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Ecuadorian Protesters Volunteer to be Prison Hostages, February 17, 2004

Inmates at the Garcia Moreno Prison in Quito, Ecuador protest poor conditions in their jail, including poor plumbing, overcrowding, and lack of running water, by taking 360 prisoners on Sunday, all of whom where peaceful protesters claiming to be there voluntarily. Ecuador's prison system is under a state of emergency after the revalation that 1,500 prisoners were placed in jail for upwards of a year without receiving trials, attracting protesters at prisons. The prisoners were mostly made up of Red Cross relief workers and peaceful protesters in opposition to unfair legal practices, however, their cel-blocks are sealed and the protesters are not permitted to speak to the outside.


News Stories:

"Ecuador prisoners take hostages "
BBC News (UK) February 17, 2004
"Visitors to overcrowded jail in Ecuador stay put, joining protest over living conditions "
Planet-Save Network February 17, 2004
"Ecuador Inmates Hold 360 Visitors Hostage "
Newsday.com February 17, 2004
"Ecuador Inmates Hold 360 Visitors Hostage "
Yahoo! News February 17, 2004

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February 19, 2004