Prison unrest in Belize

The security situation at the central jail in Belize remains tense following a noisy protest by prisoners yesterday.



The disturbance was sparked by announced changes to parole conditions under new legislation.



Eligibility for parole has been extended from a minimum one-third of sentence to one-half.



It means that some prisoners, who were on the verge of early release, will now have to serve an additional two years in jail.



John Woods, the chairman of the Kolbe Foundation, the private agency which manages the prison, says inmates felt disrespected because of the sudden change.



The protest followed a prison break on Monday when five prisoners overpowered a guard.



At least one has since been recaptured.