Prison riot in Brazil leaves at least 52 inmates dead

At least 52 inmates at the Altamira prison in the northern Brazilian state of Para were killed on Monday during a massive riot.

Officials said 16 of the inmates were decapitated, and Agencia Brasil reports the rest likely died from asphyxiation, as prisoners set fire to the facility. The riot started when one gang stormed a section of the prison controlled by another group. Two guards who were held hostage have since been released.

In May, 55 inmates were killed in riots at prisons in western Brazil, and human rights groups say the Brazilian government isn't doing anything to address the violence at these facilities. Tensions are high due to overcrowding, and gangs are using the prisons as recruitment centers.

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