2 teens killed in Paraguay juvenile prison riot

Associated Press

ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Two teenage inmates are dead after a riot broke out at a juvenile prison in Paraguay, and two guards have been arrested for allegedly using lethal force.

Justice Vice Minister Ever Martinez says the riot started Monday night when a group of inmates set fire to mattresses at the prison in Itaugua, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Paraguay's capital, Asuncion.

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were killed. Another 16-year-old escaped.

Martinez told reporters Tuesday that the guards apparently opened fire on the inmates with live ammunition, violating rules that require the use of rubber bullets at juvenile prisons. Two guards have been arrested.

Itaugua police commissioner Edgar Silguero said the rioters were apparently demanding more television time at the prison.