INTERNATIONAL
Australian inmates hospitalised following riots against cigarette ban in prisons
The bans took effect in all prisons across the state on July 1.
Four prisoners from the Melbourne Metropolitan Remand Centre are recovering in hospital on Wednesday after a prison protest against a smoking ban -- involving more than 300 inmates -- turned violent.
The corrections center remains in lockdown following the violent protest, which was only quelled in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is alleged the disruptive action was sparked by changes to smoking laws in Victorian prisons, which will result in smoking and cigarettes being banned across the state.
Corrections Victoria will launch a full investigation into the riots, with News Corp reporting on Wednesday that criminal charges will be laid against the instigators.
Doors and windows were destroyed, and fires were deliberately lit from just after midday on Tuesday. Armed prison officers used tear gas and canine units to restore order, and were able to bring the riot under full control at around 3:30 on Wednesday morning.
One officer suffered minor injuries, while three prison staff were also treated. One inmate suffered a broken jaw and four other inmates were taken to a prison hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said investigations will begin immediately into which inmates instigated the violent action.
"We will put teams of detectives together and review the footage and take statements from those prisoners who may wish to make statements," he told the media on Wednesday.
"We'll continue to do those investigations and hold those who caused the damage, and started the riot and maybe assaulted other people, accountable."
Fairfax Media reported that more than 100 inmates were still on the loose in the facility at nightfall, which was more than 5 hours after the riots began.
Victoria's Police Minister Wade Noonan said it was a great relief that no serious injuries were suffered during the riots.
He said the investigation will bring those responsible to justice.
"I want to assure the Victorian people that there will be a thorough investigation into what caused this riot, how this major security breach happened and the response to it."
"This criminal behavior will not be tolerated."
However Noonan ruled out reversing the newly-enforced smoking ban which is thought to have played a part in starting the riots.
The bans took effect in all prisons across the state on July 1.
The corrections center remains in lockdown following the violent protest, which was only quelled in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is alleged the disruptive action was sparked by changes to smoking laws in Victorian prisons, which will result in smoking and cigarettes being banned across the state.
Corrections Victoria will launch a full investigation into the riots, with News Corp reporting on Wednesday that criminal charges will be laid against the instigators.
Doors and windows were destroyed, and fires were deliberately lit from just after midday on Tuesday. Armed prison officers used tear gas and canine units to restore order, and were able to bring the riot under full control at around 3:30 on Wednesday morning.
One officer suffered minor injuries, while three prison staff were also treated. One inmate suffered a broken jaw and four other inmates were taken to a prison hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said investigations will begin immediately into which inmates instigated the violent action.
"We will put teams of detectives together and review the footage and take statements from those prisoners who may wish to make statements," he told the media on Wednesday.
"We'll continue to do those investigations and hold those who caused the damage, and started the riot and maybe assaulted other people, accountable."
Fairfax Media reported that more than 100 inmates were still on the loose in the facility at nightfall, which was more than 5 hours after the riots began.
Victoria's Police Minister Wade Noonan said it was a great relief that no serious injuries were suffered during the riots.
He said the investigation will bring those responsible to justice.
"I want to assure the Victorian people that there will be a thorough investigation into what caused this riot, how this major security breach happened and the response to it."
"This criminal behavior will not be tolerated."
However Noonan ruled out reversing the newly-enforced smoking ban which is thought to have played a part in starting the riots.
The bans took effect in all prisons across the state on July 1.