Prisoners riot, guards get pay raise

(newsroompanama.com)  On the same day that Panama’s Minister of Government Roxana Méndez announced a pay increase for prison guards there was a riot in the country’s most overcrowded  prison, La Joya.

Two police officers were taken hostage by prisoners during the three hour disturbance, but were later released unharmed.

The prisoners were apparently rioting over conditions at the facility.

Méndez stated that "the Assembly and the Ministry of Finance understand that it is necessary to improve the salaries of the custodians."

She said the government plans to hire more guards in December to provide better security.

Guards are to get a $100 a month raise.
 

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Original Source: Newsroompanama.com

Date Retrieved: November 12, 2010.