40 convicts escape Aceh jail

40 convicts escape Aceh jail

LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: At least 40 convicts escaped on Sunday from
the Bireuen jail in North Aceh following a riot, Antara reported
Monday. "We have not discovered precisely how the riot around
noon happened," said an official, Marzuki.

Located 60 kilometers from the regency's capital of
Lhokseumawe, the jail houses 80 inmates.

Marzuki said two political prisoners, identified as Tgk. Affan
and Tgk. Ismail, were among the escapees.

Inmates said the 30-minute riot began when wardens were late
in opening gates for lunch. No casualties have been reported and
the riots were not described further. The prison chief, Rachmad,
was reportedly out of town. The convicts escaped after managing
to break through iron bars and doors.

The news service said a number of family members of the
convicts had reported to the prison about the escape. Some
escapees also reportedly turned themselves in to police posts.