Prison riot in Russia’s Volgograd region leaves 1 guard dead, 4 injured

A riot erupted in a prison in Russia’s Volgograd region, resulting in the death of one prison guard and leaving four others injured.

The incident took place at the region’s Prison No. 19 during a disciplinary committee meeting, where several inmates reportedly took staff members hostage.

The Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) confirmed the hostage situation and stated that efforts were underway to secure the release of the captives. Support forces were dispatched to the prison to manage the situation.

Volgograd Governor Andrey Bocharov announced on social media that the four injured prison guards were transported to the hospital for treatment.

He assured the public that law enforcement and security forces were conducting an operation and that there was no threat to the civilian population.

The Russian Investigative Committee reported preliminary findings indicated one prison staff member was killed during the hostage situation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the incident during a Security Council meeting.

Reports circulating on social media suggested that four inmates of Central Asian origin initiated the riot, attacking the guards.

There were also unverified claims that the riot was orchestrated by members of the terrorist organization Daesh. The prison houses over 1,200 inmates.