More than 60 people escaped from a prison in Lebanon

(MENAFN – Youm7) Security sources and the National Media Agency in Lebanon said that more than 60 prisoners escaped from a Lebanese prison on Saturday, and that five of them died when their car hit a tree while they were being pursued.

The agency added that inmates escaped from Baabda prison early today after breaking down cell doors, adding that security forces cordoned off surrounding areas.

Security forces told Reuters that some 69 prisoners escaped and eight had been arrested. He added that five of the prisoners died after a seized car collided with a tree.

The National News Agency said authorities had opened an investigation into the incident.

In April, Amnesty International said that riots broke out inside Lebanese prisons and that families of inmates organized sit-ins to demand the release of their relatives due to fear of the spread of Covid-19 in overcrowded prisons.

The organization added that while the Lebanese government has taken various measures, including the release of some prisoners, the authorities should prioritize the release of prisoners who have served their sentences and expedite the review of detainee cases before their trial.

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