Officials report riot at Lebanon prison

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Lebanese security officials say scores of inmates have rioted in northern Lebanon's largest prison and taken at least three guards hostage. The officials say the rioting inmates at the Qubeh prison in the northern city of Tripoli are demanding better conditions. Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city, is 50 miles north of Beirut. During Sunday's riot, the officials said black smoke was seen rising from the building after angry inmates set their mattresses on fire. The officials said police reinforcements were brought in to quell the riot, the first for the prison. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.