Venezuela: 120 people held hostage at Merida jail

Caracas, Venezuela, 23 June 2008. Since Sunday 22 June 2008, 120 people - including 22 children - have been held captive by jail inmates at Lagunillas, Merida state, Western Venezuela. They were visiting their relatives in jail when some inmates took them hostage to protest for the slow pace of justice distribution. They also complain for the treatment received in jail. Initially, 300 people were held hostage but few were liberated yesterday. The government is providing food and medicine for the hostages. News on the event have very little coverage locally. More news to come....if bug allows me to... [read full story]