WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE ON THE AMERICAS
ISSUE #416, JANUARY 18, 1998
NICARAGUA SOLIDARITY NETWORK OF GREATER NEW YORK
339 LAFAYETTE ST., NEW YORK, NY 10012 (212) 674-9499
7. Colombia: Pact Ends Prison Protest
*7. COLOMBIA: PACT ENDS PRISON PROTEST
More than 300 inmates and some 460 women visitors ended a prison
standoff at the San Isidro jail in Popayan, Colombia, on Jan. 12
after reaching an agreement with government negotiators on
improving prison conditions. The visitors apparently joined the
protest voluntarily when it began on Jan. 11, women's visiting
day; they left the prison in small groups after the pact was
signed. The protesters were demanding better drinking water and
medical attention for prisoners, and an end to overcrowding.
"Their demands were just and their protest peaceful," said Jorge
Munoz, the town's ombudsperson. "The conditions are very
unhealthy." Munoz said one inmate was slightly injured by a
gunshot on Jan. 11. He denied reports that prisoners held a guard
hostage. Colombia's Congress passed a bill in December designed
to ease prison overcrowding by granting early release for some
crimes [see Updates #410-412], but red tape has held up most of
the releases. [AP 1/12/98]
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