali's prison administration who sought anonymity told Reuters. Also read | Lavrov says Mali asked private Russian military company for help A second source at Bamako's Court of Appeal confirmed the death. Prosecutors accused Bagosora, then cabinet director in the defence ministry, of taking control of military and political affairs in the central African country after President Juvenal Habyarimana was killed when his plane was shot down in 1994. The Tanzania-based tribunal accused Bagosora of being in charge of the troops and Interahamwe Hutu militia who killed some 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 100 days. Canadian General Romeo Dallaire, head of United Nations peacekeepers during the genocide, described Bagosora as the "kingpin" behind the killings and said the former colonel had threatened to kill him.

Rwandan genocide 'kingpin' Bagosora dies in Mali prison: Sources

South Africa's highest court has denied bail application by South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma to rescind his sentence of 15 months in jail; he was held on the charges of contempt of court earlier and was sentenced to imprisonment.

South Africa: Top court upholds ex-president Jacob Zuma’s prison sentence

6 Palestinian prisoners escaped from a high-security Israeli jail leading to the launch of a massive manhunt by authorities. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis decodes this Hollywood-style prison break.

The West Asia Post: A tunnel, a napping guard and a massive manhunt

Forty-one inmates have died and more than 70 others have sustained injuries after a fire swept through an overcrowded jail in Indonesia. The blaze at Tangerang prison broke out on Wednesday as most of the inmates slept.

Fire in Indonesian prison kills 41 inmates, 80 others sustain injuries

A fire at a prison at Indonesia's Java island on Wednesday killed 41 inmates&nbsp;and injured dozens of others as per an official. The prison is located just outside Indonesian capital Jakarta. The fire broke out in the early hours when most inmates were asleep.

Rescue teams were able to put out the fire, which was mostly contained in one block that housed prisoners jailed over drug charges, at around 3:00 am (2000 GMT Tuesday) and evacuated the victims.&nbsp;

"Forty-one inmates died, eight were badly injured and 72 others sustained minor injuries," Jakarta police chief Fadil Imran told a press conference.

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BREAKING 🚨 A massive fire at a prison in Western Java, Indonesia has killed at least 41 inmates and injured 39 others <a href="https://t.co/JH14fbvwRj">pic.twitter.com/JH14fbvwRj</a>
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Inmates with serious injuries were rushed to general hospitals in Tagarang for treatment. Prisoners with minor wounds were treated in a health clinic.

"Forty died on the scene and one died on his way to the hospital," said Yasonna Laoly, Indonesia's justice minister, adding that eight were seriously injured and 31 sustained minor injuries.&nbsp;

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, but suspected an electrical fault may be behind the fire.

"I have checked the scene, based on early observation, it is suspected (the fire) happened because of a short circuit," Imran said.

The prison was overcrowded. It was designed to house 1225 inmates but has more than 2000. Block C where the fire originated was stuffed full of 122 convicts at the time of the fire.

(The video in the tweet has not been independently verified by WION))

A fire at a prison at Indonesia's Java island on Wednesday killed 41 inmates and injured dozens of others as per an official. The prison is located just outside Indonesian capital Jakarta.

A fire at a prison at Indonesia's Java island on Wednesday killed 41 inmates and injured dozens of others as per an official. The prison is located just outside Indonesian capital Jakarta. The fire broke out in the early hours when most inmates were asleep. Rescue teams were able to put out the fire, which was mostly contained in one block that housed prisoners jailed over drug charges, at around 3:00 am (2000 GMT Tuesday) and evacuated the victims. "Forty-one inmates died, eight were badly injured and 72 others sustained minor injuries," Jakarta police chief Fadil Imran told a press conference. BREAKING 🚨 A massive fire at a prison in Western Java, Indonesia has killed at least 41 inmates and injured 39 others pic.twitter.com/JH14fbvwRj — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 8, 2021 × Inmates with serious injuries were rushed to general hospitals in Tagarang for treatment. Prisoners with minor wounds were treated in a health clinic. "Forty died on the scene and one died on his way to the hospital," said Yasonna Laoly, Indonesia's justice minister, adding that eight were seriously injured and 31 sustained minor injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, but suspected an electrical fault may be behind the fire. "I have checked the scene, based on early observation, it is suspected (the fire) happened because of a short circuit," Imran said. The prison was overcrowded. It was designed to house 1225 inmates but has more than 2000. Block C where the fire originated was stuffed full of 122 convicts at the time of the fire. (The video in the tweet has not been independently verified by WION))

Prison fire in Indonesia kills 41 inmates

With next year's presidential election in mind, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. &nbsp;

In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Macron says France, Britain to propose 'safe zone' in Kabul

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The former military officer also said, there was no chance of prison as "no man on Earth will threaten me". The remarks come as there is fierce tensions between the president and the judiciary and election authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, in a meeting with supporters outside the president's official residence, Bolsonaro said that everyone should buy a rifle. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bolsonaro, who has tried to change the laws to allow more Brazilians to bear arms for self-defence, said gun opponents should stop bothering gun buyers. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149" hreflang="en">Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan</a>

During his election campaign, Jair Bolsonaro promised to relax Brazil's gun laws. The idea was that citizens could use their own weapons to combat the country's rampant crime and violence. &nbsp;

Since being elected president, he has issued a number of decrees to carry out his promise. &nbsp;

In Brazil, it is now much easier to buy and carry firearms. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With next year's presidential election in mind, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.

With next year's presidential election in mind, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory." Watch: Macron says France, Britain to propose 'safe zone' in Kabul × The former military officer also said, there was no chance of prison as "no man on Earth will threaten me". The remarks come as there is fierce tensions between the president and the judiciary and election authorities. Earlier, in a meeting with supporters outside the president's official residence, Bolsonaro said that everyone should buy a rifle. Bolsonaro, who has tried to change the laws to allow more Brazilians to bear arms for self-defence, said gun opponents should stop bothering gun buyers. Also Read: Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan During his election campaign, Jair Bolsonaro promised to relax Brazil's gun laws. The idea was that citizens could use their own weapons to combat the country's rampant crime and violence. Since being elected president, he has issued a number of decrees to carry out his promise. In Brazil, it is now much easier to buy and carry firearms. (With inputs from agencies)

For future, Bolsonaro sees only three alternatives, prison, death or victory

A former Air Force intelligence analyst who helped find targets for deadly US drone strikes has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking top-secret details about the program.

Daniel Hale told a federal judge he felt compelled to leak information to a journalist out of guilt over his own participation in a program that he believed was 'indiscriminately' killing civilians in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Hale said, "It is wrong to kill. It is especially wrong to kill the defenceless".

However, the US District Judge Liam O’Grady told Hale that he had options to seek other measures than speaking with the journalist.&nbsp;

<a href="wionews.com/technology/biden-if-us-has-real-shooting-war-it-could-be-result-of-cyber-attacks-401055">Also read |&nbsp;Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks</a>

Also, he imposed a punishment that was harsher than the 12 to 18-month term sought by Hale’s attorneys.

Prosecutors argued that Hale, who deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2012 and was honourably discharged the following year, abused the government’s trust and knew the documents he was sharing “risked causing serious, and in some cases exceptionally grave, damage to the national security” but leaked them anyway.&nbsp;

They further say that the documents leaked by Hale were found in an internet compilation of the material designed to help Islamic State fighters avoid detection.

A former Air Force intelligence analyst who helped find targets for deadly US drone strikes has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking top-secret details about the program.

A former Air Force intelligence analyst who helped find targets for deadly US drone strikes has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking top-secret details about the program. Daniel Hale told a federal judge he felt compelled to leak information to a journalist out of guilt over his own participation in a program that he believed was 'indiscriminately' killing civilians in Afghanistan. In a statement, Hale said, "It is wrong to kill. It is especially wrong to kill the defenceless". However, the US District Judge Liam O’Grady told Hale that he had options to seek other measures than speaking with the journalist. Also read | Biden: If US has 'real shooting war' it could be result of cyber attacks Also, he imposed a punishment that was harsher than the 12 to 18-month term sought by Hale’s attorneys. Prosecutors argued that Hale, who deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2012 and was honourably discharged the following year, abused the government’s trust and knew the documents he was sharing “risked causing serious, and in some cases exceptionally grave, damage to the national security” but leaked them anyway. They further say that the documents leaked by Hale were found in an internet compilation of the material designed to help Islamic State fighters avoid detection.

Former intelligence analyst who leaked information sentenced to prison for 45 months

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country.

The SNAI prisons management body tweeted Friday that "19 inmates are reported dead, one of them by hanging" in the Cotopaxi prison.&nbsp;

Eight inmates were reported killed at the Guayas prison.

Authorities initially reported 22 deaths in the riots, which also saw 57 others wounded, among them eight police officers, one of whom was raped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-declares-emergency-after-22-killed-in-prison-riots-399886">Also read |&nbsp;Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots</a>

Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel explained at a press conference the previously uncounted bodies had been recovered on Thursday night and were therefore not included in the first toll.

The SNAI also said 86 escaped Cotopaxi inmates had been recaptured, without specifying how many had escaped.

The two jails had previously experienced violent riots in February, when clashes between rival gangs vying for control of the country's main prisons left 79 inmates dead in a single day.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency. President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country.

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency. President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country. The SNAI prisons management body tweeted Friday that "19 inmates are reported dead, one of them by hanging" in the Cotopaxi prison. Eight inmates were reported killed at the Guayas prison. Authorities initially reported 22 deaths in the riots, which also saw 57 others wounded, among them eight police officers, one of whom was raped. Also read | Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel explained at a press conference the previously uncounted bodies had been recovered on Thursday night and were therefore not included in the first toll. The SNAI also said 86 escaped Cotopaxi inmates had been recaptured, without specifying how many had escaped. The two jails had previously experienced violent riots in February, when clashes between rival gangs vying for control of the country's main prisons left 79 inmates dead in a single day. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent. Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.

Ecuador prison riot death toll rises to 27

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded.

President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons.

Lasso said the military would be in charge of controlling the prison perimeter and entry, while police officers would control the inside.

Until now civilians trained as prison guards were in charge of indoor security.

Prison authorities earlier suspended all activities "that could put the penitentiary population and administrative personnel at risk."

Outside visits were cancelled at some prisons.

Among the wounded in the riots at prisons in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country, were eight police officers. An earlier toll had reported 21 deaths.

Fourteen inmates died in Cotopaxi, including one who died in the hospital, and five police officers were wounded, government minister Alexandra Vela said.

In Guayas there were eight prisoner deaths and three wounded police officers.

Amid the chaos and unrest a police officer was raped, Vela said.

The same two penitentiaries were involved in a wave of riots that broke out in February. In a single day, 79 inmates died in clashes between rival gangs vying for control.

In those riots, inmates were decapitated and burnt in violence that exposed the power of prison gangs and shocked the South American nation.

Severe overcrowding

Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel said "high-caliber firearms" and explosives were used during the riots "which has caused a large amount of destruction inside" the prisons.

Several Cotopaxi prisoners also managed to escape at dawn. Police have not said how many slipped out, but did say that they managed to re-capture 78 of them.

President Lasso, who took office just in May, fired the head of the SNAI prisons management body and replaced him with a reserve army colonel.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

About&nbsp;38,000 detainees are watched over by 1,500 guards, a shortfall of some 2,500, according to experts.

Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.&nbsp;

In an attempt to counter the violence, former president Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency several times, including for three months in 2020.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded. President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons.

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded. President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons. Lasso said the military would be in charge of controlling the prison perimeter and entry, while police officers would control the inside. Until now civilians trained as prison guards were in charge of indoor security. Prison authorities earlier suspended all activities "that could put the penitentiary population and administrative personnel at risk." Outside visits were cancelled at some prisons. Among the wounded in the riots at prisons in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country, were eight police officers. An earlier toll had reported 21 deaths. Fourteen inmates died in Cotopaxi, including one who died in the hospital, and five police officers were wounded, government minister Alexandra Vela said. In Guayas there were eight prisoner deaths and three wounded police officers. Amid the chaos and unrest a police officer was raped, Vela said. The same two penitentiaries were involved in a wave of riots that broke out in February. In a single day, 79 inmates died in clashes between rival gangs vying for control. In those riots, inmates were decapitated and burnt in violence that exposed the power of prison gangs and shocked the South American nation. Severe overcrowding Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel said "high-caliber firearms" and explosives were used during the riots "which has caused a large amount of destruction inside" the prisons. Several Cotopaxi prisoners also managed to escape at dawn. Police have not said how many slipped out, but did say that they managed to re-capture 78 of them. President Lasso, who took office just in May, fired the head of the SNAI prisons management body and replaced him with a reserve army colonel. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. About 38,000 detainees are watched over by 1,500 guards, a shortfall of some 2,500, according to experts. Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020. In an attempt to counter the violence, former president Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency several times, including for three months in 2020. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots

South Africa has slipped into anarchy. It's no longer about Jacob Zuma. Looters say they're stealing because others are. Mob justice is rising with armed vigilantes on the streets and Indians are facing the worst of this. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: South Africa slips into Anarchy

The Constitutional Court has agreed to hear former President Jacob Zuma's rescission application which means Zuma will no longer be going to prison on Sunday.

South Africa's top court to hear Jacob Zuma's plea again

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma, who was ordered to hand himself to the police to start his 15 months jail time, has made an urgent application to the Constitutional Court to rescind and reconsider its decision to send him to prison.

South Africa: Jacob Zuma's last ditch bid to evade prison

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the US&nbsp;in generations.

The punishment, which came after Chauvin broke his year-long silence to offer condolences to the Floyd family and express hope that they eventually have 'some peace of mind', is one of the longest prison terms ever imposed on a US police officer in the killing of a Black person.

Still, Floyd family members and others were disappointed. The sentence fell short of the 30 years prosecutors had requested. And with good behaviour, Chauvin, 45, could get out on parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.

"Just because it's the most time doesn't mean it's enough time," said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis protest leader.

Judge Peter Cahill went beyond the 12 1/2-year sentence prescribed under state guidelines, citing Chauvin's 'abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty' shown to Floyd.

Floyd family attorney Ben Crump said the family had gotten 'some measure of accountability' but is hoping Chauvin gets the maximum at his upcoming federal civil rights trial. Crump said this was the longest sentence a police officer has ever received in Minnesota.

But he added: "Real justice in America will be Black men and Black women and people of colour, who will not have to fear being killed by the police just because the color of their skin. That would be real justice."

Outside the courthouse, a crowd of about 50 people clasped hands or placed them on each other's shoulders. The reaction was subdued as people debated whether the sentence was long enough. Some cursed in disgust.

At George Floyd Square, as the intersection where Floyd was pinned to the pavement is now known, members of the crowd broke into applause, and several said, "We'll take it."

Chauvin was immediately led back to prison. He showed little emotion when the judge pronounced the sentence. His eyes moved rapidly around the courtroom, his COVID-19 mask obscuring much of his face.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the US in generations.

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the US in generations. The punishment, which came after Chauvin broke his year-long silence to offer condolences to the Floyd family and express hope that they eventually have 'some peace of mind', is one of the longest prison terms ever imposed on a US police officer in the killing of a Black person. Still, Floyd family members and others were disappointed. The sentence fell short of the 30 years prosecutors had requested. And with good behaviour, Chauvin, 45, could get out on parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years. "Just because it's the most time doesn't mean it's enough time," said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis protest leader. Judge Peter Cahill went beyond the 12 1/2-year sentence prescribed under state guidelines, citing Chauvin's 'abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty' shown to Floyd. Floyd family attorney Ben Crump said the family had gotten 'some measure of accountability' but is hoping Chauvin gets the maximum at his upcoming federal civil rights trial. Crump said this was the longest sentence a police officer has ever received in Minnesota. But he added: "Real justice in America will be Black men and Black women and people of colour, who will not have to fear being killed by the police just because the color of their skin. That would be real justice." Outside the courthouse, a crowd of about 50 people clasped hands or placed them on each other's shoulders. The reaction was subdued as people debated whether the sentence was long enough. Some cursed in disgust. At George Floyd Square, as the intersection where Floyd was pinned to the pavement is now known, members of the crowd broke into applause, and several said, "We'll take it." Chauvin was immediately led back to prison. He showed little emotion when the judge pronounced the sentence. His eyes moved rapidly around the courtroom, his COVID-19 mask obscuring much of his face. (With inputs from agencies)

Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow was released from prison on Saturday after serving nearly seven months for her role in an unauthorised assembly during the city's 2019 anti-government protests. 
 
The 24-year-old activist had been convicted together with her long-time activist colleague Joshua Wong for their involvement in an illegal rally near police headquarters in the Chinese-ruled city. 
 
Chow, along with Wong and Nathan Law, who has since been given asylum in Britain, came to prominence as teenage activists during the 2014 'Umbrella' protests, which demanded universal suffrage. 
 
The three founded the democracy group Demosisto in 2016, which dissolved hours after Beijing passed a contentious national security law for the city last year amid fears it could be targeted under the legislation. 
 
She was arrested last year also on suspicion of 'colluding with foreign forces' under the security law has not faced any charges. 
 
Fluent in Japanese, Chow has a sizable following in Japan, particularly on social media and had travelled to the country frequently before her arrest. She often tweeted in Japanese and has been dubbed the 'goddess of democracy' by Japan's media. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow was released from prison on Saturday after serving nearly seven months for her role in an unauthorised assembly during the city's 2019 anti-government protests.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow was released from prison on Saturday after serving nearly seven months for her role in an unauthorised assembly during the city's 2019 anti-government protests. The 24-year-old activist had been convicted together with her long-time activist colleague Joshua Wong for their involvement in an illegal rally near police headquarters in the Chinese-ruled city. Chow, along with Wong and Nathan Law, who has since been given asylum in Britain, came to prominence as teenage activists during the 2014 'Umbrella' protests, which demanded universal suffrage. The three founded the democracy group Demosisto in 2016, which dissolved hours after Beijing passed a contentious national security law for the city last year amid fears it could be targeted under the legislation. She was arrested last year also on suspicion of 'colluding with foreign forces' under the security law has not faced any charges. Fluent in Japanese, Chow has a sizable following in Japan, particularly on social media and had travelled to the country frequently before her arrest. She often tweeted in Japanese and has been dubbed the 'goddess of democracy' by Japan's media. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong democracy activist Agnes Chow released from prison

A former pharmacist in Wisconsin, who purposefully ruined more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday.

Steven Brandenburg, 46, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product. He had admitted to intentionally removing the doses manufactured by Moderna from a refrigerator for hours at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, located just north of Milwaukee.

In a statement before receiving his sentence, Brandenburg said he felt 'great shame' and accepted responsibility for his actions. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported he apologised to his co-workers, family and the community.

Aurora destroyed most of the tampered doses, but not before 57 people received inoculations from the supply. Those doses are believed to have still been effective, but weeks of uncertainty created a storm of anger, anxiety and anguish among the recipients, according to court documents.

Prosecutors asked for a sentence of three years and five months. Brandenburg faced a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment at $250,000 in fines for each felony count.

Brandenburg is an admitted conspiracy theorist, who believes he is a prophet and vaccines are a product of the devil. He also professed a belief that the Earth is flat and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were faked.

Brandenburg also secretly substituted saline for flu vaccine that he was mandated to receive and persuaded several co-workers to secretly swap saline for their flu vaccine as well, according to court filings.

(With inputs from agencies)

A former pharmacist in Wisconsin, who purposefully ruined more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday. Steven Brandenburg, 46, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product.

A former pharmacist in Wisconsin, who purposefully ruined more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday. Steven Brandenburg, 46, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product. He had admitted to intentionally removing the doses manufactured by Moderna from a refrigerator for hours at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, located just north of Milwaukee. In a statement before receiving his sentence, Brandenburg said he felt 'great shame' and accepted responsibility for his actions. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported he apologised to his co-workers, family and the community. Aurora destroyed most of the tampered doses, but not before 57 people received inoculations from the supply. Those doses are believed to have still been effective, but weeks of uncertainty created a storm of anger, anxiety and anguish among the recipients, according to court documents. Prosecutors asked for a sentence of three years and five months. Brandenburg faced a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment at $250,000 in fines for each felony count. Brandenburg is an admitted conspiracy theorist, who believes he is a prophet and vaccines are a product of the devil. He also professed a belief that the Earth is flat and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were faked. Brandenburg also secretly substituted saline for flu vaccine that he was mandated to receive and persuaded several co-workers to secretly swap saline for their flu vaccine as well, according to court filings. (With inputs from agencies)

Former US pharmacist gets prison for ruining Covid vaccine

After vaccinating locals against the deadly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, Morocco has decided to vaccinate the prisoners, to ensure no further infection occurs.

Authorities have vaccinated nearly eight million locals with the first dose against coronavirus and almost five million people with both doses, as per official figures.

However, the government now wants to make sure the same is done for the prisoners to protect them from the deadly virus, which now has multiple variants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-migration-crisis-in-spain-triggered-by-a-diplomatic-spat-386618">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-migration-crisis-in-spain-triggered-by-a-diplomatic-spat-386618/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Morocco has nearly 78 prisons that house close to 85,000 prisoners. Of those, the authorities have decided to launch a campaign to vaccinate at least 4,000 prisoners as soon as possible.

As of now, all inmates above the age of 45 and those with chronic diseases will be vaccinated against the deadly virus.

This vaccination campaign will aim to safeguard at least 80 per cent of the prisoners, Taoufiq Abtal, the head of health for the prison authority DGAPR, told local reporters.

Calling it a "pioneering operation", he said the vaccination campaign has made “good progress” till now and he is confident the same will continue.

He also acknowledged the problem of overcrowding in the prisons of the country as some jails have reported an occupancy rate of more than 250 per cent.

Morocco, currently, has kept its borders closed to nearly 54 countries and a night-time curfew has been extended till June 10.

(With inputs from agencies)

After vaccinating locals against the deadly coronavirus, Morocco has decided to vaccinate the prisoners, to ensure no further infection occurs. Authorities have vaccinated nearly eight million locals with the first dose against coronavirus and almost five million people with both doses, as per official figures.

After vaccinating locals against the deadly coronavirus, Morocco has decided to vaccinate the prisoners, to ensure no further infection occurs. Authorities have vaccinated nearly eight million locals with the first dose against coronavirus and almost five million people with both doses, as per official figures. However, the government now wants to make sure the same is done for the prisoners to protect them from the deadly virus, which now has multiple variants. WATCH | Morocco has nearly 78 prisons that house close to 85,000 prisoners. Of those, the authorities have decided to launch a campaign to vaccinate at least 4,000 prisoners as soon as possible. As of now, all inmates above the age of 45 and those with chronic diseases will be vaccinated against the deadly virus. This vaccination campaign will aim to safeguard at least 80 per cent of the prisoners, Taoufiq Abtal, the head of health for the prison authority DGAPR, told local reporters. Calling it a "pioneering operation", he said the vaccination campaign has made “good progress” till now and he is confident the same will continue. He also acknowledged the problem of overcrowding in the prisons of the country as some jails have reported an occupancy rate of more than 250 per cent. Morocco, currently, has kept its borders closed to nearly 54 countries and a night-time curfew has been extended till June 10. (With inputs from agencies)

'Pioneering operation': Morocco to start vaccinating prisoners against Covid

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend. &nbsp;

Navalny's doctor warned that he could die 'at any moment'. Alexei Navalny is the most prominent critic of Vladimir Putin in Russia. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-alexei-navalny-could-die-any-minute-378694/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Navalny is in jail since March and has also been on a hunger strike. Reports say prison authorities refused to provide him with adequate medical care for an acute leg and back pain. So, Navalny went on a hunger strike and his condition worsened. &nbsp;

On Sunday, his doctors tried to visit him in prison but they were denied access. On Monday, Navalny was transferred to a hospital in another jail. &nbsp;

Opposition leaders have spoken up for him. Nearly a dozen politicians in Russia have published an open letter to President Putin. They hold Putin personally responsible for the life of Navalny. Moscow has neither responded nor expressed any concern. &nbsp;

The situation is escalating. Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on Wednesday. They've started a petition and said if 500,000 supporters sign it, they will launch street protests again. As of Sunday, the petition was 50,000 signatures shy of its target.&nbsp;

Navalny's health could lead to an international showdown. The European Union has told Russia that Navalny must receive medical aid. The United States is considering sanctions. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement. He says the Biden administration is weighing options to punish Russia if Navalny dies in prison. &nbsp;

Navalny perhaps knew what was coming in January. He said, he had no plans to commit suicide in prison as his life hangs in the balance. &nbsp;

Information about Navalny's health remains scarce. The Russian penitential system has released a statement, saying that the Kremlin critic was moved for 'treatment with vitamins'. Russian authorities say Navalny's health is satisfactory. The West is watching him closely. &nbsp;

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend. Navalny's doctor warned that he could die 'at any moment'. Alexei Navalny is the most prominent critic of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Navalny is in jail since March and has also been on a hunger strike. Reports say prison authorities refused to provide him with adequate medical care for an acute leg and back pain. So, Navalny went on a hunger strike and his condition worsened. On Sunday, his doctors tried to visit him in prison but they were denied access. On Monday, Navalny was transferred to a hospital in another jail. Opposition leaders have spoken up for him. Nearly a dozen politicians in Russia have published an open letter to President Putin. They hold Putin personally responsible for the life of Navalny. Moscow has neither responded nor expressed any concern. The situation is escalating. Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on Wednesday. They've started a petition and said if 500,000 supporters sign it, they will launch street protests again. As of Sunday, the petition was 50,000 signatures shy of its target. Navalny's health could lead to an international showdown. The European Union has told Russia that Navalny must receive medical aid. The United States is considering sanctions. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement. He says the Biden administration is weighing options to punish Russia if Navalny dies in prison. Navalny perhaps knew what was coming in January. He said, he had no plans to commit suicide in prison as his life hangs in the balance. Information about Navalny's health remains scarce. The Russian penitential system has released a statement, saying that the Kremlin critic was moved for 'treatment with vitamins'. Russian authorities say Navalny's health is satisfactory. The West is watching him closely.

World watches closely as Navalny fights for life in Russia  

The chocolate sauce bubbling in a bain-marie is a staple of cookery programmes, but this is food porn with a twist, as France's newest celebrity chef cooks up a storm in a corner of his prison cell.&nbsp;

Welcome to Dany Hellz Kitchen, the popular Instagram account of a French inmate, who conjures up mouthwatering tagines, tiramisus and pizzas with the few basic utensils he is allowed to keep behind bars.&nbsp;

"You can make everything with nothing," is the motto of this foodie convict, who films himself in action with his phone but does not show his face on camera in order to remain anonymous, phones being banned in French prison cells.&nbsp;

Dany (not his real name) has spent over seven years in jail for trafficking illegal substances (he would not say which).&nbsp;

"After a few years, prison food is so jaded, it always tastes the same, so I try to vary the dishes," he told AFP in a telephone interview.&nbsp;

The centrepiece of his 'hell's kitchen', a nod to British chef Gordon Ramsay's TV series of the same name, is a hot plate that doubles up as an oven when turned upside down and propped up by four cans.&nbsp;

"In the past I had two hot plates meaning I could cook something evenly, sandwich-style, but they took it away from me so now I have to turn the stove around half-way through to distribute the heat," he says.&nbsp;

His videos provide a rare glimpse into prison life, with the light filtering into his cell through the bars on the window and a small TV screen perched high on a wall.&nbsp;

They also underscore the importance attached to food among people struggling with boredom and loneliness.&nbsp;

For Dany, a university graduate of north African origin, cooking is a form of therapy.&nbsp;

"I get up, I set up my equipment and it allows me to concentrate on something I enjoy and that other prisoners also enjoy," he says.&nbsp;

His approach is two-fold: either he takes his prison food tray and reworks the steamed fish or vegetables with olive oil and garlic to add flavour or he creates his own dish from scratch using food and equipment sourced through the prison catalogue.&nbsp;

He also receives food parcels from family and friends. &nbsp;

One of his most recent gifts was a bottle of soy sauce but in the past visitors have also managed to smuggle in fresh goods, including, he says, a leg of lamb on one occasion.&nbsp;

No sharp objects allowed in cells, he chops and peels with a knife with a rounded tip. &nbsp;

Prisoners are also not allowed to have yeast lest they use it to make alcohol, a pet peeve of Dany's but which doesn't stop him making bread.&nbsp;

Like all chefs, he has a secret ingredient he cannot live without -- tomato paste, "which makes an excellent base for lots of different sauces."&nbsp;

As his culinary fame grows, fellow prisoners have begun placing orders for favourite dishes, such as one man's request for loubia, a Moroccan bean stew, which he served with peppers roasted directly on his hot plate.&nbsp;

Dany shares his creations with other inmates during walks in the prison yard as well as with the wider world in videos recorded in a mix of slang-infused French and English. &nbsp;

One video on Instagram, where he has nearly 30,000 followers, shows him making and icing a birthday cake.&nbsp;

"Dude you eating better than me and your in prison," one incredulous follower commented on Instagram. &nbsp;

"Chef, I've tasted your cooking, it's incredible", another follower, with the alias 24-El-Padrino, praises.&nbsp;

Dany is hoping to use his newfound fame to launch his own cannabis cooking oil after his release, expected later this year.&nbsp;

And he has already planned the menu for his prison parting feast -- there will be couscous -- and is salivating at the prospect of his first meal as a newly-free man.&nbsp;

"It'll be a wood-fired pizza, I think."&nbsp;

The chocolate sauce bubbling in a bain-marie is a staple of cookery programmes, but this is food porn with a twist, as France's newest celebrity chef cooks up a storm in a corner of his prison cell.

The chocolate sauce bubbling in a bain-marie is a staple of cookery programmes, but this is food porn with a twist, as France's newest celebrity chef cooks up a storm in a corner of his prison cell. Welcome to Dany Hellz Kitchen, the popular Instagram account of a French inmate, who conjures up mouthwatering tagines, tiramisus and pizzas with the few basic utensils he is allowed to keep behind bars. "You can make everything with nothing," is the motto of this foodie convict, who films himself in action with his phone but does not show his face on camera in order to remain anonymous, phones being banned in French prison cells. Dany (not his real name) has spent over seven years in jail for trafficking illegal substances (he would not say which). "After a few years, prison food is so jaded, it always tastes the same, so I try to vary the dishes," he told AFP in a telephone interview. The centrepiece of his 'hell's kitchen', a nod to British chef Gordon Ramsay's TV series of the same name, is a hot plate that doubles up as an oven when turned upside down and propped up by four cans. "In the past I had two hot plates meaning I could cook something evenly, sandwich-style, but they took it away from me so now I have to turn the stove around half-way through to distribute the heat," he says. His videos provide a rare glimpse into prison life, with the light filtering into his cell through the bars on the window and a small TV screen perched high on a wall. They also underscore the importance attached to food among people struggling with boredom and loneliness. For Dany, a university graduate of north African origin, cooking is a form of therapy. "I get up, I set up my equipment and it allows me to concentrate on something I enjoy and that other prisoners also enjoy," he says. His approach is two-fold: either he takes his prison food tray and reworks the steamed fish or vegetables with olive oil and garlic to add flavour or he creates his own dish from scratch using food and equipment sourced through the prison catalogue. He also receives food parcels from family and friends. One of his most recent gifts was a bottle of soy sauce but in the past visitors have also managed to smuggle in fresh goods, including, he says, a leg of lamb on one occasion. No sharp objects allowed in cells, he chops and peels with a knife with a rounded tip. Prisoners are also not allowed to have yeast lest they use it to make alcohol, a pet peeve of Dany's but which doesn't stop him making bread. Like all chefs, he has a secret ingredient he cannot live without -- tomato paste, "which makes an excellent base for lots of different sauces." As his culinary fame grows, fellow prisoners have begun placing orders for favourite dishes, such as one man's request for loubia, a Moroccan bean stew, which he served with peppers roasted directly on his hot plate. Dany shares his creations with other inmates during walks in the prison yard as well as with the wider world in videos recorded in a mix of slang-infused French and English. One video on Instagram, where he has nearly 30,000 followers, shows him making and icing a birthday cake. "Dude you eating better than me and your in prison," one incredulous follower commented on Instagram. "Chef, I've tasted your cooking, it's incredible", another follower, with the alias 24-El-Padrino, praises. Dany is hoping to use his newfound fame to launch his own cannabis cooking oil after his release, expected later this year. And he has already planned the menu for his prison parting feast -- there will be couscous -- and is salivating at the prospect of his first meal as a newly-free man. "It'll be a wood-fired pizza, I think."

Crime and cuisine: French prison chef becomes Instagram star 

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead.

"Twenty-five people died including six prisoners and Divisional Inspector Paul Hector Joseph who was in charge of the prison," said Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus.

The violent prison breakout took place in a prison in the suburbs of the capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-people-protest-on-streets-as-political-tension-rises-365402" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-people-protest-on-streets-as-political-tension-rises-365402&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt3Ly2i4nvAhXm7HMBHX4VDXoQFjABegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XVw2BUdno6NuToPo_5_6N" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-people-protest-on-streets-as-political-tension-rises-365402" target="_blank">Haiti: People protest on streets as political tension rises</a>

One of the prisoners who was declared dead during the post-prison break chase is an infamous gang leader, Arnel Joseph, who was gunned down by the police officers at a police checkpoint, nearly 120 kilometres north of the prison.

"Arnel Joseph was killed while attacking a police patrol which had stopped the motorcycle he was on. The police responded and Arnel Joseph is dead," Exantus reported.

Joesph was arrested in 2019 for allegedly being the head of one of Haiti's main criminal organisations which has one of the largest networks in the whole region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-deadliest-prison-break-in-decades-366605">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-deadliest-prison-break-in-decades-366605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is not the first time Joseph tried getting out of prison. After being arrested in 2019, he had tried to escape last July. However, he had advertised his plan to escape in a video message posted on social media, which had warned the officials.

Before this too, he had escaped from another jail in Port-au-Prince twice — in 2010 and 2017.

The Croix-des-Bouquets prison in question this time, was inaugurated in 2012 and is a high-security prison built with funding from Canada. The prison has a maximum capacity of 872 inmates, but the prison had nearly double the capacity.

This prison breakout has left nearly 25 people dead and "among those killed were some ordinary citizens who were killed by the prisoners during their escape," Exantus said.

As per pictures posted by AFP, dead bodies were seen lying outside the prison on Thursday, and prisoners can also be seen in the back of a truck with armed guards.

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead. "Twenty-five people died including six prisoners and Divisional Inspector Paul Hector Joseph who was in charge of the prison," said Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus.

In one of the most violent prison breakouts in the history of Haiti, more than 400 prisoners have escaped from jail, with nearly 25 people pronounced dead. "Twenty-five people died including six prisoners and Divisional Inspector Paul Hector Joseph who was in charge of the prison," said Secretary of Communication Frantz Exantus. The violent prison breakout took place in a prison in the suburbs of the capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday. Also read| Haiti: People protest on streets as political tension rises One of the prisoners who was declared dead during the post-prison break chase is an infamous gang leader, Arnel Joseph, who was gunned down by the police officers at a police checkpoint, nearly 120 kilometres north of the prison. "Arnel Joseph was killed while attacking a police patrol which had stopped the motorcycle he was on. The police responded and Arnel Joseph is dead," Exantus reported. Joesph was arrested in 2019 for allegedly being the head of one of Haiti's main criminal organisations which has one of the largest networks in the whole region. WATCH| This is not the first time Joseph tried getting out of prison. After being arrested in 2019, he had tried to escape last July. However, he had advertised his plan to escape in a video message posted on social media, which had warned the officials. Before this too, he had escaped from another jail in Port-au-Prince twice — in 2010 and 2017. The Croix-des-Bouquets prison in question this time, was inaugurated in 2012 and is a high-security prison built with funding from Canada. The prison has a maximum capacity of 872 inmates, but the prison had nearly double the capacity. This prison breakout has left nearly 25 people dead and "among those killed were some ordinary citizens who were killed by the prisoners during their escape," Exantus said. As per pictures posted by AFP, dead bodies were seen lying outside the prison on Thursday, and prisoners can also be seen in the back of a truck with armed guards.

More than 400 inmates flee Haiti prison; nearly 25 people dead

The head of Russia's prison authority on Friday confirmed that opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been moved from Moscow to a detention centre where he would serve his just over 2-1/2-year sentence, the RIA news agency reported.&nbsp;

Alexander Kalashnikov, head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), did not specify where Navalny was being taken, RIA reported. It was not clear whether Navalny arrived or was still on his way there. Navalny's lawyer on Thursday said he had been moved to an undisclosed location.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved legislation to increase fines for offences that were committed during protests in support of Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny. Thousands that took part in unsanctioned rallies were detained by authorities.&nbsp;

The legislation has increased fines for insubordination to law enforcement officers. Now, offenders could end up paying 4,000 roubles ($54.30) with 15 days in detention, as opposed to the older fine of 1,000 roubles.&nbsp;

Besides this, the law has introduced fines for upto 20,000 roubles in case organisers of protests violate any funding regulations.&nbsp;

Over 11,000 people were detained by authorities this year for taking part in rallies that support Navalny, as per OVD-Info - a group which monitors protests. Russia’s Interior Ministry had put out a warning in advance saying that it would break up unauthorised rallies, and that those taking part in rallies may face prosecution.&nbsp;

Most of Navalny’s allies have now declared a moratorium on the protests till spring. His allies are either abroad or have been put under house arrest. Last August, Navalny was flown to Germany for treatment after he was allegedly poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet era nerve agent - a claim backed by Germany and many Western countries.&nbsp;

Russian authorities on the other hand deny any involvement in the incident. Last month, during his return to Russia, Navalny was detained by authorities, following which he was sentenced to jail on February 2 for violations of parole. Navalny is looking at two-and-a-half years in jail.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The head of Russia's prison authority on Friday confirmed that opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been moved from Moscow to a detention centre where he would serve his just over 2-1/2-year sentence, the RIA news agency reported.

The head of Russia's prison authority on Friday confirmed that opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been moved from Moscow to a detention centre where he would serve his just over 2-1/2-year sentence, the RIA news agency reported. Alexander Kalashnikov, head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), did not specify where Navalny was being taken, RIA reported. It was not clear whether Navalny arrived or was still on his way there. Navalny's lawyer on Thursday said he had been moved to an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved legislation to increase fines for offences that were committed during protests in support of Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny. Thousands that took part in unsanctioned rallies were detained by authorities. The legislation has increased fines for insubordination to law enforcement officers. Now, offenders could end up paying 4,000 roubles ($54.30) with 15 days in detention, as opposed to the older fine of 1,000 roubles. Besides this, the law has introduced fines for upto 20,000 roubles in case organisers of protests violate any funding regulations. Over 11,000 people were detained by authorities this year for taking part in rallies that support Navalny, as per OVD-Info - a group which monitors protests. Russia’s Interior Ministry had put out a warning in advance saying that it would break up unauthorised rallies, and that those taking part in rallies may face prosecution. Most of Navalny’s allies have now declared a moratorium on the protests till spring. His allies are either abroad or have been put under house arrest. Last August, Navalny was flown to Germany for treatment after he was allegedly poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet era nerve agent - a claim backed by Germany and many Western countries. Russian authorities on the other hand deny any involvement in the incident. Last month, during his return to Russia, Navalny was detained by authorities, following which he was sentenced to jail on February 2 for violations of parole. Navalny is looking at two-and-a-half years in jail. (With inputs from Reuters)

Navalny moved to detention centre: Russian prison authority  

Prison riots in Ecuador leave at least 75 deaths and it is one of the deadliest incidents in the country's prisons in years. The cause of the riots in prison was gang rivalry.

Ecuador Prison Riots: More than 70 inmates dead; Riots break out over gang rivalry

In a stern warning to the anti-coup protesters, Myanmar's military said the agitators could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces anywhere across the country.&nbsp;

Long sentences and fines will also apply to those found to incite 'hatred or contempt' towards the coup leaders, the military said. The legal changes were announced as armoured vehicles appeared on the streets of several cities, the BBC reported on Monday.&nbsp;

The media outlet Frontier Myanmar also reported that Myanmar security forces opened fire to disperse protesters in the city of Mandalay on Monday.&nbsp;

The number of casualties was not clear, it said. According to a member of a student union in the city, some people were wounded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protests-armoured-vehicles-deployed-in-yangon-protests-erupt-after-internet-blackout-363705">Myanmar: Armoured vehicles in Yangon, protests erupt after internet blackout</a>

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests in recent days.&nbsp;

The demonstrators are demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy.&nbsp;

On Monday, Suu Kyi's lawyer said she would be detained for a further two days. She will then be tried via video link at a court in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, Khin Maung Zaw added.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi was rounded up with other members of the government on February 1, but her detention was due to end on February 15.&nbsp;

The charges against her include possession of unlawful communication devices - walkie-talkies used by her security staff.&nbsp;

Her party was elected in a resounding victory last November, but the military has alleged voter fraud without providing proof.&nbsp;

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The military's heightened presence is the latest sign of a potential crackdown on opposition to the coup.&nbsp;

The ruling junta has also announced a series of legal changes, imposing long prison sentences and fines on anyone found to incite hatred towards the military, 'by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation'.&nbsp;

In a statement posted on a military website on Monday, it said that people preventing the security forces from carrying out their duties could face seven years in jail, while those found to stir up fear or unrest in the public could be imprisoned for three years.&nbsp;

The news came hours after the Internet was restored.&nbsp;

In a stern warning to the anti-coup protesters, Myanmar's military said the agitators could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces anywhere across the country.

In a stern warning to the anti-coup protesters, Myanmar's military said the agitators could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces anywhere across the country. Long sentences and fines will also apply to those found to incite 'hatred or contempt' towards the coup leaders, the military said. The legal changes were announced as armoured vehicles appeared on the streets of several cities, the BBC reported on Monday. The media outlet Frontier Myanmar also reported that Myanmar security forces opened fire to disperse protesters in the city of Mandalay on Monday. The number of casualties was not clear, it said. According to a member of a student union in the city, some people were wounded. Also read | Myanmar: Armoured vehicles in Yangon, protests erupt after internet blackout Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests in recent days. The demonstrators are demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy. On Monday, Suu Kyi's lawyer said she would be detained for a further two days. She will then be tried via video link at a court in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, Khin Maung Zaw added. Suu Kyi was rounded up with other members of the government on February 1, but her detention was due to end on February 15. The charges against her include possession of unlawful communication devices - walkie-talkies used by her security staff. Her party was elected in a resounding victory last November, but the military has alleged voter fraud without providing proof. × The military's heightened presence is the latest sign of a potential crackdown on opposition to the coup. The ruling junta has also announced a series of legal changes, imposing long prison sentences and fines on anyone found to incite hatred towards the military, 'by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation'. In a statement posted on a military website on Monday, it said that people preventing the security forces from carrying out their duties could face seven years in jail, while those found to stir up fear or unrest in the public could be imprisoned for three years. The news came hours after the Internet was restored.

Under new law, Myanmar protesters to face up to 20 years in prison

The newly-elected US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> aims to permanently close down the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison during his term, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/the-white-house">White House</a> assured on Friday.

"That certainly is our goal and our intention," said the White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki when asked if President Biden is planning to shut down a Cuba prison.

She assured that Biden was working in cooperation with the National Security Council in order to "assess the current state of play that the Biden administration has — well, we've inherited from the previous administration."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-football-was-at-danger-during-capitol-riots-footage-reveals-363277" hreflang="en">US 'football' was at danger during Capitol riots, footage reveals</a>

This has come as a welcome change from the previous administration where the former President, Donald Trump, had willingly wanted to keep the Guantanamo prisons open to "fill it with bad guys".

Biden's assurance has come years after his first stint in the White House when Barack Obama was serving as the US President. The Obama administration had promised to release some detainees from the infamous prison but had failed to fulfil it as the administration could not succeed in working out a compromise with the Congress. The promises were made by the Obama administration with Biden as the Vice President.

Now, with Biden in the driving seat of the White House, he is hoping to fulfil that broken promise and probably shut down the prison, that is infamous for its inhumane treatment of the prisoners.

Th prison houses nearly 40 prisoners, as of now, who are considered to be too dangerous to be released, but their legal proceedings are ongoing, although delayed.

The newly-elected US President Joe Biden aims to permanently close down the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison during his term, the White House assured on Friday. "That certainly is our goal and our intention," said the White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki when asked if President Biden is planning to shut down a Cuba prison.

The newly-elected US President Joe Biden aims to permanently close down the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison during his term, the White House assured on Friday. "That certainly is our goal and our intention," said the White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki when asked if President Biden is planning to shut down a Cuba prison. She assured that Biden was working in cooperation with the National Security Council in order to "assess the current state of play that the Biden administration has — well, we've inherited from the previous administration." Also read| US 'football' was at danger during Capitol riots, footage reveals This has come as a welcome change from the previous administration where the former President, Donald Trump, had willingly wanted to keep the Guantanamo prisons open to "fill it with bad guys". Biden's assurance has come years after his first stint in the White House when Barack Obama was serving as the US President. The Obama administration had promised to release some detainees from the infamous prison but had failed to fulfil it as the administration could not succeed in working out a compromise with the Congress. The promises were made by the Obama administration with Biden as the Vice President. Now, with Biden in the driving seat of the White House, he is hoping to fulfil that broken promise and probably shut down the prison, that is infamous for its inhumane treatment of the prisoners. Th prison houses nearly 40 prisoners, as of now, who are considered to be too dangerous to be released, but their legal proceedings are ongoing, although delayed.

Joe Biden aims to close down Guantanamo prison: White House spokeswoman

As a Turkish Muslim televangelist who surrounded himself with scantily-clad women he called "kittens" starts a 1,075-year jail term for sex crimes, we look at some of the world's longest prison sentences. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-religious-cult-leader-adnan-oktar-jailed-for-1075-years-for-sex-crimes-356054">Also read | Turkish religious cult leader Adnan Oktar jailed for 1,075 years for sex crimes</a> 
&nbsp;

Several countries, including the United States and Spain, allow for consecutive sentences, with prisoners condemned in theory to spend many lifetimes behind bars.

US: 30,000-year sentence

Far-right terrorist Terry Nichols was convicted of helping fellow former soldier Timothy McVeigh carry out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing in which 168 people died -- including 19 children.

Although he tried to pull out of the attack on a federal government building at the last minute, he got 161 life sentences plus 9,300 years without parole.

McVeigh was executed.

Nichols, 65, shares the same Colorado cell block as Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, Olympic Park bomber Eric Rudolph and Ramzi Yousef, a Pakistani convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center attack on the Twin Towers.

Another Oklahoma jury sentenced Charles Scott Robinson to 30,000 years behind bars in 1994 for raping a small child.

Thailand's world record

The world's longest non-life sentence, according to the "Guinness Book of Records", was imposed on Thai pyramid scheme fraudster Chamoy Thipyaso, who was jailed for 141,078 years in 1989.

However she was released after only eight years behind bars despite having conned some members of the royal household.

Spain: Europe's longest

Madrid holds the EU record for handing down the longest prison stretches, often to those convicted of Basque or Islamist terror attacks.

Three men were sentenced to a total of 120,000 years in jail for their part in the 2004 Al-Qaeda Madrid train bombings in which 193 people were killed.

ETA members have been also sentenced to thousands of years each including Ines del Rio Prada, who was sentenced to 3,828 years for her part in 24 murders and other terrorist acts.

But she was freed in 2013 after 26 years by the European Court of Human Rights after a fellow ETA member Henri "Unai" Parot challenged his 4,797-year sentence for the Zaragoza Barracks bombings in 1987.

European law now restricts Spain to holding convicted criminals for a maximum of 30 or 40 years depending on when they were sentenced.

Tough Turkey

The sentence handed down to televangelist Adnan Oktar on Monday is the second super-sentence in only a few months in Istanbul.

Uzbek terrorist Abdulkadir Masharipov got 40 life sentences in September, one for each of his victims for a New Year's Day massacre at the Reina nightclub in the city in the first minutes of 2017.

He got an additional 1,368 years for attempting to kill revellers in the attack claimed by the Islamic State.

490 years: Britain's longest&nbsp;

The highest British sentence handed down to the IRA bomber and sniper Bernard McGinn who got 490 years for his part in various attacks including the Docklands and Baltic Exchange bombings in London.

He was arrested by the SAS in Crossmaglen but was released after serving 16 months in 2000 under the Good Friday Agreement, which ended the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Andrew Aston got 26 life sentences in 2002 for attacking elderly and disabled people around Birmingham, but his terms are concurrent.

The six Irishmen wrongly convicted of the 1974 IRA bombings in the same city were given 21 life sentences, but freed 16 years later when their convictions were quashed.

As a Turkish Muslim televangelist who surrounded himself with scantily-clad women he called "kittens" starts a 1,075-year jail term for sex crimes, we look at some of the world's longest prison sentences.

As a Turkish Muslim televangelist who surrounded himself with scantily-clad women he called "kittens" starts a 1,075-year jail term for sex crimes, we look at some of the world's longest prison sentences. Also read | Turkish religious cult leader Adnan Oktar jailed for 1,075 years for sex crimes Several countries, including the United States and Spain, allow for consecutive sentences, with prisoners condemned in theory to spend many lifetimes behind bars. US: 30,000-year sentence Far-right terrorist Terry Nichols was convicted of helping fellow former soldier Timothy McVeigh carry out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing in which 168 people died -- including 19 children. Although he tried to pull out of the attack on a federal government building at the last minute, he got 161 life sentences plus 9,300 years without parole. McVeigh was executed. Nichols, 65, shares the same Colorado cell block as Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, Olympic Park bomber Eric Rudolph and Ramzi Yousef, a Pakistani convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center attack on the Twin Towers. Another Oklahoma jury sentenced Charles Scott Robinson to 30,000 years behind bars in 1994 for raping a small child. Thailand's world record The world's longest non-life sentence, according to the "Guinness Book of Records", was imposed on Thai pyramid scheme fraudster Chamoy Thipyaso, who was jailed for 141,078 years in 1989. However she was released after only eight years behind bars despite having conned some members of the royal household. Spain: Europe's longest Madrid holds the EU record for handing down the longest prison stretches, often to those convicted of Basque or Islamist terror attacks. Three men were sentenced to a total of 120,000 years in jail for their part in the 2004 Al-Qaeda Madrid train bombings in which 193 people were killed. ETA members have been also sentenced to thousands of years each including Ines del Rio Prada, who was sentenced to 3,828 years for her part in 24 murders and other terrorist acts. But she was freed in 2013 after 26 years by the European Court of Human Rights after a fellow ETA member Henri "Unai" Parot challenged his 4,797-year sentence for the Zaragoza Barracks bombings in 1987. European law now restricts Spain to holding convicted criminals for a maximum of 30 or 40 years depending on when they were sentenced. Tough Turkey The sentence handed down to televangelist Adnan Oktar on Monday is the second super-sentence in only a few months in Istanbul. Uzbek terrorist Abdulkadir Masharipov got 40 life sentences in September, one for each of his victims for a New Year's Day massacre at the Reina nightclub in the city in the first minutes of 2017. He got an additional 1,368 years for attempting to kill revellers in the attack claimed by the Islamic State. 490 years: Britain's longest The highest British sentence handed down to the IRA bomber and sniper Bernard McGinn who got 490 years for his part in various attacks including the Docklands and Baltic Exchange bombings in London. He was arrested by the SAS in Crossmaglen but was released after serving 16 months in 2000 under the Good Friday Agreement, which ended the Northern Ireland Troubles. Andrew Aston got 26 life sentences in 2002 for attacking elderly and disabled people around Birmingham, but his terms are concurrent. The six Irishmen wrongly convicted of the 1974 IRA bombings in the same city were given 21 life sentences, but freed 16 years later when their convictions were quashed.

141,078 years in jail: A look at world's longest prison sentences

Hong Kong prison staff were wrong to cut off the locks of veteran dissident "Long Hair", the city's top court said Friday, in the second significant ruling against authorities this month.

The decision comes as pro-establishment voices call for an overhaul of the judiciary -- something opponents fear could muzzle the Hong Kong legal system's vaunted independence as Beijing cracks down on critics.

The ruling by the Final Court of Appeal is the culmination of a long legal battle by Leung Kwok-hung, 64, who served a brief jail sentence in 2014 linked to his protesting.

Better known by the sobriquet "Long Hair", he is one of the city's veteran dissidents, beginning his career campaigning against British colonial rule and later becoming a fierce critic of Beijing.&nbsp;

A panel of top judges unanimously ruled that Leung's rights had been breached under sexual discrimination laws when his hair was cut in jail.

Hong Kong prison authorities insist all male inmates keep their hair cut short, but female convicts are allowed to keep theirs long if they wish.

"The fact that male prisoners are denied a choice as to their hair length, suggests that they are treated less favourably than female prisoners," the judges wrote, adding authorities had failed to explain why short hair was required for custodial discipline.

- Pressure on judges -

The decision comes at a sensitive time for Hong Kong's judges.&nbsp;

Unlike China's party-controlled judiciary, the city maintains an independent common law system that forms the bedrock of its success as a global trade and finance hub.

But two leading pro-Beijing newspapers in the city -- and some prominent pro-government politicians -- have recently begun calling for judicial reforms.&nbsp;

Beijing loyalists have been incensed by recent acquittals of some protesters and judicial reviews that have gone against the government.&nbsp;

Last week, a High Court judge delivered a damning ruling against police in a case linked to last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;

The judgement found that officers were wrong to hide their identification badges and that the city's watchdog has been "inadequate" in investigating complaints against officers.

One pro-Beijing newspaper ran a scathing report on the ruling under the headline "Thugs rule, no human rights for policemen".&nbsp;

Since last year's massive protests, Beijing has imposed a sweeping national security law on the financial hub.&nbsp;

Britain has said it was considering whether to review allowing its judges to sit on Hong Kong's highest court over concerns China is trampling on the city's freedoms.

Hong Kong prison staff were wrong to cut off the locks of veteran dissident "Long Hair", the city's top court said Friday, in the second significant ruling against authorities this month.

Hong Kong prison staff were wrong to cut off the locks of veteran dissident "Long Hair", the city's top court said Friday, in the second significant ruling against authorities this month. The decision comes as pro-establishment voices call for an overhaul of the judiciary -- something opponents fear could muzzle the Hong Kong legal system's vaunted independence as Beijing cracks down on critics. The ruling by the Final Court of Appeal is the culmination of a long legal battle by Leung Kwok-hung, 64, who served a brief jail sentence in 2014 linked to his protesting. Better known by the sobriquet "Long Hair", he is one of the city's veteran dissidents, beginning his career campaigning against British colonial rule and later becoming a fierce critic of Beijing. A panel of top judges unanimously ruled that Leung's rights had been breached under sexual discrimination laws when his hair was cut in jail. Hong Kong prison authorities insist all male inmates keep their hair cut short, but female convicts are allowed to keep theirs long if they wish. "The fact that male prisoners are denied a choice as to their hair length, suggests that they are treated less favourably than female prisoners," the judges wrote, adding authorities had failed to explain why short hair was required for custodial discipline. - Pressure on judges - The decision comes at a sensitive time for Hong Kong's judges. Unlike China's party-controlled judiciary, the city maintains an independent common law system that forms the bedrock of its success as a global trade and finance hub. But two leading pro-Beijing newspapers in the city -- and some prominent pro-government politicians -- have recently begun calling for judicial reforms. Beijing loyalists have been incensed by recent acquittals of some protesters and judicial reviews that have gone against the government. Last week, a High Court judge delivered a damning ruling against police in a case linked to last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. The judgement found that officers were wrong to hide their identification badges and that the city's watchdog has been "inadequate" in investigating complaints against officers. One pro-Beijing newspaper ran a scathing report on the ruling under the headline "Thugs rule, no human rights for policemen". Since last year's massive protests, Beijing has imposed a sweeping national security law on the financial hub. Britain has said it was considering whether to review allowing its judges to sit on Hong Kong's highest court over concerns China is trampling on the city's freedoms.

Hong Kong prison wrong to cut ‘Long Hair’ locks, says court

A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced the leader of an online sexual blackmail ring to 40 years in prison, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Cho Ju-bin, 24, was found guilty of running an online network that blackmailed at least 74 women, including 16 teenagers, into what authorities called "virtual enslavement" by forcing them to send increasingly degrading and sometimes violent sexual imagery of themselves between May 2019 and February 2020.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Cho for violating criminal and child protection laws by making and releasing pornography and running a criminal organisation, Yonhap said.

Cho`s lawyer could not be reached for comment. However, when he was taken into police custody in March, Cho said he wanted to apologise to the victims.

"The defendant had lured and threatened multiple victims in various ways to produce pornography and distributed it for a long time to many," Yonhap reported, citing the unidentified judge who handed down the verdict and sentence. "He in particular inflicted irrecoverable damage to many victims by publishing their identifies."

The case sparked a national outcry, with millions of Koreans signing petitions urging authorities to release Cho`s identity and investigate not only the organisers, but also participants of the network who paid as much as 1.5 million won ($1,360) to see the abusive videos and images.

Police have said at least 124 suspects have been arrested and 18 operators of chat rooms on Telegram and other social media, including Cho, were detained following investigations into similar sexual crimes since late last year.

A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced the leader of an online sexual blackmail ring to 40 years in prison, the Yonhap news agency reported. Cho Ju-bin, 24, was found guilty of running an online network that blackmailed at least 74 women, including 16 teenagers, into what authorities called "virtual enslavement" by forcing them to send increasingly degrading and sometimes violent sexual imagery of themselves between May 2019 and February 2020.

A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced the leader of an online sexual blackmail ring to 40 years in prison, the Yonhap news agency reported. Cho Ju-bin, 24, was found guilty of running an online network that blackmailed at least 74 women, including 16 teenagers, into what authorities called "virtual enslavement" by forcing them to send increasingly degrading and sometimes violent sexual imagery of themselves between May 2019 and February 2020. The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Cho for violating criminal and child protection laws by making and releasing pornography and running a criminal organisation, Yonhap said. Cho`s lawyer could not be reached for comment. However, when he was taken into police custody in March, Cho said he wanted to apologise to the victims. "The defendant had lured and threatened multiple victims in various ways to produce pornography and distributed it for a long time to many," Yonhap reported, citing the unidentified judge who handed down the verdict and sentence. "He in particular inflicted irrecoverable damage to many victims by publishing their identifies." The case sparked a national outcry, with millions of Koreans signing petitions urging authorities to release Cho`s identity and investigate not only the organisers, but also participants of the network who paid as much as 1.5 million won ($1,360) to see the abusive videos and images. Police have said at least 124 suspects have been arrested and 18 operators of chat rooms on Telegram and other social media, including Cho, were detained following investigations into similar sexual crimes since late last year.

South Korea sentences leader of sexual blackmail ring to 40 years in prison

They are not convicted criminals. But more than 60 people in South Korea will work, eat and sleep in prisons- an alternative to compulsory military service. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The alternative to compulsory military service in South Korea

A cat detained at Sri Lanka's main prison while allegedly trying to smuggle drugs and cell phone SIM cards has escaped, media reports said Monday. 
 
The feline was detected by jail intelligence officials on Saturday at the high-security Welikada Prison, a police official said. 
 
He said nearly two grams of heroin, two SIM cards and a memory chip were found in a small plastic bag tied around the cat's neck.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/sri-lankas-rajapaksas-hope-to-tighten-grip-on-power-in-election-317754" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's Rajapaksas hope to tighten grip on power in election</a> 
 
But it escaped on Sunday from a prison room where it was kept, the Aruna newspaper said. 
 
There was no immediate comment from prison authorities. 
 
The prison had reported an increase in incidents of&nbsp;people throwing small packets of drugs, cell phones and phone chargers over the walls in recent weeks. 
 
Sri Lanka is battling a major drug problem with some anti-narcotics detectives also implicated in selling confiscated drugs. 
 
Police last week seized an eagle allegedly used by drug traffickers to distribute narcotics in a suburb of Colombo.

A cat detained at Sri Lanka's main prison while allegedly trying to smuggle drugs and cell phone SIM cards has escaped, media reports said Monday. The feline was detected by jail intelligence officials on Saturday at the high-security Welikada Prison, a police official said.

A cat detained at Sri Lanka's main prison while allegedly trying to smuggle drugs and cell phone SIM cards has escaped, media reports said Monday. The feline was detected by jail intelligence officials on Saturday at the high-security Welikada Prison, a police official said. He said nearly two grams of heroin, two SIM cards and a memory chip were found in a small plastic bag tied around the cat's neck. Also read: Sri Lanka's Rajapaksas hope to tighten grip on power in election But it escaped on Sunday from a prison room where it was kept, the Aruna newspaper said. There was no immediate comment from prison authorities. The prison had reported an increase in incidents of people throwing small packets of drugs, cell phones and phone chargers over the walls in recent weeks. Sri Lanka is battling a major drug problem with some anti-narcotics detectives also implicated in selling confiscated drugs. Police last week seized an eagle allegedly used by drug traffickers to distribute narcotics in a suburb of Colombo.

Detained 'drug smuggler' cat escapes Sri Lanka prison

As the coronavirus cases in the US are increasing on an alarming rate, the US prisons too have been observing a rapid increase in the number of positive cases in their premises.

To contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, the state of California has decided to release up to 8,000 inmates from state prisons, the state authorities reported.

The prisoners will be allowed to leave the prison premises earlier than their set release date. The state corrections department is preparing a list of inmates who could be eligible for an an early release, probably by the end of August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-to-sue-trump-over-order-revoking-foreign-student-visas-312110">Also read:&nbsp;California to sue Trump over order revoking foreign student visas</a>

These actions are taken to provide for the health and safety of the incarcerated population and staff," California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Ralph Diaz said in a statement.

This will be California's biggest move to contain the spread of the virus inside the state prisons, a matter which has been a rising concern for few months now.

The prisoners who will be eligible for the release would be the inmates who have only a year or less left to serve, and have not been convicted for violent felonies or sex-related crimes.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday nearly 2,400 people in California's 35 prisons have tested positive for the coronavirus, including 1,314 at San Quentin State Prison north of San Francisco.

As the coronavirus cases in the US are increasing on an alarming rate, the US prisons too have been observing a rapid increase in the number of positive cases in their premises.

As the coronavirus cases in the US are increasing on an alarming rate, the US prisons too have been observing a rapid increase in the number of positive cases in their premises. To contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, the state of California has decided to release up to 8,000 inmates from state prisons, the state authorities reported. The prisoners will be allowed to leave the prison premises earlier than their set release date. The state corrections department is preparing a list of inmates who could be eligible for an an early release, probably by the end of August. Also read: California to sue Trump over order revoking foreign student visas These actions are taken to provide for the health and safety of the incarcerated population and staff," California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Ralph Diaz said in a statement. This will be California's biggest move to contain the spread of the virus inside the state prisons, a matter which has been a rising concern for few months now. The prisoners who will be eligible for the release would be the inmates who have only a year or less left to serve, and have not been convicted for violent felonies or sex-related crimes. California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday nearly 2,400 people in California's 35 prisons have tested positive for the coronavirus, including 1,314 at San Quentin State Prison north of San Francisco.

COVID 19: California prisons to release 8,000 prisoners to contain rapid spread

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