A tensed atmosphere was reported in Roumieh prison on Saturday afternoon, after an inmate died of “health problems.”
"Inmate Hussein Abdullah Sbaity has died of ailment in Roumieh,” the state-run National News Agency said.
NNA explained that Sbaity's deteriorating and critical health condition required transferring him to a hospital.
"But he died shortly after as he had long been suffering from stomach-related problems,” it noted.
Meanwhile, LBCI television said a tensed atmosphere prevailed in the prison after the death of Sbaity.
“But calm was later restored in Roumieh,” LBCI remarked.
However, radio Voice of Lebanon (93.3) denied reports about troubles in the infamous prison, stressing that the causes of Sbaity's death were strictly related to his health.
Roumieh, the oldest and largest of Lebanon's overcrowded prisons, has witnessed sporadic prison breaks in recent years and escalating riots over the past months as inmates living in poor conditions demand better treatment.
Corruption, negligence and the maltreatment of inmates spread at Roumieh as some inmates have access to cellphone, internet connection and soft arms.
Following the formation of the new cabinet, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq established a two-stage plan to resolve the situation at Roumieh and improve the conditions of the inmates.
During the first stage of the plan set by Mashnouq, the minister seeks to equip a new facility near the prison to accommodate around 700 to 1000 inmate.
The first stage reportedly requires three months to be implemented.
The second stage, which needs around a year to be accomplished, will be the establishment of a new facility for dangerous prisoners, who will have a separate court room.
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