Mexican prison riot toll rises

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As the death toll mounted after two riots at a prison here, Baja California state authorities came under fierce criticism Thursday for allegedly brutal tactics used by police on inmates and the treatment of inmates’ relatives who had gathered outside the prison, reports Richard Marosi.

At least 21 inmates died and dozens were injured in uprisings Sunday and Wednesday at La Mesa State Penitentiary, most after state and federal police officers stormed the prison firing heavy weapons, said police officials and witnesses.

Human rights groups and families of inmates expect the death toll to climb further, saying authorities have failed to give a full accounting of casualties. Many asked why police used live rounds instead of rubber bullets or other nonlethal weapons against inmates armed with rocks.

Click here for the most recent report on the Tijuana prison riots. To read previous reports on the riots, click here.