At least eight people have died and more than 60 have been taken hostage during an ongoing prison riot in the central Argentine province of Cordoba.
Authorities say five inmates, two prison guards and one police officer have been killed so far in the rioting that began Thursday at the San Martin penitentiary. Officials say the warden was among those taken hostage.
Some 1,000 military personnel have been posted around the maximum security penitentiary in an effort to regain control, while negotiators are working to end the riot. Argentine President Nestor Kirchner met with cabinet chief Alberto Fernandez late Thursday to assess the situation.
Television reports showed prisoners bearing homemade knives and holding hostages on the roof. Others were seen waving firearms or throwing rocks at police on the ground.
The rioting erupted over inmates' demands for improved living conditions. This penitentiary houses at least 2,000 prisoners.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.
