Naharnet - Rioting Breaks Out at Qobbeh Prison, Warders Seized - September 20, 2010

Rioting broke out on Monday at a prison in the northern port city of Tripoli with inmates taking hostage several warders to demand better conditions and reduced sentences, a security official told Agence France Presse.

"The inmates at Qobbeh prison managed to seize five warders and are demanding that conditions inside the prison be improved and that their sentences be reduced," the official said.

He said riot police had entered the prison and negotiations were underway to end the mutiny.

The main road leading to the overcrowded prison inside the city limits was sealed off and two ambulances were seen entering the facility, according to an Agence France Presse reporter at the scene.

Rioting broke out at the same prison in January 2009 with inmates also seizing jailers to demand better conditions.

Qobbeh is the largest prison in northern Lebanon and houses 600 inmates.(AFP)