El Salvador's prison system was in crisis following mass protests by inmates in 11 jails and three detention centres for minors, DPA quoted the authorities as confirming today. From Saturday onwards, inmates refused to return to their cells, take part in workshops and other activities, allow prisoners to leave or enter the facilities or let those needing medical aid be treated. There were no immediate reports of violence in the mass protests that officials characterized as "disobedience." Police and army personnel were deployed around the jails in case of emergencies. Prisons director Gilbert Caceres blamed the uprising on inmates who were being manipulated by outside organized crime gangs.
