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.