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Brazilian Prison Rioters Refuse to Give Up 200 Hostages

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Rioting inmates at a remote prison in Brazil are refusing for a third day to release some 200 hostages, despite a promise from authorities to return one of their leaders.

Negotiations continue Wednesday, at Urso Branco prison in the northern state of Rondonio. Inmates seized the hostages, mostly visiting relatives, on Sunday and demanded the return of Ednildo Paula Souza. Souza was transferred to another prison after an escape attempt earlier this month. Last year he led a five-day prison revolt at Urso Branco in which 14 inmates died.

Negotiators agreed Tuesday to bring Souza back. But the Associated Press reports Brazilian authorities want the prisoners to release their hostages before his return, and the prisoners have refused.

Officials have cut off food, water, and electricity supplies at the overcrowded prison, which was meant to hold 350 inmates but houses at least 950.

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