Calm Restored in Roumieh after Midnight Riot

Riot erupted on midnight Friday at the Roumieh Prison after several inmates protested the newly adopted security procedures in the facility, the Internal Security Forces announced in a statement on Saturday afternoon.

"Several inmates at the convicts building in Roumieh rioted overnight, setting belongings on fire and breaking down doors,” the statement detailed.

It explained that the prisoners rioted to protest surprise inspections and security procedures implemented by guards in Roumieh.

The state of chaos required the interference of ISF troops to restore security and order in the building.

"Investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the relevant judicial authority in the case,” ISF's statement noted.

Roumieh is the largest and most overcrowded of Lebanon's prisons.

It has a capacity for 1,500 inmates, but over 4,000 are imprisoned there.

Interior Minister Nuhad al-Mashnouq stated in March that he will exert efforts to renovate the facility and improve the conditions there.

Protests frequently erupt at Roumieh given the poor conditions and the overcrowding.

Last week, riots erupted at the Prison and inmates set belongings on fire as the Internal Security Forces managed to successfully escort a 3-member gang out of the facility.

Meanwhile in the southern town of Nabatieh, an inmate was recaptured on Saturday after escaping from a police patrol transferring him along with other detainees to the region's public hospital.

"Lebanese national M.B., 23, escaped a patrol and ran towards a field facing the Nabatieh Public Hospital,” the ISF said in a statement.

It noted that a patrol eventually managed to recapture hum, after pursuing him and firing warning shots.

"He was returned to the prison facility,” the statement confirmed.

The ISF noted that the detainee is wanted on a murder and an attempted murder charges.

S.D.B.