Over 100 dead in Ecuador prison riot
The death toll from prison riots at one of Ecuador's largest penitentiaries has risen to over a hundred people, including a number of beheadings.
Scores of inmates have been injured. The violence first erupted on Tuesday night at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, which has been the scene of bloody fights between gangs for control of the prison in recent months.
It was the most deadly act of violence ever reported in Ecuador's prison system.
Similar clashes took place in February and July this year in various prisons throughout the country, which also claimed over 100 lives.
Dozens of people have gathered at the jail, seeking information about relatives and demanding accountability from officials responsible for the inmates' safety.
A sister of an inmate described the scenes of chaos.
"The inmates called us, 'Sister they are killing me, call the police!' They need to enter pavilion five. Look at where they are. They are out here. It's my brother, not a dog."
Ecuador's president, Guillermo Lasso has said the state would assist the families of the dead and injured inmates, adding that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid a repeat.
