Chile jail fire poses questions over safety

One day after a fire killed 81 prisoners in Chile, questions are being raised about safety in the country’s prisons.

The fire at the San Miguel jail in Santiago was started deliberately after a fight between rival gangs.

But it later emerged the prison housed 1,950 inmates, almost double the permitted number.

Officials say San Miguel was chronically understaffed with just five officers on duty that night.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has vowed to reform his country’s jails, calling them “shameful and inhumane.”

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