Inmates in Paraguay's prison stage riot and take guards as hostages

Inmates at Paraguay's largest prison, Tacumbú jail in the capital, Asunción, have taken at least 10 guards hostage, local police have confirmed. The prisoners initiated a riot on Tuesday afternoon and footage showed them on the roof of the jail throwing rocks at police. The unrest is believed to be the work of the Rotela Clan, a prison gang, according to the prison director. The exact number of hostages is unclear, with conflicting reports suggesting it is at least 10, but the prison's director claims that he and 21 guards are still being detained by the rioters. The inmates have issued three demands in exchange for releasing the hostages, including a guarantee that the police will not storm the jail, a signed agreement that there will be no repercussions for the riot, and the reopening of Tacumbú for new inmates. It is believed that the last demand is an effort by the Rotela Clan to strengthen its grip on the prison. Several women are also reportedly inside the jail, although it remains unclear if they are being held against their will. Flames were seen inside the facility as prisoners set fire to mattresses. Paraguay's justice minister has declared that the government will not be blackmailed by criminal gangs and has vowed to restore control of the jail. The minister had already revealed plans to regain control of Tacumbú from the Rotela Clan, leading some to speculate that the riots were triggered by this announcement. Paraguay is not the only country in the region facing challenges in regaining control of its prisons, with Venezuela and Ecuador also grappling with powerful prison gangs.