Two Inmates Killed in Iraq Prison Riot

Iraqi police officials say a deadly riot at Salaheddin province’s prison in the capital of Tikrit was started by members of al-Qaeda who were planning to escape. The riot started around 3 p.m. local time Sunday and left at least two inmates dead. Authorities say seven prison guards and seven inmates were injured.

Inmates had started fires in cells that held some 650 men. Authorities initially feared nearly 400 prisoners escaped during the chaos, but it was later confirmed that no one had escaped.

Two prisoners told CNN that a planned escape was not behind the riot. They claimed inmates were protesting poor living conditions, harsh treatment and corruption of prison guards.

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