Venezuela: 120 people held hostage at Merida jail (updated)

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Venezuela: 120 people held hostage at Merida jail

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Updates: On 26 June 2008, Goverment continued negotiations for the liberation of hostages in this long kidnapping ordeal. Results were expected earlier today to no avail. Inmates have asked for more flexible control over family visits and the removal of current administration management team.  

Caracas, Venezuela, 23 June 2008. Since Sunday 22 June 2008, 120 people - including 22 children - have been held captive by jail inmates at Lagunillas, Merida state, Western Venezuela. They were visiting their relatives in jail when some inmates took them hostage to protest for the slow pace of justice distribution. They also complain for the treatment received in jail.  Initially, 300 people were held hostage but few were liberated yesterday. The government is providing food and medicine for the hostages. News on the event have very little coverage locally.

More news to come....if bug allows me to update news.

Sources: Globovision, Unionradio, YVKE,