Rioting prisoners in Brazil`s biggest jail took hostage nearly 8,000 guards and visitors, including hundreds of children, in a revolt that spread to 22 other prisons across the region. Heavily armed police ringed prisons across Sao Paulo state, on Sunday, and by nightfall 16 of them had been brought back under control, officials said.

The riots started during visiting hours on Sunday morning in Carandiru prison, Latin America`s biggest jail, which holds about 10,000 inmates on the northern outskirts of Sao Paulo. “More than 7,900 visitors, including 1,700 children, as well as 72 prison guards were inside when the rebellion started,” said police Capt Monica Bondezan.
About 70 police crouching behind riot shields entered the main gates late afternoon, but by nightfall had only taken control of some parts of the prison. Globo television reported they had released 40 hostages from the prison hospital. The rioters were protesting the transfer from Carandiru of 10 prison leaders last Friday. Authorities had raided cells and found stockpiles of ammunition, knives and cell phones.

Television footage shot from a helicopter showed police advancing slowly over rooftops and through the massive prison`s courtyards. There were trails of blood running across one courtyard. Officials said authorities were still negotiating with the rebels for the release of the hostages but said the return of the 10 ringleaders was out of the question. Bureau Report